Throwing It All Away

The Zoo Crew is spinning the heartfelt track Throwing It All Away by Genesis from their 1986 album Invisible Touch, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful melody. This soft rock ballad, penned by guitarist Mike Rutherford, was a standout hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping both the Adult Contemporary and Album Rock Tracks charts in the U.S. Its working title, "Zephyr and Zeppo," hints at a playful creative process behind its polished sound. The song’s music video, directed by Jim Yukich, offers a raw glimpse into the band’s life on the road during their Invisible Touch Tour, featuring soundcheck footage and candid moments captured by Phil Collins himself on his 1985 Sony Handycam, primarily filmed in Toronto and Detroit.

Fans and critics alike have shared their love for the live performances of Throwing It All Away. A post on the fan site You Might Recall raves about Phil Collins’ engaging stage presence, particularly his vocal improvisations like the iconic “Deedaeeeh!” that bookend the song. A memorable 1987 Berlin performance is noted for its powerful delivery and enthusiastic crowd response, showcasing Collins’ ability to connect with audiences in a way that rivals even Freddie Mercury’s legendary charisma. The song’s live renditions, performed across tours like Invisible Touch, The Way We Walk, Calling All Stations, and Turn It On Again, were often transposed to lower keys to suit Collins’ evolving voice or Ray Wilson’s deeper tone during the 1997 tour.

Social media has kept the song’s legacy alive. In June 2024, Genesis’ official X account celebrated the 1986 release of Throwing It All Away as the second U.S. single from Invisible Touch, linking to its nostalgic music video. Another post from April 2025 highlighted a 2007 Rome performance, with Collins reflecting on how Rutherford’s riff and lyrics made it a “great stage tune.” Critics have praised its emotional depth; in 2014, Stevie Chick of The Guardian called it a “genuinely affecting ballad,” though some noted its resemblance to Collins’ solo work. Meanwhile, a 1986 Billboard review dubbed it a “dance ballad” with a cheerier vibe than Collins’ earlier hit Take Me Home.

Genesis began in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Surrey, England, where founding members Tony Banks (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (bass/guitar), Peter Gabriel (vocals/flute), and Anthony Phillips (guitar) started jamming as teenagers. Initially an outlet for their songwriting, the band’s early sound was shaped by progressive rock influences, blending rock, jazz, classical, and folk. Their debut album, From Genesis to Revelation (1969), was a modest start, but relentless gigging and a growing cult following led to critical acclaim with albums like Foxtrot (1972) and Selling England by the Pound (1973). After Gabriel’s departure in 1975, drummer Phil Collins stepped up as frontman, steering the band toward a more accessible pop-rock sound by the 1980s, culminating in the massive success of Invisible Touch. Despite lineup changes, including Steve Hackett’s exit in 1977, Genesis sold over 150 million albums worldwide, cementing their status as one of rock’s most enduring acts.

Stay connected with Genesis through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates, tour memories, and fan interactions. For deeper dives, check out fan communities like the Deutscher Genesis Fanclub or Turn It On Again: A Genesis Forum, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over trivia, trade bootlegs, and plan meetups. These platforms keep the spirit of Genesis alive, much like the Zoo Crew keeps the airwaves grooving.