Genesis: In Concert

Nice movie (and still very rare to find) shot during the Trick of the Tail tour in 1976. Great Genesis line-up, without Peter Gabriel for the first time but with Bill Bruford (of Yes and King Crimson) on drums and percussion.

The most important Genesis feature was the theatrical approach carried on in the early 70's by Peter Gabriel costumes and acting. Here it's the music itself, together with a massive light show, to involve the audience. Phil Collins sings quite well, but he'll be able to find a more personal style later on. Impressive rhythm section, with Rutherford (with a legendary double-neck guitar) and Bruford playing complex songs with precision and fantasy. Steve Hackett on guitar has a unique brilliance and elegance.

But a video for fans only: some of the songs are included only in sections (Supper's Ready and Cinema Show) and overdubbed with images that have very little to do with the music. The tracking list is not in the actual order of the concert, and the concerts of that period were also very longer, so this is just a short selection of the songs performed.

Very good stuff, but not the best for Genesis fans...

Blech!!! Why in the hell didn't they wait until 1977 to capture Genesis in all of their on-stage glory - as well as a view of them being comfortable on a large stage with a massive laser show? This film is so stupid and pretentious, certainly NOT because of Genesis, but because this director decided to include corny-stupid-arty-fart little films to go along with some selections from "A Trick of the Tail." It can be absolutely nauseating to watch at times. However - for fans and historians alike, it's great to watch Phil Collins long before he became an accomplished performer in his own right. He's very rusty and nervous as he goes through the motions - and that's a part of Phil that can be so fun and so interesting to watch - he's so young and undeveloped. Yet, just one year after this - Phil had full command of the stage, the audience, and his incredibly good voice.

You've been warned - watch at your own discretion (like, around 3a.m. when no one else in the house is awake and about....

By the way - the band members, themselves, have expressed their own disgust for this film and seem to even - gulp, detest it! From all of the press I've read about the premiere, the band found it all too embarrassing when they attended. The premiere happened to include, of all people, Princess Anne. It seems the Princess was quite a fan. But look - if the members of the band are even embarrassed by this - then you know what your in for when you watch it. However, no fan of this era of Genesis should miss it - warts and all! The music is fantastic - a great listen to the new line-up, still rough around the edges - as mentioned earlier. It's also wonderful to hear a full concert of Bill Buford's interpretations. I only wish they would have waited a year to capture their stunning "Wind and Wuthering" tour, when they were much more secure about themselves and playing much more tightly with Phil up front. By the time of "W&W," Genesis' performances were flawless. My vote is 2 out of 10 - disliked the film, but loved the music, and I still love the band! My $0.02....

10 stars when you see the band play - 0 star for the director and his editing.

After 35 years I have not come to terms with this film. And I won't, ever.

The music is GREAT, when you see the band play is GREAT and then this director ( director? ) that has shown not only a complete lack of common sense but also how blind and deaf he is to millions of fans all over the world that to this day keep waiting for a full video release with no comic garbage included, what is wrong with this guy?

Having Collins and Bruford play together some of Genesis best songs when the band was on its ascending ride and not being able to see them perform but to see atomic bombs, Vietnam bombings and moronic silent films ... probably the biggest ever assassination of a film in history.

Why did this guy never corrected this butchered monstrosity is beyond me.