Here’s Why Phil Collins Quit Genesis

Before Phil Collins made a name for himself as a solo artist, he was one of the integral band members of the rock group, Genesis. Along with Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, Genesis became one of the founding bands of the progressive rock movement. However, Collins would eventually leave the band, and the reasoning is not as clear cut as you might think.

Everyone thought it was because of a certain song

Genesis formed in 1967, but 19-year-old Phil Collins was not recruited into the band until 1970. He first arrived as a drummer but soon took over as the band's lead vocalist following the departure of Peter Gabriel in 1975. As Genesis became more famous in the 1980s, the band became synonymous with popular pop-rock ballads. Although this certainly boosted their fame, it also led critics to consider the band mediocre, implying that they traded in their artistry for sellable sounds.

Despite these criticisms, Genesis continued to produce music, including the song that many consider to be the reason for Collins' departure from the band: 'Burning Rope.' In 1997, Collins said in an interview that he felt that particular song was "a period piece." It doesn't make it into the 20th century. I know there are people who love this music, but I can't go on stage and play or sing that kind of stuff anymore. This actually led to the idea that this was the song that caused him to leave. However, the song's release in 1978 was a bit early to justify this accusation, as he had actually parted ways with the band some 20 years later.

In fact it was some time before he left

Collins had been considering leaving the band for some time. Actually, it was kind of obvious. During the 1980s, Collins engaged in some solo work while remaining with the band, releasing his debut solo album, 'Face Value', in 1981. It included one of their biggest hits to date, 'In the Air Tonight'. , which became a major international success.

When he released another solo album in 1993, titled 'Both Sides', Collins felt a sense of pride towards his solo work, which heavily contributed to his decision to leave the band. After the album's release, he said, "I felt like I had reached a place, musically, that was really the most gratifying for me." Being in the band no longer felt like a fruitful endeavor, as it became limiting for him creatively.

When Collins made the final decision to leave, he took it to the band's manager, Tony Smith, before talking to his bandmates. Collins described how "they said, 'Okay, listen. We don't have to make any decisions yet,'" and encouraged him to wait a full year to think things over before leaving the band. However. , when Banks and Rutherford came up with the idea for a new album, Collins felt the time had come.

The split was quite amicable

Collins really enjoyed playing with Banks and Rutherford but still felt he needed to go his own way. Considering all of his solo work over the years, this announcement was not a huge shock to the remaining members of the band. In fact, it was quite an amicable split. "Mike said, 'You want to go. We understand. You want to do something else. It's grown-up. It could be me, it could be Tony,'" Collins explained. "And Tony said, ' Well, it's a sad day. but I understand.'"

Following his departure in 1996, Genesis released a statement breaking the news to the public. It said, "Genesis... are currently looking for a vocalist." Collins said that he was glad to see that the band would continue without him, as he never thought that his departure would be the end of the band. The band's statement explained the reason for his departure, saying, "For the past 20 years, drummer Phil Collins has been garnering much praise as a vocalist. However he has now decided to step down to focus on his solo projects. Have decided.