Genesis

Genesis emerged from Charterhouse School in 1967 as progressive rock architects, initially fronted by Peter Gabriel's theatrical vision before Phil Collins assumed vocals in 1975. The transition marked a seismic shift from the elaborate, mythological storytelling of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) towards the streamlined pop sensibility that defined Invisible Touch (1986), which sold over six million copies in America alone. Tony Banks' lush keyboard textures and Mike Rutherford's precise bass work anchored both eras, though critics remain divided on whether the band's commercial ascent represented artistic compromise or shrewd evolution.

Their cultural impact is undeniable: Genesis bridged art rock's complexity with MTV-era accessibility, influencing everyone from Radiohead to Marillion. Gabriel's departure could have ended them; instead, Collins' everyman appeal transformed Genesis into stadium royalty. They sold over 100 million records worldwide, earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. The prog purists mourned, the pop audiences celebrated, and Genesis simply endured.