Genesis is one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time. Formed in 1967, the band released a string of classic progressive rock albums in the 1970s including Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and A Trick of the Tail. The band went on hiatus in the late 1970s before re-emerging as a pop act in the 1980s and early 1990s with hits like Invisible Touch, Land of Confusion, and I Can’t Dance. Genesis’ final tour was in 2007 for their Turn It On Again reunion tour with members Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks. Fans have wondered if the band will ever reunite again for another tour.
Genesis’ Touring History
Genesis has embarked on 12 major world tours over the course of their long career:
Tour | Year(s) |
From Genesis to Revelation Tour | 1969 |
Trespass Tour | 1970 |
Nursery Cryme Tour | 1971-1972 |
Foxtrot Tour | 1972 |
Selling England by the Pound Tour | 1973-1974 |
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway Tour | 1974-1975 |
Trick of the Tail Tour | 1976-1977 |
And Then There Were Three Tour | 1978 |
Invisible Touch Tour | 1986-1987 |
We Can’t Dance Tour | 1992 |
Calling All Stations Tour | 1997-1998 |
Turn It On Again Tour | 2007 |
The band toured regularly in the 1970s at the height of their popularity, supporting classic prog rock albums like Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. After nearly a decade away, Genesis returned to intensive touring in the late 1980s and early 1990s behind pop hits like Invisible Touch, Land of Confusion, and I Can’t Dance.
Reasons for Previous Reunions
Genesis has reunited and toured again in the past for a few key reasons:
Nostalgia and Fan Demand
There was intense fan demand to see the classic 1970s line-up of Genesis back together again. The Turn It On Again Tour provided fans the opportunity to re-live the band’s progressive rock heyday. The nostalgia factor brought big crowds out to see Collins, Banks, and Rutherford on stage again.
Major Milestones
2007 marked the 40th anniversary of Genesis’ debut album From Genesis to Revelation. The milestone provided a fitting occasion for the surviving members to get back together and celebrate the band’s legacy. Previous reunions have also coincided with major anniversaries like the band’s 30th anniversary in 1997.
Financial Motivation
Reunion tours can be extremely lucrative for classic rock bands. Even with just a portion of the classic line-up, the Turn It On Again Tour grossed over $100 million. The big payday provided financial motivation for Collins, Banks, and Rutherford to regroup after years focusing on solo projects.
Are Any Future Reunions Likely?
Fans continue to hold out hope that Genesis will reunite again in some form, but a number of factors make future reunions unlikely:
Phil Collins’ Health Issues
Phil Collins has suffered from a number of health problems in recent years stemming from past injuries. He has difficulty playing the drums due to a back injury and nerve damage. Collins even discussed having to tape drum sticks to his hands on the 2007 reunion tour due to these limitations. His ongoing health issues make a grueling world tour unlikely.
Busy Solo Careers
In the years since the 2007 reunion, Collins, Banks, and Rutherford have stayed active with solo projects. Collins undertook his “Not Dead Yet Tour” from 2017-2019 and released an autobiography in 2016. Rutherford has toured with Mike + The Mechanics recently. The members’ busy solo schedules allow limited time for a full Genesis reunion.
No New Music
Genesis has not released a studio album since 1997’s Calling All Stations. The lack of new original music to promote makes a reunion tour less likely. The band would have difficulty drawing big crowds without fresh material. Their last tours relied heavily on nostalgia and greatest hits sets.
Possibility of Partial Reunions
While a full reunion tour is improbable, there are some possibilities for smaller partial reunions:
One-Off Show
Collins, Banks, and Rutherford could regroup for a single nostalgia-fueled show or a limited run in a single city. This would be more manageable for Collins and allow the band to celebrate their legacy without a grueling full tour.
Residency Show
Genesis could do a Las Vegas or London residency show similar to Elton John, Rod Stewart, or Kate Bush. Limited shows in one venue would be easier on Collins’ health.
Tour with Replacement Singers
Rutherford and Banks could tour small venues with a replacement vocalist like Ray Wilson, who took over lead vocals in the late 1990s. However, without Collins, it wouldn’t quite be the same.
What Band Members Have Said
In recent interviews, Collins, Banks, and Rutherford have cast doubt on the chances of future Genesis tours:
Phil Collins
“I don’t really want to go back on the road…My manager’s always getting offers for reunion shows and stuff like that. But I don’t really want to do that. I’m much happier just kind of watching my son play.”
Tony Banks
“There are absolutely no plans [to reunite again]. Of course, you could never say never. It really is a question of will to do it. We’re all fit and well, so we could do something. But I would say it’s extremely unlikely.”
Mike Rutherford
“I don’t think it will happen. Phil is retired now. We did the tour 10 years ago and I think that will probably be it…I’ve always been open to it. But I can’t see it.”
What Fans Want
Die-hard Genesis fans would love to see Collins, Banks, and Rutherford back together again, but most realize it’s unlikely given the band members’ ages and situations. Many fans appreciate that they were even able to see the 2007 reunion tour. Most just hope the band members are happy and healthy in their lives after Genesis. Seeing Phil Collins embrace his musical legacy with the Not Dead Yet Tour provided closure for some fans.
Conclusion
While it’s improbable Genesis will embark on a major world tour again, fans still cling to a glimmer of hope for some sort of reunion. Smaller scale reunions or one-off shows in the future seem possible, especially for major anniversaries. But another full-fledged tour on the scale of 2007’s Turn It On Again seems highly unlikely at this point given the band members’ ages, schedules, and health situations. Genesis’ 2007 reunion tour was likely the final chance for most fans to see the band’s classic line-up on stage again. Barring an unexpected change of heart, Genesis’ touring days appear to be over. But their legacy lives on in their recorded music and past tours that gave fans so many great memories.