Follow You Follow Me

The Zoo Crew is spinning the romantic and pivotal track Follow You Follow Me by Genesis, from their 1978 album …And Then There Were Three…, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its warm, accessible sound. This song marked a significant shift for Genesis, moving away from their progressive rock roots toward a pop-oriented style. According to a Songfacts interview with Mike Rutherford, the song’s lyrics, inspired by his wife, were written in just ten minutes, a stark contrast to the band’s usual complex compositions. Initially, the track wasn’t intended as a single and could have been part of a longer suite, but its simple, heartfelt melody stood out. Keyboardist Tony Banks noted in a quote from the same source that it was the band’s only truly group-written piece, with Rutherford’s riff, Banks’ chords, and Phil Collins’ rhythmic focus coming together organically. This collaborative effort resulted in Genesis’ first UK Top 10 hit, reaching No. 7, and their first US Top 40, peaking at No. 23, as detailed on Wikipedia.

Another intriguing tidbit comes from a 2007 interview included in the remastered album’s liner notes, where Banks admitted the band deliberately placed Follow You Follow Me at the album’s end as a “lighter note” to contrast the heavier, more progressive tracks. This decision paid off, as the song broadened their audience, particularly attracting more female fans, as Rutherford explained in a Loudersound article. The track’s music video, filmed at Shepperton Studios, featured Banks wearing a Vancouver Canucks hockey sweater, a quirky nod to the era’s casual style, and Collins alternating between singing with a shaker and playing drums, as noted on Wikipedia. On social media, a post by @WorldofGenesis highlighted a 1978 Atlantic Records ad promoting the song, underscoring its commercial breakthrough. Fans on Reddit have shared emotional connections, with one user recalling tearing up during the 2007 reunion tour when visuals from Genesis’ history played on the jumbotron, cementing the song’s enduring impact.

Genesis began in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, where students Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, and Chris Stewart formed the band. Their name came from former pupil and pop impresario Jonathan King, who produced their debut album, From Genesis to Revelation, in 1969, as detailed on Wikipedia. Initially, they struggled, splitting from King and touring relentlessly to build a following. By the early 1970s, with Phil Collins joining as drummer and Steve Hackett as guitarist, Genesis became pioneers of progressive rock, known for Gabriel’s theatrical performances and complex compositions like Supper’s Ready. After Gabriel left in 1975 and Hackett in 1977, the trio of Banks, Rutherford, and Collins pivoted to a more accessible sound, with …And Then There Were Three… marking their transition. This evolution led to global success, with over 100 million albums sold, making them one of the world’s best-selling artists.

Genesis maintains an active online presence, engaging Zoo Freaks and fans worldwide. Their official website, genesis-music.com, offers news, tour archives, and merchandise. On Facebook, they share updates and nostalgic posts, like a 2025 reflection on the 1978 album release. Their Instagram features tour throwbacks and fan art, while their X account posts about milestones, such as the 47th anniversary of Follow You Follow Me’s release. Fan communities thrive online, with Genesis News providing in-depth articles and tour updates. The Genesis Fans Facebook Group is a vibrant space for discussions, memorabilia sharing, and fan stories, fostering a tight-knit community for those who, like the Zoo Crew, keep the Genesis spirit alive.