Tony Banks
“When I was a teenager, when I first started getting into what was then called ‘art rock’ in the 70s, it was all the typical bands – Genesis, Yes, ELP, all of that stuff. Although I wasn’t playing music at that point, I was always more attracted to the really flashy keyboard players, like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. But I was always really into Genesis’ music. Gabriel obviously stood out
and Phil Collins was obviously a great drummer, but the others were just sitting there, contributing to the overall sound of the group. Tony Banks just wasn’t a flashy guy like Rick Wakeman with his cape, or Keith Emerson stabbing his organ with a dagger. But as I started listening more and more to what he was playing, I could tell that all his solos and lines were written out and orchestrated in a very classical fashion.
“He was doing some really interesting stuff in his writing and his playing. I loved the way he would structure things harmonically, the chord progressions and melodies. As I started getting into music, playing more and learning more about it, I became more and more impressed by what he was doing. Sonically, the ear that guy has is just incredible. They’re always tasty parts and very understated, but utterly integral to the song, the band and the whole Genesis vibe. A lot of people say that Genesis ended when Peter Gabriel left, or when Steve Hackett left. As far as I’m concerned, Tony Banks was really the anchor in that band. He was what everything else revolved around, to me at least.
“Back in the day, as a musician you would always listen to prog bands to keep up on the newest technology, synth sounds and production techniques. These days that belongs to EDM and pop music, but long ago you could count on Tony Banks. Every new album, he’d be using a new synth or taking a new approach to something, and that was really cool. Besides the music, I was always waiting to see what new keyboard he was coming out with. I’m a synth nerd and I have been forever [laughs].
“He’s such a great songwriter. Listen to Heathaze… It’s got to be one of the greatest songs ever. To me, the composition of that, the melody and the way it progresses, it’s just fantastic. It sends goosebumps down my spine. I’m in awe of what Tony can do.”