The Origin Story Of How ‘Genesis’ Got Their Name

In 1963, Peter Gabriel and his schoolmates Tony Banks and Chris Stewart formed a band called Garden Wall. They usually played at concerts at Charterhouse School in Godalming, England. A few years later, in 1966, they merged with another student band, The Anon, which included Anthony Phillips and Mike Rutherford. With the two groups combining, they formed The New Anon. And this was where their journey into the music world officially began. With help from producer Jonathan King, they signed a record deal with Decca in 1968, laying the foundation for what would eventually become Genesis.

Tony Banks: Shaping the Sound of Genesis

The band’s debut album, From Genesis to Revelation (1969), gave them their iconic name—after dropping “The New Anon” due to a U.S. band already using the name Genesis. Though this first attempt didn’t make waves, it did show much of the band’s potential. Tony Banks, a core member, played a key role in defining the early Genesis sound. However, after a lukewarm response to the first album, the band parted ways with Jonathan King and made a fresh start. Their second album, Trespass (1970), was produced by Tony Stratton-Smith and marked a turning point with a stronger focus on their progressive rock identity.

Chris Stewart: The Original Drummer

Chris Stewart, the band’s original drummer, contributed to early tracks like “The Silent Sun” and “A Winter’s Tale.” However, Stewart soon grew tired of the band’s demanding pace and decided to leave, moving to southern Spain to live a quieter life. His replacement, John Silver, stepped in to complete the remaining tracks for From Genesis to Revelation. Though Stewart’s time with the band was brief, it set the stage for Genesis’s later success.

Overcoming early challenges and lineup changes, Genesis began carving their path to becoming one of rock’s most legendary bands.