Genesis is one of those late 60's/early 70's rock bands caught between audiences. They didn't arrive early enough to catch the attention of the Woodstockian rock masses; they didn't arrive late enough to be lumped-in with the Bowie/Reed crowd. In addition, they've got a front man named Peter Gabriel who seems to think it's 1987. It's of little wonder then that Genesis had to come to this country three times before people started to take notice, and it probably won't be until their next tour that they get the attention they deserve.

The first time I saw Genesis was at their first American performance at Philharmonic Hall in New York City. Since then I've stopped in to see them every year or so to check-in and get a progress report.

As musicians, Genesis are talented and capable of mixing melodic, beat-laden pop music with etherial rock and roll. Each of their songs tells a story, sometimes a fairy tale, sometimes a nightmare, but always descriptive in its lyrical narration with sound that matches perfectly. Their albums reflect their ability as players as well as providing an unillustrated edition of their music.

I say that because Genesis is the first band that, at the moment, you have to see live to understand. Until you've seen a Genesis per. formance you'll have no idea of what they're about, for it is in performance that leader Peter Gabriel shines.

Dressed as a fox or satan or as two dozen balloons, Peter is the first rock story teller, a genuine Pied Piper eager to lead his audience into the world of makebelieve. He uses visual projections to create new worlds onstage, then his sense of staging and mime take over. He acts out the characters in his songs, making lightning changes of costumeócostumes that are often bizarre in nature.

The big problem, of course, is how to put this on a record. The music will hold upóit is just as spectacular on their albums as in concertóbut what about the moment when Peter appears dressed as a flower? No, Genesis you've got to see perform. You've got to be there to understand what rock theatrics are about, why even the likes of Cooper and Bowie have never created visual magic onstage and why Peter Gabriel does . . . and how he's getting better at it every day.

Peter Gabriel and Genesis are a truely remarkable collection of musicians and magicians. If you haven't seen them perform, you've missed one of the few exciting experiences in rock and roll.