From the staggering number of Genesis bootlegs available, a few stand out as truly essential for the Genesis fan to have. These bootlegs are called "essential" through either exceptional sound, essential tracks, or some combination of the two. It is essential to have performances that capture the full power of the songs the way the albums do not, and to have certian essential tracks (like Supper's Ready performed live by Peter Gabriel, the entire Lamb live, unreleased tracks, etc). For details, look up the bootlegs in The Genesis Discography's bootleg section. This guide is designed for someone who wants to get a bootleg, but has no idea where to start, which to get, or the sound qualities; but wants to expand the collection beyond just the studio and official live albums. Once these are in your library, you can get more adventurous.
Containing three never before released early Genesis songs, this is an essential look at early Genesis. The sound isn't perfect, but the song selection (including a pre-Trespass Looking For Someone) is outstanding and more than makes up for the recording. The selection of songs makes this bootleg essential.
Breathtaking performance captured by the King Biscuit Flower Hour, one of the best Genesis bootlegs ever made. It includes Supper's Ready with its companion story, and More Fool Me, Phil's first live experience on lead vocals. This performance is one of Genesis' best ever. The selection of early classics and the inclusion of Supper's Ready by Peter Gabriel makes this bootleg essential.
This bootleg contains the The Lamb Live's soundboard recording of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, which is absolutely essential to have, as well as a third disc of other Genesis songs. This is essential period.
Not available on CD, but still fairly essential in that bootlegs from the Wind and Wuthering tour are few and far between. The fact that it has Inside And Out, one of the very very few non-album tracks ever performed live, makes it essential.
Incredible recording from the And Then There Were Three tour. Great selection of songs.
The best Genesis bootleg ever made period. Highlights include the entire Duke suite of Behind The Lines, Duchess, Guide Vocal, Turn It On Again, Duke's Travels, and Duke's end; and Ripples. If you only get one bootleg, get this one. It's essential!
Studio outtakes that show how Genesis goes from an idea to a finished song. Demos, alternate takes, rough mixes, and the occasional totally never before released song. A multi-volume set. This bootleg is essential if you are interested in the process of songwriting Genesis goes through. Not for a casual fan.
Genesis was recorded at the Forum in Los Angeles by the King Biscuit Flower Hour in 1982 (Abacab), 1984 (Mama), and 1987 (Invisible Touch). All of these are excellent performances recorded by high-quality King Biscuit equipment. While they're not complete shows, they still have the best sound quality you can get.