Compared to the other top bands in the world, Genesis are outrageously different. None of them has been busted; the News of the World hasn't managed to unearth any groupie scandals involving the band; they don't drive their Rolls Royces into swimming pools (on account of the fact that they don't drive Rolls-Royces or own swimming pools); none of them has suffered a nervous breakdown, and when it's all over tonight, they'll probably slip quietly home or unwind in front of the telly back at the hotel. "There's a definite ordinary quality to us," says lead singer Phil Collins. "It took us ages to be persuaded to put our pictures on our album sleeves because we were convinced we all looked too normal." 'We've never known anyone in the music business or rubbed shoulders with the press down at the Speakeasy," says Mike Rutherford. "The music papers thrive on reporting exotic lifestyles, but in that respect we've been a grave disappointment. " In every other respect, however, thanks to their inventive virtuosity, Genesis have brought nothing but excitement and pleasure to their many thousands of fans . . . and what loyal fans they have when you consider the many changes that the group has undergone during its metamorphic struggle to the top. Carving themselves a distinct identity, Genesis have finally done away with erroneous public assumptions that they were like Yes and ELP musically, Bowie and Alice Cooper visually. Exploring the realms of one thousand melodies, Genesis swing between intelligent pop and sophisticated progressive sounds. Genesis are simply Genesis. And there is no one like them. "We're a very melodic band," Rutherford said humming a spappy little tune, "not at all like other progressive bands. We're actually a bit poppy. A lot of people have been put off by the underground image and a lot of those people could like us. We've never been at all like ELP, Yes or the Pink Floyd." Tony Banks agreed. "We've never been comparable to Yes. The melodies and chords we use are very thematic rather than describe the ecstasies of any particular player. We don't particularly like solos anyways," Banks yawned. "We find them boring." ,, Individual ego frustrations are kept at a well balanced minimum for the overall well being of the group. Genesis are a band in the strictest sense of the word. Democratically run, they creatively feed off self-criticism and compromise. Sterility is avoided by changing motivations and a continual desire to grow. No one person has ever been the guiding light behind the group just as no one person will ever be Genesis. Their strength is communal. "The talent that is Genesis is -greater than the individual, "Banks gently rationalized. "It's always been a composite thing with us anyways. The whole is greater than any one individual" On their last American tour, a Chicago promoter eagerly welcomed the group. It had been a bad week at the box office. Peter Frampton unexpectedly didn't sell out. Jesse Colin Young pulled a moderate crowd. J. Geils cancelled a scheduled appearance due to lack of public interest. Joe Cocker attracted a minuscule audience. Two sold out Genesis concerts saved the promoter's week. They have become what the fat businessmen with tight suits and large cigars would call a viable commercial product. |