Behind The Lines

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic track Behind The Lines by Genesis from their 1980 album Duke, and the Zoo Freaks are undoubtedly grooving to its vibrant energy. This song holds a fascinating place in Genesis lore, marked by its dual existence in both the band’s catalog and Phil Collins’ solo work. Originally a dramatic art-rock piece on Duke, it was reimagined by Collins for his debut solo album Face Value in 1981 as a funk-infused track inspired by Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall era. Collins shared a captivating story in the Classic Albums documentary about how the solo version came to be: after recording the Genesis track, the band played the tape back at double speed, revealing an entirely new song that inspired Collins to rework it with the Phenix Horns, the horn section from Earth, Wind & Fire. This transformation highlights the song’s versatility and Collins’ innovative approach to music.

Another intriguing tidbit comes from the song’s role in Genesis’ live performances. The instrumental intro of Behind The Lines was used as an opener for the band’s 2007 Turn It On Again tour, though keyboardist Tony Banks pushed for the full version to be played. Ultimately, the band opted for a medley, blending it with Duke’s End and Turn It On Again to create what they called “Duke’s Intro.” Fans on platforms like ProgArchives have noted that the song was part of an intended “Duke’s Suite,” a longer conceptual piece that was split into individual tracks to avoid comparisons with earlier Genesis works like Supper’s Ready. A post from the official Genesis account on X in June 2024 celebrated a 1980 live performance of the song at London’s Lyceum Theatre, asking fans whether they preferred the Genesis original or Collins’ solo rendition, sparking lively discussions among Zoo Freaks and beyond.

Genesis, formed in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Surrey, England, began as a group of schoolboys with a passion for music. The founding members—Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Anthony Phillips, and drummer Chris Stewart—started writing songs influenced by the Beatles and progressive rock. Their early years were marked by a DIY ethos, recording demos and playing small gigs around London. After signing with Charisma Records, they released their debut album, From Genesis to Revelation, in 1969, though it was a commercial flop. The band’s sound evolved through the 1970s with Gabriel’s theatrical vocals and elaborate live shows, cementing their status in progressive rock with albums like Foxtrot and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. After Gabriel’s departure in 1975, Phil Collins stepped up as lead vocalist, steering Genesis toward a more accessible sound that blended prog complexity with pop sensibilities, as heard on Duke.

Fans can dive deeper into Genesis’ world through their official website, which offers news, tour archives, and details on releases like the 50th-anniversary edition of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Their Facebook page keeps the community engaged with nostalgic posts and updates, while their Instagram shares behind-the-scenes photos and album art. On X, the band interacts with fans, often posing questions about favorite tracks or performances. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other devotees, fan-run sites like Genesis - The Movement provide detailed show histories and community forums. The Genesis Fans Facebook group is another vibrant space where enthusiasts share memories, rare photos, and debates about the band’s best eras, perfect for anyone wanting to keep the Behind The Lines vibe alive.