Since Phil Collins left Genesis in 1996, a lot of rumours were spread about the future of Genesis and a possible replcement. Even a comeback of Peter Gabriel was rumoured and names like Steve Hackett, Fish, Paul Carrack, Chester Thompson or Daryl Stuermer circulated, then Ray Wilson became the new singer.
Tickets for the European shows of Collins’ 1997 tour went on sale a full year before the tour actually started. In spring 1997 Phil Collins first went on a tour through North America.
Half a year after he officially left Genesis Phil Collins released Dance Into The Light. The album offers a couple of surprises, e.g. there is no drum computer on the record. Bernd Vormwald has all the details for you.
An unusual Steve Hackett album was released in 1996. Steve recorded new versions of a number of Genesis classics, added an orchestra, and published Genesis Revisited at first only in Japan, but later also in Europe. The album also features an impressive list of guest musicians.
In 1996 a comprehensive and authorized biography about Phil Collins was published. Its author Ray Coleman had, however, already passed away when the excellent book came out.
The band had known it for three years, but it was made official only in March 1996: Phil Collins leaves Genesis to have more time to follow up his own projects. Read about the backgrounds here and also read the official statement.
In 1995 Anthony Phillips released something like a Greatet Hits compilation called Anthology. This CD is of particular interest for those who want to discover the musical world of Anthony Phillips.
In 1995 Tony Banks set out for another attempt at solo (commercial) success. With singer Jack Hues he formed Strictly Inc. and released an album that delighted Genesis fans.
In 1995 Mike + The Mechanics went on tour again. Here is an overview over the tour and essential information.
Their Beggar On A Beach Of Gold brought the Mechanics to Imst, Austria, for the first time.