The musician Mike Rutherford called the “leading force” of Genesis
Despite often facing scrutiny or criticism regarding their connections with prog rock, Genesis proved themselves to be one of the most robust outfits out there. Embarking on several creative reshuffles and lineups from day one, this was a band that knew how to adapt, even when something as disruptive as changing lead vocalists presented them with a significant challenge.
Although complex in musical approach and for various other reasons, Genesis’ rise coincided with one of the most intriguing eras in music history. Prog rock in the 1970s took the earlier, simplistic pop formats of the 1960s and subverted the entire sentiment, instead relying on long instrumentation and elaborate songwriting concepts, providing one of the most divisive dynamics the scene had ever been exposed to.
Although some firmly opposed the entire idea, Genesis emerged as an undeniably revolutionary force. Albums like Trespass and Selling England By the Pound allowed mainstream audiences a gateway into their world, even though the years that followed would prove their adeptness at another fundamental aspect of longevity within the business: adaptability.
However, it was those crucial early years that solidified them as a force, way before the transitional period post-Peter Gabriel and the adjustment period that came with Phil Collins’ reign in the mid-1970s. This was compounded by the initial lineup, comprising Gabriel alongside Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, and Chris Stewart. Beginning more akin to a songwriting group, the first iteration brought a somewhat folk-inspired, delicate leaning categorised mainly by Phillips’ intricate guitar work.
The most obvious contribution was the textures he injected—these were mainly a quiet confidence channelled by contemplative acoustic sounds, resulting in an intimate sound that still captured the band’s signature firmness. The earlier significance placed on songwriting was also something each member got involved with, but, according to Rutherford, Phillips was central to this drive.
As he explained during The Genesis Archive Documentary, Rutherford was an early “leading force” of the band, particularly during a rocky time for any band trying to make it in the midst of broader criticisms about groups existing solely to make a revolutionary point and nothing else.
“Early on, we got into writing our own songs,” Rutherford recalled. “And, to be honest, I would say that Phillips was the leading driving force at Charterhouse.”
Escaping from the confines of strict schooling and immersing in the creative freedom of a band that could go anywhere, Phillips, Rutherford, and the rest of the members utilised their craft to write songs that reflected the collaborative nature that would forever categorise the core of Genesis. Although emerging with a heavy emphasis on songwriting, the band would continue to value the space for equal input, mirroring Phillips’ innate ability to transform a good concept into a great song.
