Question: Who was the original lead singer of the group Genesis before Phil Collins?
Show answer
Peter Gabriel.
The progressive rock band Genesis, which was formed in 1967, originally featured Peter Gabriel as its lead singer. Before the band transitioned to a more mainstream sound in the later years under Phil Collins, it was Gabriel’s theatrical stage presence and distinctive voice that set the tone for the group’s early progressive rock phase.
Peter Gabriel, along with fellow Charterhouse School students Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, and drummer Chris Stewart, laid the foundation for what would become one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century. Gabriel was not just a vocalist for the band; he was also a major creative force, contributing significantly to the group’s lyrics and cultivating an eccentric stage persona. His often elaborate and sometimes bizarre costumes, which ranged from a flower to a fox-headed entity, became iconic elements of Genesis live performances.
Under Gabriel’s leadership, Genesis produced some of its most critically acclaimed albums. “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” released in 1974, stands out as a particularly ambitious project. It’s a double concept album with a complex narrative, which Gabriel was instrumental in crafting.
However, in 1975, after the conclusion of the tour promoting “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway,” Peter Gabriel decided to leave Genesis, citing personal and professional reasons. His departure was amicable, but it marked the end of an era for the band. Following his exit, Phil Collins, the group’s drummer, surprisingly emerged as the band’s new lead vocalist after an extensive search for Gabriel’s replacement proved fruitless. Under Collins, Genesis would shift from its progressive rock roots to a more pop-oriented sound, achieving even greater commercial success.
Meanwhile, Peter Gabriel embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a series of self-titled albums and later hits like “Sledgehammer.” His solo work allowed him to further explore a diverse range of musical styles and innovative visual storytelling, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in the world of rock and pop music.
