During a recent appearance on BBC Radio 2, Phil Collins chose the true vocalist of Genesis while discussing his position within the band.
When asked about his words in the 2014 documentary, ‘Genesis: Together and Apart,’ where he said he was always number three in the band, the singer said:
“I joined in 1970. 1974 or 75 was it when Peter left. I still feel like the new singer, and Peter’s the real singer. I’m the replacement [laughing]. I still feel like it, and I think that when I left in 1996, the greatest thing that was overlooked, which I just thought very funny, was the press release that these guys put out, saying after 30 years or something, we’ve decided that Phil wasn’t the right guy for the job.”
Explaining his reaction to that press release, he continued:
“I thought it was just a great way of looking at it, and when the five of us are all together, it’s funny that everybody reverts to those roles.”
Collins’ Perspective On Peter’s Departure
Gabriel said at the time that he left to be with his family, but there were also issues with the band. Reviews mainly highlighted his stage presence over the band’s music, making others uncomfortable. Speaking of whether he wanted Peter to leave, Collins noted in a 1998 interview:
“I didn’t want Peter to leave. I wish he had never left. I mean, I love him as a guy and as what he has done now. I think he is one of my favorite artists, but I didn’t want him to leave. I didn’t want to be the singer. I didn’t want him to leave. I just took over because someone had to.”
Comparing Collins And Gabriel In Genesis
On the other hand, debating if Collins or Gabriel is better doesn’t have a clear answer, and fans, along with other artists, often argue about it while comparing their success. Genesis’ Steve Hackett, who had worked with both names, picked his favorite in a September chat with Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, saying:
“If I was honest, I would say that the two best albums from the classic Genesis period for me are ‘Foxtrot’ and ‘Selling England [By The Pound].’ Those two, I think, typify what the band was capable of at the time when was basically a pre-video era. If we did a video, it was kind of anomaly that might be the old thing filmed in front of an audience in Shepparton and invited audience, but we were yet to be filmed, if you know what I mean.”
You can listen to the singer’s full interview below.
