Genesis regenerate
43 years on, total age 318, Collins and Co are back
THEY were among the masters of progressive rock, with their epic songs of fanciful lyrics and long instrumental solos.
It is 43 years since they first formed, but fans will still be able to recognise these men as the classic Genesis line-up.
It lasted little more than four years and, like so many break-ups in the rock music world, was accompanied by its fair share of acrimony. But, judging by this picture, Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford seem happy enough to get together again. The five – with a combined age of 318 and ten marriages between them – are reuniting for a BBC documentary on the group.
This line-up ended when Gabriel left. Genesis carried on – to even greater commercial success. Here we profile the five stars.
Peter Gabriel, 64
Married to his second wife, £41million fortune. £4million home in West London.
Since leaving: Successful solo career, 1986 song Sledgehammer won a record nine MTV Awards. Human rights activist. Co-founder of the WOMAD music festival. Named one of the world’s 100 most influential people by TIME magazine in 2008.
Awards: Include three Brits, six Grammys, 13 MTV Awards, Man of Peace Award from Nobel Laureates, Ivor Novello Award.
Phil Collins, 63
Three times divorced, £115million fortune. A tax exile, he moved to Switzerland in 1994. Also has homes in New York and Norfolk.
Took over vocals from Gabriel. Began solo career in 1981, quitting Genesis in 1996, and went on to sell more than 150million albums.
Awards: Include six Brits, seven Grammys, an Oscar and two Golden Globes. Made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in 1994 for his Prince’s Trust work.
Steve Hackett, 64
Married to his third wife. £440,000 flat in Twickenam.
Left Genesis in 1977. Formed short-lived super group GTR – with Yes guitarist Steve Howe. Released at least 25 solo albums since 1975.
Awards: Include Live Event Award at the 2013 Progressive Music Awards and Best Guitarist Award at the 2014 Classic Rock Society Awards.
Mike Rutherford, 63
Married since 1976, £30million fortune. £ 1.3million house in Surrey.
Recorded two solo albums then in 1985 founded soft-rock band Mike + The Mechanics which achieved huge success.
Tony Banks, 64
Married since 1972, £1.5million house in Surrey.
Successful but l ow- key solo career. Nine albums and composed for film and TV, including 1986’s Oscar-winning film Mona Lisa.
Awards: Most Performed Song from a Film at the 1988 BMI Film and TV Awards.