Turn It On Again (Live 1982)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up the vibes with Genesis and their electrifying track "Turn It On Again (Live 1982)" from the Three Sides Live album! This song, a staple of their live shows, has some wild stories behind it. Originally released in 1980 on the Duke album, "Turn It On Again" was born from a mash-up of leftover bits from solo projects. Tony Banks contributed a chorus idea from his solo album A Curious Feeling, while Mike Rutherford brought in a riff from his work on Smallcreep’s Day. The band transformed these fragments into a rocking anthem with tricky time signatures that throw off dancers and clappers alike. Tony Banks once chuckled in an interview that audiences always get "caught out" trying to clap along because of the song’s odd rhythm, making it a true Genesis puzzle.

The live version from 1982, captured during the Three Sides Live Tour, kicks things up a notch. Recorded at shows like those in New York and London, it’s faster and punchier than the studio cut, with Phil Collins counting in the band with infectious energy. Fans on Facebook still rave about the song’s live magic, especially from the Three Sides Live film, shot in November 1981. One quirky tidbit: during the 1982 Six of the Best reunion show with Peter Gabriel, he jumped on drums for "Turn It On Again" and was totally baffled by its complex timing, proving even a former bandmate couldn’t crack its code! Posts on X from @genesis_band highlight how the song became their second UK Top 10 hit, cementing its status as a fan favorite.

Another gem from the 1982 tour: the band played a secret gig under the name The Garden Wall, one of their old school bands, at the Marquee Club in London on September 27. Fans camped out overnight for tickets, but only 500 scored entry. The setlist, shared on Deutscher Genesis Fanclub, included "Turn It On Again" alongside classics like "Supper’s Ready." The tour’s grand finale at Milton Keynes, where Gabriel rejoined Genesis for the Six of the Best charity concert, was a rainy but epic night. Fans on Genesis News recall how the rain paused during "Supper’s Ready," as if the universe was tuned in. The Instagram account @genesis_band often shares throwback clips from this era, keeping the Zoo Crew hyped.

Now, let’s rewind to how Genesis got their start. Formed in 1967 at Charterhouse School in Surrey, England, the band came together as a group of teenage dreamers: Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, and Chris Stewart. Named by pop impresario Jonathan King, they cut their first album, From Genesis to Revelation, in 1969, a mix of pop and folk that didn’t quite hit the mark. After parting with King, they dove into the progressive rock scene, signing with Charisma Records and touring relentlessly. Their early sound, shaped by the Beatles, classical music, and blues, evolved with albums like Nursery Cryme and Foxtrot, where Gabriel’s theatrical flair and the band’s 12-string guitar experiments stood out. By the time Phil Collins took over as lead singer in 1975 after Gabriel’s exit, Genesis were pioneers of prog rock, later shifting to pop-rock with hits like "Turn It On Again."

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Genesis through their official website, where you’ll find tour archives and merch. Follow them on Facebook for fan discussions, Instagram for vintage photos, and X for news and throwbacks. Hardcore fans should check out Genesis News for deep dives and Deutscher Genesis Fanclub for tour reports and forums. There’s also the Genesis Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Crew can swap stories and vinyl finds. Keep spinning those records, freaks, and let "Turn It On Again" light up your airwaves!