Is there a more underrated era in the storied history of Genesis than that of Ray Wilson? True, the pairing of the gruff-voiced Scot, known for growling all over jeans adverts, with the Charterhouse boys known for their love of pullovers was always a curious one, but somehow, they captured musical lightning in a bottle with their debut, Calling All Stations (in contrast, the last Phil Collins-led effort We Can't Dance was more like light drizzle in a bottle).
Unfortunately, a combination of a completely ignorant US fanbase (most of whom had never heard of Peter Gabriel, let alone Anthony Phillips, and simply could not fathom a lineup not featuring Collins) alongside Banks and Rutherford's steadfast refusal to be seen interacting with their new frontman in any way other than as somewhat distrusting and disapproving guardians (check out the video to Not About Us) if you want evidence) meant for a relatively disappointing commercial return, and before too long the old boys' insecurities about the whole project (along with Wilson's own concern as to whether he belonged in a band he had loved growing up, but who he found liked to spend their time backstage playing table tennis and discussing their stock portfolios) got the better of them and the new Genesis was no more. Europe, to its credit, responded far more warmly to CAS, the album going multi platinum and the tour generally well received. Thankfully, two of the first shows were filmed and can now stand as a fitting testament to all that was good (and all not so) about this curious amalgamation.
Unfortunately, a combination of a completely ignorant US fanbase (most of whom had never heard of Peter Gabriel, let alone Anthony Phillips, and simply could not fathom a lineup not featuring Collins) alongside Banks and Rutherford's steadfast refusal to be seen interacting with their new frontman in any way other than as somewhat distrusting and disapproving guardians (check out the video to Not About Us) if you want evidence) meant for a relatively disappointing commercial return, and before too long the old boys' insecurities about the whole project (along with Wilson's own concern as to whether he belonged in a band he had loved growing up, but who he found liked to spend their time backstage playing table tennis and discussing their stock portfolios) got the better of them and the new Genesis was no more. Europe, to its credit, responded far more warmly to CAS, the album going multi platinum and the tour generally well received. Thankfully, two of the first shows were filmed and can now stand as a fitting testament to all that was good (and all not so) about this curious amalgamation.
