From: simon@pavilion.co.uk
Subject: A Word from the Editor of The Waiting Room...
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Date: Tue, 2 Apr 96 21:01:57 GMT
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Hiya!
Me olde mate Alan Hewitt of the ever wonderful Genesis fanzine The Waiting Room asked me to post the following on his behalf, which has been forwarded to Genesis and their management. I understand his words have been warmly received by Hit and Run.
Well I suppose it had to happen eventually: Phil Collins has decided to vacate the drumkit and microphone stand in Genesis and concentrate on his solo career. I can still remember reading the announcement of his first solo album with a mixture of joy and trepidation. The joy was for the fact that he could have the opportunity to prove himself outside of the band, the trepidation was for the survival of the band itself. Did all of that really happen *that* long ago?
As Editor of The Waiting Room for the last nine years, it has been my great pleasure to observe the band and it's various offshoots with a mixture of amazement and awe. How many other bands can you think of where the solo members have been as successful as the band itself? The sheer amount and quality of music produced by the band as a group and as individuals defies imagination.
My own fascination with the band began in 1977 shortly after another much loved and respected member had decided to check out: Steve Hackett. in the 19 or so years since that initial exposure to their music, I have followed each facet of their careers, much to the growing despair of my bank manager, who still cherishes the hope that now I am thirtysomething I may grow some sense. Those of you who know me, however, will realise that this will never happen!
The history of rock music is littered with tales of departures and reunions of bands and band members, any self respecting fan of Yes or Jethro Tull can tell you that. No doubt to many fans the current announcement of Phil's departure will signal the end of the band. Well, maybe it is time we re-learned a little Genesis history. There was a band called Genesis before Phil joined and I can see no reason why Tony and Mike and whoever they recruit into the ranks this time around should quit doing what they are best at: writing and performing great music!
The press release announcing Phil's decision to leave is no sombre affair as such, I see no reason to start writing obituaries for the band which may prove to be as premature as Chris Welch's was in 1975. In fact Tony Banks' comments in the press release sum up the situation quite nicely..."this gives us the chance to take Genesis to the next stage..." The band has always maintained that they have yet to produce that definitive album, maybe this is the opportunity for them to do exactly that.
What does the future hold for Genesis? That is anyone's guess really, only the band members can answer that question. However, as an observer of their collective endeavours for over half a lifetime, one thing I am sure of: Genesis fans will continue to be spoiled for choice by the variety of music that the greatest assemblage of rock musicians the world has ever seen, has produced and will continue to produce for a long time to come yet. So dry those tears, the best is still to come!
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the readers of The Waiting Room to thank Tony, Mike, Phil and their management for all their kindness and support of our efforts and for so much great music. We wish you every success in whatever projects you embark on next.
Liverpool, 29 March 1996
