Abacab

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Abacab" by Genesis from their 1981 album of the same name. This track is a wild ride, and its quirky title comes from the song’s original structure. Guitarist Mike Rutherford explained in a 2006 interview that the song had three distinct sections—labeled A, B, and C—and one early arrangement was ordered A-B-A-C-A-B, hence "Abacab." The band kept the name for its abstract vibe, matching their goal to break from their flowery prog-rock past, as keyboardist Tony Banks told Songfacts. They wanted a stark, modern sound, reflected in the album’s abstract art cover. The song’s lyrics, penned by Rutherford, hint at relationship tension with cryptic imagery like “crack in the mirror” and being “covered in cellophane,” adding a paranoid edge that feels both elusive and urgent.

Another fun tidbit: "Abacab" was a bold experiment that didn’t always click with fans. During the 1981 tour, Genesis faced boos in Leiden, Holland, as some prog purists felt the band was straying too far from their roots, according to a Reddit thread. Yet, the track’s propulsive drum pattern and Banks’ thrilling synth solo made it a top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at No. 9, and it reached No. 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The music video, a simple performance clip, was an early MTV staple, helping Genesis reach a younger audience despite Phil Collins being stuck behind his drum kit, as noted by Songfacts. Fans on X still celebrate the song’s bold mix of rock and pop, with posts calling it a defining moment for Genesis’ 80s evolution.

Genesis began in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Surrey, England, when schoolmates Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Anthony Phillips, and drummer Chris Stewart formed a songwriting collective. Initially called The Garden Wall, they caught the eye of producer Jonathan King, who signed them to Decca Records and suggested the name Genesis. Their debut album, From Genesis to Revelation (1969), was a flop, blending post-psychedelic pop, but it laid the groundwork for their prog-rock journey. After lineup changes, including Phil Collins joining as drummer in 1970 and Steve Hackett as guitarist in 1971, Genesis hit their stride with albums like Nursery Cryme (1971) and Selling England by the Pound (1973). Gabriel’s theatrical vocals and the band’s complex compositions earned them a cult following, but his departure in 1975 pushed Collins to the front, steering Genesis toward mainstream success by the 1980s with hits like "Abacab."

You can keep up with Genesis on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at sites like Genesis News for updates and discussions. On Facebook, groups like Genesis Fans and World of Genesis are buzzing with Zoo Freak energy, sharing memories and rare photos. For live tributes, check out Abacab – The Music of Genesis, a band recreating Genesis’ classics note-for-note. So, crank up "Abacab," and let’s keep the hippie vibes flowing!