June 2000 | see responses to this editorial below:
And then there were three?
Yes, why not? Have the guys really considered it? I think they should. Steve is still creating the kind of musical adventures that many of us thought were copyrighted Genesis some decades ago. Although Steve has warned us about a possible future release of a country album, his Darktown still has a prominent location near my CD-player. Steve - have you considered making a call to Mike and Tony?

Tony - have you considered making a call to Steve? Or "doing a Steve"? Or making Steve a Genesis? God knows, maybe he's just waiting for an opportunity to do something under that name again. He was the one who did it properly last time around, by the way.

Any comments?

And during june there were comments too...

From: "Luigi" <luigitonnini@tiscalinet.it>
Date: Sat, 27 May 2000 16:06:41 +0200
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Greetings letter to Tony Banks

I agree with you. Just add this:

Let's rejoin Steve Hackett to recreate the magical atmospheres of the prog-rock! We need only good music. It doesn't matter if you are not in the Top Ten of the US charts; we don't need Britney Spears and boy-bands!

An italian huge fan of Genesis since 1975.

From: "Moore, Sam" <SMoore@nava.com>
Date: Tue, 30 May 2000 07:56:35 -0400
To: "'genesis-path@mailbox.as'" <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: And then there were three

Brilliant suggestion, but I don't think that Steve would do it. I think that Steve has continued to grow musically since leaving Genesis, and there is nothing to be gained by him in his return. In my opinion, Genesis drifted downward following his departure (a much bigger loss than Peter Gabriel's, I think), until they became absolutely dreadful with "I Can't Dance." I listened to that one once and threw it away. I thought that "Calling All Stations" was a step in the right direction, but perhaps you are correct. Steve's infusion might be just what is needed. Good luck moving along that suggestion.

From: "Benjamin Carter" <rael_nyc@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 11:17:31 CST
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: general ramblings

Hi there Thomas! Ben here from South Australia.

Just thought I would add my tw cents worth on the Genesis stuff, having read Volk's Mike R. interview. Dunno if you also caught a Feb interview in England's "Classic Rock" magazine? Anyway. Good to see Volk asking the big three questions. And I think all three members have different perceptions on what to do next.

Tony perceives it to be an audience problem. Quite simply: not enough of the right kind of people (whatever that means) like Genesis 'in this musical climate'. Personally, I think Tony underestimates this. It is not an audience problem. Come on, YES and King Crimson are still going (and well..."The Ladder" was quite a good album!) and our old friends Marillion continue to make music. Its' not like prog is dead and gone.

Mike, is more philosophical. And seems the most sensible: he simply says that nothing at all THIS YEAR. Maybe next year. Fine. Good to hear that they have at least considered a Box Set II (1976-95) after the crap that was the Greatest Hits collection.

As for the reunion. Again, Mike is spot on. Wait until there is a perfectly good reason for it: the 35th anniversary in 2002/3 seems a good enough target.

The 'new album' stuff is where I am intrigued. Despite what Tony or Mike think (and I know that $$ means a lot in music today...) "CAS" was a fantastic album and Ray is a great singer. Personally, I think it is purely contractual. I was told that Ray actually signed to Virgin for THREE Genesis albums. So, WHERE ARE THEY? I hope Genesis don't turn into Pink Floyd, hiding for half a decade before their next release...

I suppose ultimately, if Genesis do decide collectively that it is 'the end' then I will live with that. But enough of this "rumouring" from Mike and Tony. I wish they would be more firm. If they want to quit, fine: PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE THE END. Or, if you are continuing definitely, then PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE THE NEXT PROJECT. Simple. At the moment, it is to and fro. Myself, I think Genesis currently are NOT gone completely. But if there is nothing new THIS year 2000 there must be next year, or nothing at all.

My ideal Genesis send off? Why don't they unashamedly make their 'last album' and SAY SO with Ray. Just do it, say it is the end, make the album, tour it, then shut up shop for good. Complete the band career on a high we can remember, not a mixed slop of rumours and false hopes.

Genesis don't owe the fans another record. True. But they do, if they are men of integrity, surely owe us honesty. Either they continue, or don't.

Genesis should try the following setup: record a new album early 2001 with the following lineup: Ray, Mike, Tony, Nir and possibly Steve Hackett as a 'special guest'. Go on tour with the new album material, a big pack of "Ray favourites" and some older stuff. Keep it tight and fresh and modern, while assuring fans that the end also means a brief goodbye to the past. Play lots from CAS and the 'middle era' (76-83). How about Ray doing Abacab, etc...? And some "Trick" stuff. Along with PC tracks he has made his own, like "Mama" and "No Son Of Mine". The tour if possible should include: Ray, Mike, Tony, Nir, Steve H., Daryl Steurmer. Or if not, then keep Ant Drennan.

Do the big tour. Do a double live album, a live concert video, then go home and that's it. Hmmm...it remains to be seen...

Thankyou for your time again Thomas.
Ben C

From: LWill1013@aol.com
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 01:27:07 EDT
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: UNFAIR

I've been a huge fan for 17 years now,and any new work from them would be welcome and appreciated. It wouldn't matter to me if Steve came back or not (though it would be INCREDIBLE!) as long as they keep producing music. After the CAS fiasco, it would be a wonder if they came back at all.It's sad that the album did so poorly,but it seems that a lot of people turned their backs when Phil left, and to me that is the greatest injustice and slap in the face to a group who have given 30 years to us. CAS had many wonderful and HIT songs on it, and my feeling is that if Phil had done the exact same material on CAS it would have been huge. UNFAIR to Mike, UNFAIR to Tony, and UNFAIR to Ray! The only chance for Steve or any other ex-member to return would most likely be in the form of a guest appearance on a (hopefully!) new album or possibly a one-off concert. No matter what happens or doesen't happen, I will always cherish every album and the memories they have given me over the years, and so will my son.

From: "Byron Dahms" <orderdesk@centralreprographics.com>
Date: Wed, 31 May 2000 13:11:57 -0700
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Cc: "Byron Dahms" <orderdesk@centralreprographics.com>

Dear Sir,

In response to your editorial... I've had the very same thought myself - in fact the Genesis revisited album is one of my new favorite albums, why don't they keep it open like Yes has, introduce a couple of new singers... Paul Carrack (spelling?), John Wetton, and the new guy who I like very much on the new album (sorry I've forgotten his name) perhaps even Fish could sit in. (One can dream). By the way, the new Carpet Crawlers is a example of what could be done with the old stuff, could you imagine what kind of new material they could produce together? And one final comment, Steve Hackett makes such wonderful music, its a shame the boys can't seem to fit their egos in the same room with one another, it must be a drag having so much damb talent.

Byron from the colonies

From: "Benoit Lamarche" <siempre@att.net>
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 21:35:49 -0500
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Steve Hackett and Genesis?

Hello There,

Genesis reformed with Stephen Hackett? Why not! That would be great! I miss these great 12-string acoustic pieces along with Tony's grand piano!

Question: Is there a UK or European CD release that holds Genesis B-sides and 'EP' from 1978 on? I have many Genesis recordings which I cannot find on Compact Disc, such as, the songs from 'Spot the Pigeon', some of the b-sides from Duke and Abacab (which initially made it on the North America version of 'Three Sides Live'), the extended versions of 'Mama' and 'Its Gonna Get Better', all the b-sides and extended versions from the "Invisible Touch" sessions (remember 'Feed the Fire' and 'Do the Neurotic' ?), and many more. I consider many of these to be Genesis finest moments.

If such thing does not exist how does one go about suggesting it to the current and ex-members of the band?

Have you heard Hackett's most recent release featuring some '70's Genesis classics? How is it? [it's excellent! ed.]

Have a nice day,
Benoît Lamarche
siempre@att.net

From: "Marco Chrappan" <marcoch@tiscalinet.it>
Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2000 21:16:36 +0200
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: June editorial

Mike + Banks + Steve? Just the greatest lineup on the paper. Steve is that kind of musician that composes more situations, visions and images more than usual songs, I like his albums (especially the classical ones which features a great sensibility on his instrument) but there's something missing in the mainframe: the contribution of a 'real' songwriter, like Banks and Rutherford are in different ways. So are Banks and Rutherford today, they write good structures, good 'songs' but they lack the edge (both in musical and feeling department) that makes the song impressed in your mind. 'Darktown' and 'Calling all stations' are good example of this. If there would be a magical mixer, I'll put the two albums as ingredients and I'm sure the result would be a contemporary fresh great music.

Ciao
Marco

From: "Allen Ray" <allenbruceray@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2000 02:06:57 PDT
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: ...And Then There Were Three?

Dear Thomas,

Your idea has possibilities, now that it seems as though the communication channels between Tony, Mike, and Steve are open. I also think it would be good for Genesis, should they indeed choose to continue, to incorporate some full-time members, whether or not Steve happens to be one of them. We already know what magic is possible with Mr. Hackett as a team member, so I would be the last to argue against his inclusion. Certainly, though, they would do well to get a permanent drummer. I did enjoy "Calling All Stations," but it seemed a little on the bland side and lacking in variety, so it quickly grew old for me. Interestingly, nearly every Genesis fan I know has commented on this in almost exactly the same way. Say what you will about the Phil Collins era (I thoroughly enjoyed it, by the way), but it cannot be denied that the absense of that one extra (very strong) songwriting talent - and an excellent singer and drummer as well - has been detrimental to the band's music overall (though I'll not deride Ray Wilson; he has a huge role to fill). I can't say the same for the older Genesis material. I still listen to all the Gabriel-era stuff, as well as "A Trick of the Tail" and "Wind and Wuthering." As for new or former members coming and going: well, I think a little inner tension and friction may be difficult for any group of talented musicians and songwriters to deal with, but the fruits of a little tension can and often do result in some truly wonderful music. And we all know that that is what's most important.

Actually, I've had an idea for a few months now that's not really along the lines of what you are suggesting. This is a kind of fantasy, but I thought that, if I had a very large amount of money, I'd propose that the old Genesis to re-group for a kind of "Genesis Revisits Genesis" tour. Yeah, it's precisely the kind of thing any true recording artist abhors - "going backwards with Genesis" is how Peter Gabriel put it - but I would propose it nonetheless because I know that there are SO MANY out there who would love to have been able to see Genesis with Peter but couldn't for one reason or another. In fact, what I'd suggest would be either that they tour, OR they do a one-off performance in which the group, perhaps in several of its former incarnations (i.e., including Anthony Phillips, John Mayhew, etc.) do shows FOR FANS ONLY. Alternatively, they could even get together and play live without an audience - think Pink Floyd at Pompeii - in a venue of their choice, which will have been dressed up to complement and help recreate the moods that their music conjurs. These shows would comprehensively showcase the music of Genesis from the beginning (pun intended) and would, of course, be expertly filmed and made available in high-quality DVD.

Naturally, it would be great if they could do a reunion tour, but I think that the above scenario would be a nice compromise, in that it would give countless Genesis fans the opportunity to see and hear their favorite band, if not "in the flesh," then in the privacy of their own homes. It would also serve to fill in gaps in the available officil and, er, "unofficial" releases (wink wink, nudge nudge). What do you think?

Peace,
Bruce Ray
allenbruceray@hotmail.com

From: "Peter Matuchniak" <pmatuchn@corsair.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 14:13:56 -0700
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Get back Steve! ...and some of the others too!

I always like visiting your web site -- and the topic of "bring back Steve" is one I have raised every time I hear a new Genesis album without him. Sure, Genesis have done great without Steve (commercially as well as musically), but I still think they lost more when Steve left than when Peter left.

Personally, I think Genesis are at a stage where they should make the group concept a little looser (if it hasn't already become that) and allow "guest appearances" from past members. Wouldn't it be great to have Peter sing guest on one song, and Phil on another? What about combinations of members that never existed before, such as Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips. And why not (finally) get Chester and Darryl back for a first ever studio recording with Genesis? Not to mention the more recent studio and live musicians.

We could get THE classic album where each song only features the artists necessary for that song to work.

I think one major problem for Genesis these days is getting commitment from its members. A looser concept of the band would allow musicians to drift in and out of the studio at their leisure, much like they did with the Carpet Crawl 1999 remake. They should be past the days of ego trips and boundaries so there's no reason for this not be a possibility.

And, I guarantee you that, EVERY Genesis fan, past and present, would be interested.

Kind regards,
(Tadeusz) Peter Matuchniak -- aka The Various Artist

Buy my CD online at www.variousartist.com
Listen on the Web at www.mp3.com/variousartist

From: "Terrell Miller" <TMiller@globalfoodexchange.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 19:09:35 -0700
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: ATTWSteve

No way. Tony and Steve never got along that well, Tony practically pushed him out, Steve had to practically gate-crash the Milton Keynes show, and reading between the lines from the VH-1 footage, nothing much has changed.

I got the distinct idea that Tony would rather fold up the Genesis tent than let either Steve or Phil back into the band. I forget his exact words, but he had a quote along the lines of “it’s better to move onward than revisit the past”.

I hate to say it, but I also think the music from a Steve - inclusive Genesis would be pretty awful. Too much water under the bridge, and too many chances for friction. Think ELP 75 - present, very little good music and an awful lot of bickering and ego trips.

I’d rather see Steve keep doing his own thing and have Tony and Mike work on projects having nothing whatsoever to do with Genesis. It was sublime for a very long time, but the well is dry.

From: "Steve Reid" <steve@darmonkow.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2000 09:33:33 -0230
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Calling Steve!!

Yes... I think its at least worth a try... although, one of the reasons Steve left in the first place (apparently) was because he felt Tony (mostly) was not allowing him to contibute artistically.

I know the last album was not received well... and honestly, I didn't think it was all that great, although there are good moments on it. But it is not an album I play alot - truth be told, I actually play We Can't Dance more!!! (again, not my favourite - but... Fading Lights is one of the best things they ever did). I mean, I know Ray Wilson had a monumental job to do here - and I don't fault him for trying - I just don't think it worked.

But here is a suggestion... has Tony thought about approaching his Bankstatement collaborator... uhmmmmmm Alistair... Gordon (?) is it? I think his voice, and style, would fit Genesis better than Ray Wilson.

But, I am just a fan.
:)) Steve (not hackett!!!)

From: "karl mallett" <karlmallett@lineone.net>
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2000 13:05:46 +0100
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: another album?

Tony Banks has got a bad attitude to making records. It seems that if it doen't sell millions of copies it is deemed to be a failer. I personally believe Calling All Stations was there strongest album in many years and it was great to hear a new voice in the band. Because it didn't sell doesn't make it a bad record. Do they record just for money? You'd think they would have enough of that.

Karl Mallett

From: Bawookles2112@cs.com
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2000 14:40:59 EDT
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: Steve WAS asked!!!

Hey, there!
Just read your editorial on getting Hackett back into Genesis. Well, that would be very cool (but, of course, why stop there, get Peter back too for a one-off album or tour). You know, right when Phil Collins left the band in 96' or was it 97' I e-mailed Hackett and said, "man, they should get you back in the group"! The great thing was Hackett sent me an e-mail back saying that Tony and Mike DID in fact ask him to come back into the group at that time but he refused because he didn't want to play pop music. This is all true, believe me!

Brooks Rogers

From: "Ben Stein" <bstein@aip.org>
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000 16:52:49 -0400
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: June Editorial

Hi,
I'm completely in favor of a musical collaboration between Tony, Steve, and Mike! The three of them could make a really nice album (and get some fabulous guest singers :-); and maybe even an incredible guest drummer or two :-). It might take them a few years to get going, like it did for Steve's solo career in the 90s, but I think it would work out!

It's a nice pipe dream, anyway! And I suspect it's shared by many fans! I know they all have more great music inside of them!

Sincerely,
Ben Stein
bstein@aip.org

From: "Andreasson, Bo" <bo.andreasson@sundsvall.mail.telia.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 00:38:25 +0200
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>

Hi Tomas,
It is a very funny and interesting suggestion you give here. Saw in the newspaper that Paul, Ringo and George will play together again, so why not? But, i still think it is an unrealistic suggestion, mostly because of the fact that Steve, Mike and Tony are so differeent. Tony is doing nothing, as far as I know. Mike is doing Pop music, not bad, but music for the Swedish "Sportradion", is not that exciting. Steve is still doing music, so I don't think he really fits in. Anyway, it would be a very interesting constellation. Who will sing? They are all worthless singers as far as i know from "The Fugitive", etc. They have to find a good singer again. What about Peter Gabriel? They also need a drummer, what about Phil C. instead of Nir Z? That could be something.

By the way, did you know that your Genesis site is the best Genesis site?
BoA

From: "Court Ave. Brewing Co." <cabc@netins.net>
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000 20:47:52 -0500
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: editorial

I've been fantasizing about such a collaboration for quite some time, especially since the release of CC99, with interview photos of the three together. Banks/Hackett IMHO is still the ultimate interweaving of talents if egos are removed from the equation. Tony, call Steve and make it so! Get Phil to drum, call the band something else and make the best G album in history! Steve has proven that if you take the time and care, it can be done. I cannot stop listening to Darktown and dreaming about this possibility if only old Mr. Banks would initiate a new attitude and desire. If Tony did it, I believe the rest would fall in place.

Chris Klocke

From: "Rio de la Plata" <riodelaplata@libero.it>
Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 23:34:22 +0200
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: CAS

Phil's departure was good for Genesis. Collins sing already music for childrens. Cas it's better than a lot of Genesis last albums, and it's good for them and for us. The return of giant Steve could be MAGIC, amazing...

Thank you for loving Genesis, I m doing it since 1974.
Enrique Larreta

From: Matt Grayson <graysonm@mgtserv.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2000 11:58:17 -0400
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: Banks-Hackett-Rutherford

It's does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I think this combination would produce fascinating music, but I can't see it happening. I think Tony's taken his Mellotron and gone home.

Matt

From: John Gough <JGough1@dmu.ac.uk>
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 12:22:26 +0100
To: "'genesis-path@mailbox.as'" <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Steve to re-join?

Although I've enjoyed Genesis post-Steve, I've always felt the band really lost something when he left. Whilst he was never a fast and ferocous player, his sound and contribution to a piece overall were fantastic. Seconds Out really showcases his work, e.g. the way his guitar spreads like a fire in the undergrowth through The Carpet Crawlers, and of course his solo on Firth of Fifth.

I wonder if he and Tony could work together again?! Perhaps they could produce some of the acoustic/classically-leaning material that Steve has released? I think that stretch Tony away from some of the material produced on Calling All Stations that sounded a little flat...

Or maybe Steve's legacy is best left intact?

Cheers
John Gough

John Gough
Senior Careers Adviser
Student Services
DMU University, Leicester

From: "TETELESTI" <TETELESTI@email.msn.com>
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2000 11:45:27 -0700
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Hmmmm.....

Hello, and thanks for the wonderful website! Very informative, and very interesting. Also, thanks for the play-by-play coverage of the "farm" tour... I felt like I was really there... As far as the future of "Genesis"... well, I can give my own opinions, but it would be based upon my own perspective... allow me to ellaborate:

I am a native Californian, born and raised in the San Juaquin Valley. My home town is almost exactly between Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Our economy is almost soley based upon agriculture. So naturally, we are considered "hicks", and "farmboys", and obviously we have no musical palate to speak of... which of course, is completely untrue. But, nevertheless, that is the basic concensus of our neighboring L.A. and San Francisco friends... What they fail to realise, is that our counties are almost exclusively influenced by both their trends... case in point; when I was 13, (1975) I started listening to the more progressive styles of music.

My friends and I discovered a whole new genre of "art rock" bands. While we still listened to "Aerosmith", "Led Zeppelin", "Ted Nugent", Black Sabbath", "AC/DC", and "Blue Oyster Cult" the more "intillectual" of us started listening to "Pink Floyd", "ELP", "Rush", "Styx", "Kansas", "Star Castle", "Yes", "King Crimson", Return to Forever", "Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush"... and of course GENESIS. In fact, it was the summer of 75' that I heard my first taste of "The Lamb." It changed my life. My best friends' sister, moved to L.A., and she always had an extensive library of eclectic albums, from every genre... and one of her favorite bands, was "GENESIS." I will never forget the first time I heard Phil Collins on that album... (I am a drummer and Phil Collins, Neil Peart, Stewart Copeland, and Denny Carmassi are my anonymos mentors.) The sound... the feeling... the mood... the story."The Lamb" was a masterpiece of visual music. With cannibis minds, and album cover in hand, we would listen and relisten, many times over as the story unfolded in greater detail... in greater clarity. We would lock my friends door to his room, away from parents, school; from all distractions... and turn on a single red light he had in his closet. (why it was there, I'll never know) and we would listen...no, we would live, the tale of Rael. I cannot recall exactly how many times we would awaken, after side four, and reluctantly turn on the lights, and reemerge into reality... only to plan our next session.

In one instance, at a 9th grade party at my best friends' house, he approached me rather timidly about changing the music. We had the stereo blaring, and I was proudly playing side one of "The Lamb"... but noone else was appreciating the depth of vision, the careful architecture of sound, the soul reaching vocals... as I. They all wanted the post A.M. crap... the mualdulin mewling of "Andy Gibb" (RIP) and the like. And, since there were girls there, I reluctantly agreed. But why couldn't they get it? Why couldn't they understand? Was it that far above their comprehension; above their futile little lives, that they couldn't even grasp at what was coming from the record player? A tale of epic panoramas? Of grand design and proportion?... It was then that I realised, my friend and I were different. We were the only ones who understood... In our circle of friends, we were the only "GENESIS" fans. So it continued until the summer of 77'... until we met a boy named Andy. His father was a teacher (later at our own school) but he seemed "cool." So after a night of intense cannibis, we went to his home for the first time. He had a 9:00 curfew, which we met, and where upon he showed us his room. He had a rather expensive stereo, and many albums. He liked "Supertramp", as did we, but he also had "Styx", and other groups we liked. But had he ever heard of "GENESIS"? Well, to our suprise, he produced an album we hadn't even heard yet. What? An album of our favorite musicians, that we had never heard?!

Our excitement grew as he put the needle on the vinyl, and turned off the lights... On snapped his blacklight, and at that moment, we heard the beginning of "Dance on a Volcano."... What was this? It was intense... it was surreal... it was complex and vivacious...a cancophony of visual sound. As I sat entranced, track # 2 began to play...I looked to my right, and emblazoned on the wall in full blacklight glory, was a 3 foot poster... it featured an indian maid kneeling by a cactus... in the desert... at sunrise... she seemed to be welcoming the dawn. As I stared at that poster, with it's intense blacklight colors; the mellotron of Tony Banks, accentuated by the bass pedals of Micheal Rutherford, catapaulted me into that place with her. The music so encaptured the essence of that picture... so completely personified the feeling of that moment... it was if that track was created for that one scene... and it alone. I later purchased that album and my friend and I's devotion to "GENESIS" music never wavered. We were there through all the albums, tapes, and eventually CD's. When CAS came out, I was the first to purchase it. Why it was not better received, I will never know. But I can make note; I never heard of that CD in any way. I found it by accident. It was at the Wherehouse... and I was looking for some older "GENESIS" stuff, when I saw it. Tucked away, behind other CD's....the new "GENESIS." I excitedly bought it, and called my bandmate, Jim... I told him about it, and said I wouldn't listen to it until I was at his house. (He has surround sound, etc.) So upon my arrival, we tore open the package, and hurridly put on the CD. In mere moments, we would here a new creation by our mentors... as we sat back, and cranked the volume, I didn't know what to expect. I knew Phil was gone. He was the biggest influence on my style of drumming. Who would replace him? Obviously, it would have to be someone who could play, "Tonite, Tonite, Tonite"... someone who could try to recreate... reinvision Phil's subtle accents... the off-time nuances... the flavors of Phil's older stuff. And what about the vocals? Would he sound like Peter? Would he have the depth, and soul of Gabriel? Or would he be more mainstream? More commercially recognizable, like Phil? As these thoughts pranced across our fertile minds, out came the sound from the speakers... Hmmmmm... different... but the same...

The tracks continued to play, and we listened in silence. After a while, we looked at each other and said aloud..."hmmm. Not bad!" But for the life of me, I cannot figure out why there was not more promotion for this project! It wasn't the content, that failed... it was the lack of a proper showcase. It was failed promotion. In my mind, "GENESIS" was failed by the record execs... not by their creative choices. The new drummer is a true professional. And the new vocalist, is a indeed a "mix" of Gabriel and Collins... but if I would criticize any one thing, it would be the "throwing in the towel" of Mike and Tony. Why quit? So what if it didn't do as well as expected. Did all of their earlier albums meet their desired commercial success? Did they quit when Peter left? Did they quit when Steven left? Did they quit when Phil left? Obviously not. And they should not, now. Now is the time to "regroup"...to "reacess"... there are still musicians out here who would work better with them, than anyone else... Maybe not as "polished", Maybe not as "schooled"... maybe not as "experienced"... but certainly more capable of providing a wealth of new material than many studio professionals.

With today's move toward a "New Age" music genre, perhaps it is time for "GENESIS" to do what it does best... visual music. Commercial success is fine, but there are other markets! Film, Television, Advertising Design, Multimedia... all need quality, sensative, thought and mood provoking music. Look at Patrick O'hearn, John Tesh, Christopher Franke, MIcheal Stearns, Dean Everson... all make music that reflect what they want to reflect... perhaps the commercial success is not as grandious, but they are still using their talents to address, to create, to inspire....Some of my favorite moments are the "GENESIS" endings... the interludes... the instrumentals. Nobody does a spiralling, slowly fading ethereal ending like "GENESIS." All I can say is this..."Do not give up yet. If you need a new direction, take it. If you see the door open, walk in. If you need inspiration, look around. See the people your music has influenced. Find musicians who are still true to the vision. Fly some out to the farm. Improvise. See what happens. Don't be discouraged by commercialism. Bills have to be paid, but be true to yourselves. Play what you want to play. You will always have a die-hard fan base.

See yourselves, and our world...Look at the big picture. See beyond...and carry on.
TETELESTI@MSN.COM

From: "Christian Gerhardts" <Gerhardts@web.de>
Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 00:21:50 +0200
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: making Steve a Genesis???

Hi there...
Yes, I also think that Steve should be involved in a possible future project. But if he rejoins Genesis - who is gonna be singing? Ray? Highliy unlikely. Peter? Hmm, the old dream! Phil? Maybe out of time. What about Tony? Or Fish?
Anyway... Steve would be a great pleasure for everyone, but I'm afraid Mike won't let him. But it was nice to see the front page of Classic Rock with Genesis on it - Tony, Steve and Mike...

But for now. We all should enjoy OVO, shouldn't we...

Best regards
Christian
Gerhardts@web.de

From: Tom Kelley <tomkelley@ukans.edu>
Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2000 18:17:31 -0500
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: Steve to Genesis

I have been thinking the very same thing. I have missed the guitar work of Steve in the Genesis music. Although I have generally liked the music since his departure, I really miss the passionate wailings of say "Firth of Fifth". Let's face it, they both did better music when he was a part of Genesis. I like Mike's guitar, he just doesn't seem to be aggressive enough or something.

From: "Franck BIZOUARD" <franck.bizouard@alliance.fr>
Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2000 17:59:43 +0100
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: Genesis+Steve Hackett = doubts

Hello,
I've just read your article, and in my opinion Steve and Genesis aren't on the same way of thinking the music. Steve is too much Progressive oriented, and Tony and Mike have given this area long time ago (1977), since they have changed so much that it's natural not to do the same things again. And I have the feeling that Steve and Tony aren't very close friends too. Because of the leadership from Tony, who is the strong man in Genesis, Mr Genesis, I don't think that Steve, at his age, and after all his good solo stuff, would be able to cope with an old situation which caused his departure in 1977. His last album is excellent (Darktown), and I wonder why he could have the will to get back in Genesis after all these years. He's too independant to be in a group. Even in the seventies, he was on his own, look at the stage pictures of this period, he was in his attitude more a guest musician than a member. I would be very surprised and plesaed to have a joining aventure of the three, and I will be surprised to have ever news from a new album from Genesis, I'm not very otpimistic for that, and that makes me feel sad, it's the end of something. i'm hoping, I'm craving for an Genesis new album, pray for that all Genesis fans in the world.

Franck
franck.bizouard@alliance.fr

From: "Robert Thompson" <btcthompson@earthlink.net>
Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2000 01:17:23 -0500
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Right on

Genesis "died" with the departure of Steve Hackett, not Peter Gabriel as everyone forecasted. "Trick of the Tail" and "Wind and Wuthering" are both, superb albums/CD's. The band made a boat of money, but the art was sacrificed when Peter and Steve skipped out.

Robert Thompson (USA)

From: Brian Douglas <b.douglas7@gte.net>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 100 01:31:37 Central Daylight Time
To: genesis-path <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: And then there were three?

If you mean to say in your editorial that Steve Hacket should join Mike and Tony as a three piece band I wonder who you would propose to be the singer. I think all three of these guys are great musicians but none of them sound better than I do in the shower when it comes to singing. If Genesis has a future I don't think Steve Hackett returning after nearly 25 years is the answer. I enjoy your web page and keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Brian Douglas

From: Brian Marsh <brian.marsh@ptsem.edu>
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2000 10:45:50 -0400
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: re. Hackett rejoining Genesis

Interesting thought...but I don't think it's possible. As Hackett said in the VH-1 special, it's hard for him to have a hand in painting the picture but not being able to paint the whole picture. To put it bluntly, both Tony and Steve are highly talented control freaks, the combination of which could provide some interesting creative tension resulting in some fascinating music. But would either of them want to relive the tension in order to achieve the end result? At this stage in life, probably not. Steve has a nice solo career going and doesn't seem to have any reason to return to Genesis. And how would Mike fit into this new merger? It seems to me that Mike and Tony would continue writing together, and Steve would once again have to graft his ideas into theirs, maybe adding a solo composition here or there. I would see a return of Ant Phillips as being more likely, with his kindred writing relationship with Mikle over the years and Tony perhaps being more willing to work with Ant than with Steve. It's all speculation... but for the better (and sometimes for the worse), the most effective writing combination the band had over the years was with Tony, Phil, & Mike. And with Phil seemingly growing through his "mid-life crisis", there may be a chance somewhere down the road for the three of them to get back together for some more musical fun and magic. Thanks for the interesting thoughts and website, Thomas!

peace,
brian marsh
princeton, new jersey, usa

From: Sneaksound@aol.com
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2000 13:31:50 +0200
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: Editorial Reply

Well, as we all pray for Genesis reunion type releases, I have gratitude in some recent released material...

1) Hacketts Revisited CD... brilliantly recorded and arranged by the master of influence. Steve rips into new uncharted sounds just as I would have asked him to if I had the chance to produce it... love the rollercoaster arrangements... thanks Steve for doing it! (I even payed him)

2) Having such a great recording of the Lamb Live from the box set... I've waited for that for years (just missing the live tour though)... its great that they added some new tracks. Steve's guitar solo in The Lamia...

3) Genesis Live The Way We Walk video... well done concert with all the bells and whistles preserved for me to "go-to-the-show" again in the home theatre... missing the older tunes but no complaints (and thankful) for the longer, newer proggressive tunes complimented by the vid technology.

4) Carpet Crawl 99... thanks for networking your studios guys... my ears thank you and I think that thats a format you all can work in for the future...

I just want to go on record that as I wish for more, I'm thankful for these...
Paul

From: "T" <earlofmar@earthlink.net>
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2000 20:40:41 -0500
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Steve and Tony

I am a true diehard Genesis fan. Some of the most beuatiful musical passages were the instrumental work of Steve and Tony. Witness for instance the middle section of Ripples. Yes,for those two to work together again would be a postive thing.

earlofmar
earlofmar@earthlink.net

From: terry and merry breese <ergm@ticnet.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2000 13:30:04 -0500
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: (no subject)

I totally agree, Steve rules.

A devoted fan, MARY
BREESE..jonlover1@yahoo.com

From: "Nelson Alberti" <nelsonalberti@vant.com.br>
Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2000 19:25:30 -0300
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Entire Genesis Again

We all want to see Genesis entire back again. I think that it'll be healthy and strongly benefit for Genesis works. For the fans, have a sure, it's all that we are waiting for. Recently history show us that the groups became renewed in work together again.

My best Wishes
Nelson
South America / Brasil / Porto Alegre

From: "Byron Dahms" <orderdesk@centralreprographics.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2000 14:42:41 -0700
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: more than you wanted to know

I couldn't agree more! Where's Steve in all this ? It is my contention that Genesis at one time was a guitar orientated band with great keys to add atmosphere. Well after years of resisting the new Genesis w/Collins at the lead, I finally gave in and started listening again, of course then Phil left. I like the new stuff, with R. Wilson. But then Steve re-visited Genesis, and the only thing I could think was - I wonder what Mike and Tony are up too - invite John Wetton, Paul Carrack (forgive the spelling), and I'm sure Phil would sit in for a song or two - if not, how about Fish? Just wishful thinking.

B.

From: James Hawker <jhawker_76504@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2000 12:32:57 -0700 (PDT)
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: And then there could be three

Very interesting editorial. I think it's a splendid idea. In fact, I recently e-mailed Steve that he should consider a collaboration with Tony because I thought it could be a fruitful collaboration as some of my favorite Genesis moments revolve around keyboard/guitar interplay as in Entangled, Moonlit Knight, Los Endos, Fountain of Salmalcis, Anyway, Eleventh Earl of Mar, just to name a few. There are also many great songs with great guitar tapestries weaved by Mssrs. Rutherford and Hackett. I believe that now that they have achieved success and matured, they all could participate in a group thing as well as continue their respectiv solo careers. All the chaps in Genesis seemed to have been friendly of late since the release of The Archives. Moreover, Mike, Tony, and Steve have participated in photo sessions and web chats together lately. A portent of things to come..?

Jim Hawker
jhawker_76504@yahoo.com

From: "Ramlan" <ramlan@nsc.gov.my>
Organization: ISN
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 15:10:25 +0800
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>

Great idea. I became a fan of Genesis circa Trick of the Tail, Wind and Wuthering and I still listen to Seconds Out regularly. Steve had a certain quality that brought the air of mystique and mystery to Genesis, and as a guitarist myself, I loved the sounds that he got on those Genesis albums. I would have loved to hear a live album of the Trick of the Tail tour. I've got all his solo albums since he left Genesis.

While we are at it, why won't Peter Gabriel re-join as well? Phil is obviously too big to come back, but finding a drummer is not a problem especially if it's only for drumming duties. I've always been a fan of Chester Thompson's live contributions.
Cheers.

From: "davstrut" <davstrut@supanet.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 22:44:05 +0100
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>
Subject: Tony Banks/Steve Hackett

I agree that Tony should give Steve a call as we only have one example of a Banks/Hackett composition in Entangled on Trick... I've often thought ' wouldn't it be great if they did an album together!! But I guess that will never happen.

Dave Strutt (an ardent Genesis anorak - and proud of it!)

From: davehelenknight <davehelenknight@netscapeonline.co.uk>
Date: Sat, 01 Jul 2000 13:52:19 +0100
To: genesis-path@mailbox.as
Subject: And then there were three...

I agree totally, Steve Hackett's guitars and Tony Banks keyboards work beautifully together, take Entangled for example. And with Mike Rutherford too, what a bloody fantastic trio... come on guys !

D Knight UK

From: "George Martin" <geo@gmart.fsnet.co.uk>
Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2000 14:55:23 +0100
To: <genesis-path@mailbox.as>

Genesis Revisited by Steve Hackett was, for the most part, a good album - a worthy re-invention of some of the old classic tracks. Steve and Peter have remained the most innovative musicians of the "classic" line up, in my opinion. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed Ray, Tony and Mike's last tour - more than I thought I would.

The guys can still do it- why not get back together again, at least for one album and tour? - and if it works, go for more!

I saw Yes in Glasgow earlier this year - a BRILLIANT concert - a credit to the band. And look at their current Stateside tour! I hope the "classic" Genesis line up will do the same. I guess the ball is at the feet of the current band members and management.

The demand IS there - GO FOR IT!!
- and come to Scotland when you do!!