respect the classics

A Genesis Reunion Is in the Air Tonight

Photo: Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Their creative exodus is no more. Genesis, one of the world’s all-time best-selling bands that your uncle loves to blast in his Chevrolet Camaro (who are we kidding, we’re jamming to “Land of Confusion” right now) is officially reuniting for an arena tour later this year. The classic lineup of Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford will be joined by longstanding touring companion Daryl Stuermer, as well as Collins’s son, Nicholas, for a series of November and December tour dates in the United Kingdom. Peter “Solsbury Hill” Gabriel will not be participating. The news, which was already teased on Genesis’ various social media pages yesterday, was confirmed this morning during an interview with BBC Radio 2. Despite the band being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 (which Gabriel couldn’t attend), the last time the modern lineup performed together was back in 2007.

“We all felt, ‘Why not?’” Collins told BBC News upon the announcement. “It sounds a bit of a lame reason — but we enjoy each other’s company, we enjoy playing together.” Banks added that the trio didn’t ask Gabriel to participate in the reunion tour, because “most of the songs people know” came after his departure. “Peter left the band 45 years ago,” he joked, “and he’s been trying to live it down ever since.” As for what setlist to expect, Collins played coy, but c’mon — we know “Invisible Touch” is gonna be involved. “There are songs that you feel you have to play because the audience would feel cheated if you didn’t,” he explained. “There are a few old dogs that won’t be running.”

Genesis Is Coming Out of Retirement for a 2020 Tour