Genesis had one of the most successful rebrands in history. The band was founded in 1967, and amassed a cult following through a series of critically acclaimed albums in the 1970s. Then, in the 1980s, they became the makers of massive pop hits. Peter Gabriel spearheaded the band's initial albums, and his departure ultimately set their transformation in motion.
Gabriel was a founding member, and his theatrical presence onstage gave Genesis its identity early on. He was often the focus of the band's press coverage, which greatly irritated the other members. Genesis albums fronted by Gabriel included Foxtrot (1972) and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974), but the singer decided to walk after the release of the latter.
Peter Gabriel left Genesis in 1975
Peter Gabriel issued a statement confirming his exit in 1975. The statement made it very clear that he had grown tired of the rat race of the music industry, and wished to spend more time with his family. It also made clear that Gabriel wanted Genesis to go on without him.
"The increase in money and power, if I had stayed, would have anchored me to the spotlights," the singer wrote. "It was important to me to give space to my family, which I wanted to hold together, and to liberate the daddy in me." Phil Collins, the band's drummer, took over as lead singer and paved the way for its commercial success in the 80s.
Gabriel might've been weary of fame, but he ultimately came around to the idea of being a pop star. He released four self-titled albums starting in the late 70s, bolstering his artistic bona fides but doing very little to bolster his status as a hitmaker. All that changed with the release of So in 1986.
Gabriel has never reunited with Genesis onstage
The album embraced a more commercial sound, and scored two smash hits with "Sledgehammer" and "In Your Eyes." Gabriel was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010 and as a solo artist in 2014. He has never expressed animosity towards Collins and the other members of the band, but he has never been tempted to perform alongside them since he left back in 1975.
Genesis has reformed and toured at various points in the 21st century. The band's most recent stint was between 2020 and 2022. Gabriel's decision to steer clear, however, has made his stint with the band all the more iconic for die-hard fans.