Genesis open to the idea of reuniting for their 50th anniversary

In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Mike said that now Phil Collins is out of retirement the doors are open for a reunion – especially as he has maintained close contact with Phil and Tony Banks.

Asked about the likelihood of them joining musical forces once again, Mike said: “With Phil retired, we never wanted to go on. But we’ll see. I do appreciate the fact that we’re all very good friends, which is nice, especially the three of us. Who knows?”

Mike went on to explain writing an autobiography made him realise how much fun the band had together – something that’s help warm him to the idea of reforming Genesis.

“I did a book about me and my father called The Living Years about four years ago, and Phil did a book last year,” Mike said. “I think both of us have gone through this period of slightly looking back in our lives in writing the book.

"I came away, as he did too, with a feeling of what an incredible time we’ve had. How lucky we’ve been. And more importantly, what a great friendship we’ve had.

"Obviously, all of us, but especially the three of us: myself, him and Tony (Banks). It was quite a special relationship.”

The trio last performed together at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles back in October 2007 on the Turn It On Again: The Tour.

Inevitably asked about Genesis reforming when he came out of retirement, Phil Collins told Rolling Stone: “I love the guys. I would just prefer to do this first. For now, let’s just see how this (solo tour) goes.”

Adding that fans haven’t “thought it through” regarding a full Peter Gabriel led reunion, Phil explained: “Pete won’t sing ‘Invisible Touch’ or ‘I Can’t Dance'.

“We’d only do material like ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.’ Also, I can’t play drums, so I can’t do what I did. I just want to settle with the bits of me that I can possibly do.”

Despite this, in March Steve Hackett said he was talking to Peter Gabriel about the possibility of them joining a ‘classic’ line-up reunion.

“A Genesis reunion is possible,” Steve said, “I’m speaking to Peter to find out what he thinks about the state of the world. I’m trying my best, believe me. I won’t say anymore because I don’t want to raise expectations.”

Steve Hackett kicks off his Genesis Revisited With Classic Hackett 2017 Tour this Friday in Cardiff, while Phil Collins headlines a British Summer Time Hyde Park bill that also features Mike & The Mechanics on Friday 30th June. 

Tickets to Steve Hackett are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets here and you can get tickets to Phil Collins and Mike & The Mechanics at British Summer Time Hyde Park here.