Follow You Follow Me (Live 1982)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some groovy vibes as we spin "Follow You Follow Me (Live 1982)" by Genesis from their live album Three Sides Live! This track, captured during the band’s 1981 tour, is a fan favorite with some juicy trivia to share. Originally released in 1978 as the lead single from ...And Then There Were Three..., the song marked a pivotal shift for Genesis, moving away from their progressive rock roots toward a more accessible pop sound. According to Songfacts, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford wrote the lyrics in just ten minutes, inspired by his wife, aiming for a simple yet heartfelt love song. He later told Mojo it was “catchy without being soppy,” and its directness helped it become Genesis’ first UK Top 10 hit, peaking at No. 7, and their first US Top 40, reaching No. 23. The live version on Three Sides Live showcases Phil Collins’ emotive vocals and the band’s tight performance, though some fans, as noted in a Genesis News review, felt it lacked the calm of later renditions, like the 2007 tour.

Another cool tidbit comes from the song’s creation process. Keyboardist Tony Banks revealed in interviews that “Follow You Follow Me” was a rare group effort, with Rutherford’s riff sparking a jam session where Banks added chords and Collins shaped the melody. Banks admitted to Wikipedia that he initially found the lyrics “almost too banal” but grew to appreciate its simplicity. Fans on Reddit have praised its textured yet catchy quality, with one user calling it “a compass through the dark” for its emotional resonance. The song’s live performance in 1982, part of the Three Sides Live tour, was also tied to a historic moment: the “Six of the Best” reunion concert with Peter Gabriel at Milton Keynes, which Genesis News describes as a legendary finale with 50,000 fans celebrating the band’s past and present.

Now, let’s rewind to how Genesis got their start. Formed in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, the band began as a group of schoolmates: keyboardist Tony Banks, bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, vocalist Peter Gabriel, guitarist Anthony Phillips, and drummer Chris Stewart. Their name came from pop impresario Jonathan King, who signed them to record their debut album, From Genesis to Revelation, in 1969, as detailed on Wikipedia. Initially a folk-pop outfit, they struggled commercially and parted ways with King, honing their craft through relentless touring. By the early 1970s, with Phil Collins joining as drummer in 1970 and Steve Hackett on guitar, Genesis evolved into progressive rock pioneers, blending theatrical performances with complex compositions. Albums like Foxtrot and Selling England by the Pound earned them a cult following, though mainstream success came later with hits like “Follow You Follow Me” after Gabriel and Hackett’s departures.

Today, you can keep up with Genesis through their official channels. Visit their website at genesis-music.com for tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for throwback posts and news, like their recent X post celebrating the song’s 1978 release. Fans can dive deeper at Genesis News, a dedicated fan site with tour reports and interviews, or join discussions at the Turn It On Again forum. For community vibes, check out the Genesis Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can connect with fellow enthusiasts. So, stay tuned to THE ZOO, and let’s keep following Genesis wherever their music takes us!