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My Book of Genesis
FOREWORD BY PETER GABRIEL.
School friend, aide-de-camp and tour manager, Richard Macphail was for almost five years the glue that held Genesis together, and in his affectionate memoir My Book of Genesis he tells his own unique story of the group's early years. Richard was the singer in Anon, the Charterhouse school group that included Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips, which would later merge with Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks' group The Garden Wall to become Genesis. Richard then became their one-man road crew, shepherding them from gig to gig, providing a cottage where they could live and rehearse and offering support when it was most needed. Richard was there when Phil Collins was auditioned, when Steve Hackett was recruited to replace Anthony Phillips and when Peter Gabriel left for a solo career. He was in the thick of it as they fulfilled their ambitions, signing to Charisma, touring Europe and America and recording a series of albums that fans fondly remember as the bedrock of Genesis' extraordinary career. In his book's final chapters he describes his ongoing relationship with Peter, Mike, Tony, Phil and Steve, a friendship that has endured for over 50 years. Featuring contributions from all the members of Genesis and co-written with former Melody Maker journalist Chris Charlesworth, My Book Of Genesis is both revealing and forthright, an insider's account that fans will treasure.
'I think that we would have killed each other without Rich' - Mike Rutherford
School friend, aide-de-camp and tour manager, Richard Macphail was for almost five years the glue that held Genesis together, and in his affectionate memoir My Book of Genesis he tells his own unique story of the group's early years. Richard was the singer in Anon, the Charterhouse school group that included Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips, which would later merge with Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks' group The Garden Wall to become Genesis. Richard then became their one-man road crew, shepherding them from gig to gig, providing a cottage where they could live and rehearse and offering support when it was most needed. Richard was there when Phil Collins was auditioned, when Steve Hackett was recruited to replace Anthony Phillips and when Peter Gabriel left for a solo career. He was in the thick of it as they fulfilled their ambitions, signing to Charisma, touring Europe and America and recording a series of albums that fans fondly remember as the bedrock of Genesis' extraordinary career. In his book's final chapters he describes his ongoing relationship with Peter, Mike, Tony, Phil and Steve, a friendship that has endured for over 50 years. Featuring contributions from all the members of Genesis and co-written with former Melody Maker journalist Chris Charlesworth, My Book Of Genesis is both revealing and forthright, an insider's account that fans will treasure.
'I think that we would have killed each other without Rich' - Mike Rutherford
234 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2017
14 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Richard Macphail
7 books1 followerRichard Paul Macphail was an English musician, road manager, and business owner best known for his relationship with the rock band Genesis from their formation in 1967 to 1973.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 10, 2017
This unusual autobiography is far more than a simple ‘occupational memoir’. Beginning with the background to a group of 1960s teenagers determined to play the music that rang true for them ‒ come hell, high water, or parental exasperation ‒ the focus broadens to follow the threads of the web of lives that evolved into one of the world’s greatest and best-loved bands.
Raconteur Richard Macphail tell his stories with an easy conviviality; these famous names were his childhood friends, co-conspirators in the Charterhouse band that was to become Genesis, and for which Richard was the original singer and front-man. The tales of aspiration mature, deepen, lay out the personal and artistic dynamics that forged the Genesis phenomenon and nurtured the creative spirit of Peter Gabriel.
One of the things I most enjoyed was the occasional geeky detail honouring those other, often ignored, characters in a band: the instruments. Quite incidentally, we hear who played what and when, who begged/borrowed/blagged equipment; what innovations influenced the fabric of the music itself. And the book pays great tribute to those unsung heroes who make the whole show physically possible: the road managers, roadies and gear-humpers who lay life, limb and sleep on the line in the service of a band and its fans.
But this great read is not just for Genesis fans. Whether you’re musician, listener, performer, traveller, geek, or simply one of the many who envy those who kicked through their teens in the freewheeling '60s, these tales of a music-fuelled, road-hauling, backstage life and its aftermath are by turns poignant and hilarious – not least the hair-raising scenarios best filed under ‘what can possibly go wrong’...
Do read ‒ it’s quite unlike any other music biography you’ll come across.
Raconteur Richard Macphail tell his stories with an easy conviviality; these famous names were his childhood friends, co-conspirators in the Charterhouse band that was to become Genesis, and for which Richard was the original singer and front-man. The tales of aspiration mature, deepen, lay out the personal and artistic dynamics that forged the Genesis phenomenon and nurtured the creative spirit of Peter Gabriel.
One of the things I most enjoyed was the occasional geeky detail honouring those other, often ignored, characters in a band: the instruments. Quite incidentally, we hear who played what and when, who begged/borrowed/blagged equipment; what innovations influenced the fabric of the music itself. And the book pays great tribute to those unsung heroes who make the whole show physically possible: the road managers, roadies and gear-humpers who lay life, limb and sleep on the line in the service of a band and its fans.
But this great read is not just for Genesis fans. Whether you’re musician, listener, performer, traveller, geek, or simply one of the many who envy those who kicked through their teens in the freewheeling '60s, these tales of a music-fuelled, road-hauling, backstage life and its aftermath are by turns poignant and hilarious – not least the hair-raising scenarios best filed under ‘what can possibly go wrong’...
Do read ‒ it’s quite unlike any other music biography you’ll come across.
August 2, 2020
richard macphail is one of those characters in the genesis story that ought to receive more recognition. this book was a delight from start to finish, from the tales of charterhouse days that sound like something out of ripping yarns to the six of the best one off reunion gig. i appreciated all the little anecdotes and insights that otherwise might've never surfaced. it's a music memoir told with fondness, a story of a rock band with a happy ending. as those are few and far between, it made this book all the more special. 4.5 stars.
October 31, 2020
Written in a very informal style but enjoyable for any Genesis & Peter Gabriel fan.
March 10, 2021
A lovely book this one, very charming and easy to read. A fascinating subject of course for me as a long life Genesis fan, and interesting to hear about Richard’s life after he moved away from Genesis. No unusual revelations or anything like that but it was an interesting book to read.
November 6, 2021
What you always wanted to know about the founding story of the band Genesis you will learn here in a very amusingly told way. Things that you would otherwise not learn so easily.I can recommend it to all Genesis and Peter Gabriel fans. I had a lot of fun reading it and since I am a Genesis listener from the first hour, this book took me on a time travel back to the 70s.
March 23, 2018
An interesting read, as opposed to a fascinating insight into the Rock Band 'Genesis'. As their former 'Roadie' cum Manager you'd think there's be more interesting anecdotes. But, sadly no. Most of the history is fairly well documented and in that sense I found the book a little disappointing and very much a missed opportunity. Its almost as if the author has some kind of disclosure agreement where he can't say too much ... quite the reverse he says very little!
The initial part of the book regarding the author's time at Charterhouse English Public school was quite uninteresting and read like 'Tom Brown's Schooldays' However, some of the later tales of his life on the road post-Genesis was quite informative, without being particularly riveting or humourous.
Unless you're a dedicated fan of Genesis (which I happen to be), I'd give this a miss and even then, I'd think twice about reading it ... its okay but only okay
The initial part of the book regarding the author's time at Charterhouse English Public school was quite uninteresting and read like 'Tom Brown's Schooldays' However, some of the later tales of his life on the road post-Genesis was quite informative, without being particularly riveting or humourous.
Unless you're a dedicated fan of Genesis (which I happen to be), I'd give this a miss and even then, I'd think twice about reading it ... its okay but only okay
February 20, 2019
This was a fun read. For Genesis freaks like myself, it's a sweet reminiscence by an insider who was there at the beginning before they were even Genesis. Ardent fans of the band tend to grouse when the same details are re-told by band members or insiders, and this book is probably no exception. But I gleaned a few things from those old days, and I had no idea how much Richard worked in the music industry after he "left" Genesis to work with others artists (like the mafia, it appears one can't really ever leave for good).
My only nitpick is that the book suffers from a few editing deficiencies. But none of them take away from a really pleasant read. He benefits greatly with contributions from Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins, and Steve Hackett in the way of anecdotal remembrances; and Peter Gabriel's forward is touchingly written. If you're a fan of Genesis, this is worth reading.
My only nitpick is that the book suffers from a few editing deficiencies. But none of them take away from a really pleasant read. He benefits greatly with contributions from Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins, and Steve Hackett in the way of anecdotal remembrances; and Peter Gabriel's forward is touchingly written. If you're a fan of Genesis, this is worth reading.
April 30, 2022
Deludente.
A parte un paio di piccoli aneddoti, niente di eclatante... Mi sarei aspettata MOLTO MOLTO di più.
Se si è fan dei Genesis (non per forza in modo esagerato come lo sono io) non vi racconterà nulla di nuovo. Se non lo si è e si vuole iniziare a scoprire un po' la band, non penso sia comunque questo il testo adatto.
Richard Macphail è stata una figura centrale dei primissimi anni della band e questo libro avrebbe potuto raccontare moooolto di più di ciò che ha fatto.
Dico solo che anche le foto (tutte in risoluzione terribile) sono già viste e riviste mille volte, non c'è una chicca neanche a livello fotografico.
Peccato, anche perché sto scherzetto mi è costato tipo 30 euro per circa 200 pagine. E il prezzo dei libri non è neanche una cosa che guardo solitamente.
2 stelle perché qualsiasi libro in cui si parla anche di Tony Banks merita una stella in più di default.
A parte un paio di piccoli aneddoti, niente di eclatante... Mi sarei aspettata MOLTO MOLTO di più.
Se si è fan dei Genesis (non per forza in modo esagerato come lo sono io) non vi racconterà nulla di nuovo. Se non lo si è e si vuole iniziare a scoprire un po' la band, non penso sia comunque questo il testo adatto.
Richard Macphail è stata una figura centrale dei primissimi anni della band e questo libro avrebbe potuto raccontare moooolto di più di ciò che ha fatto.
Dico solo che anche le foto (tutte in risoluzione terribile) sono già viste e riviste mille volte, non c'è una chicca neanche a livello fotografico.
Peccato, anche perché sto scherzetto mi è costato tipo 30 euro per circa 200 pagine. E il prezzo dei libri non è neanche una cosa che guardo solitamente.
2 stelle perché qualsiasi libro in cui si parla anche di Tony Banks merita una stella in più di default.
November 7, 2018
An interesting account of the rise of a rock group in the days when bands had to work for their success. Some lovely stories and anecdotes of the author's time with Genesis, from their beginnings at Charterhouse through to them cementing their prog-rock status in 1973 with "Selling England by the Pound". Macphail was the unsung hero and his enthusiasm and encouragement helped to see the band through some early setbacks. He was their champion, driver, technician, sound engineer, road manager and cook through their formative years and all the band contribute to his story, confirming their gratitude toward a free spirit who they saw as a sixth member.
January 24, 2018
A solid read for fans of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, we hear the inside story of the band's early years through their friend and confidant, Richard Macphail. He has a solid, smooth writing style that puts the reader in the room with the band, and in that moment in time.
There were a few little factual details I picked up that were wrong (Robert Fripp's first solo album is 'Exposure,' not 'Indiscipline') but that's being nit-picky. The overall story of Macphail's time with the band, and afterwards, is an interesting read, and I'm glad I picked up this book.
There were a few little factual details I picked up that were wrong (Robert Fripp's first solo album is 'Exposure,' not 'Indiscipline') but that's being nit-picky. The overall story of Macphail's time with the band, and afterwards, is an interesting read, and I'm glad I picked up this book.
June 5, 2020
I was sucked into reading this as the author was a genuine player in the early days of Genesis and I'm a sucker for that band. And, yes, some of the Charterhouse details are interesting but, as it went on, I couldn't help but here the kerching a cash till as this recently retired energy adviser added to his pension pot by exploiting his fortunate history of being an old friend of some talented people. This was confirmed by him telling tales on Peter Gabriel's sexual conquests in the most pedestrian of ways; eugh.
July 29, 2020
This was a fun book. Written from the perspective of the Cheif Roady for the band Genesis. The author grew up with the boys in the band, went to public school with them and was there when they started to play music as a group. The band has a ton of talent and like many others had squabbles. He walks the reader through the beginning days of Genesis up through the Lamb rout, when Peter Gabriel quit the band. Great stories and back drop. He also toured with Gabriel for a while, but decided it was more important to be a friend then work for the solo artist.
January 3, 2022
This book was written someone who managed of the band from 1969 to 1973. He was instrumental in launching the band from the early days. This book came from his prospective as manager. He was there when Phil Collins and Steve Hackett joined the band. Since he was their manager, he could of gave more insight about the band like their song writing and when they were creating their albums.
He also managed Peter Gabriel when he went solo along with other artists like Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen. He gives very little details about Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen.
He does an interview with Steve Hackett which is interesting to read.
He also managed Peter Gabriel when he went solo along with other artists like Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen. He gives very little details about Van Morrison and Leonard Cohen.
He does an interview with Steve Hackett which is interesting to read.
March 3, 2018
Deep stories about the making of Genesis from someone within
Terrific insight on the formation and early growth of one of the biggest bands, not only in prog, but rock music in general. While the author included material outside his role in Genesis, such as his involvement with energy efficiency and meeting his wife, it was probably necessary for someone who's not a public figure and wanting to separate his friendship with the band from his professional roles.
Terrific insight on the formation and early growth of one of the biggest bands, not only in prog, but rock music in general. While the author included material outside his role in Genesis, such as his involvement with energy efficiency and meeting his wife, it was probably necessary for someone who's not a public figure and wanting to separate his friendship with the band from his professional roles.
January 30, 2018
I love a good Genesis story, but I always want more, more details, more minutia, just more. Having read Phil Collins' and Mike Rutherford's memoirs, Richard Macphail adds a different perspective. Well worth the read.
July 31, 2020
Not a bad little book, and certainly interesting for any Genesis fan, but quite short, and it always feels like there was so much more to say. Still, worth a read and it truly feels like a trip down memory lane.
January 26, 2021
Delightful memoir from the author which recounts a familiar history but from a different perspective. Not just as an insider but also as a personal friend who was as much a member of the classic line-up as the musicians.
June 8, 2023
loved this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed Richard’s important account of the early days of Genesis. He was an integral part of the group and gives an alternative perspective that is part friend part fan and part band member.
I thoroughly enjoyed Richard’s important account of the early days of Genesis. He was an integral part of the group and gives an alternative perspective that is part friend part fan and part band member.
November 13, 2024
Really interesting behind the scenes look at Genesis from their good friend and colleague. Different perspective than from a direct band member, but comes from a place of love and admiration for the members of the band from the very beginning.
March 5, 2025
I find the Wymer books a bit hit or miss in general but this is definitely in the hit category. An entertaining trip back in time to the 70s with Genesis and Peter Gabriel. Definitely one for fans of both Peter Gabriel and Genesis
December 26, 2018
Fantastic read, a listen to the audio book contains an intro by Peter Gabriel and a recording of the Steve Hackett interview.
If you’re a fan of Genesis, it’s well worth the read or listen!
If you’re a fan of Genesis, it’s well worth the read or listen!
August 23, 2020
Not enough about the band
A lot of this is about the author. About half. Some good anecdotes but not enough. For hard core fans only.
A lot of this is about the author. About half. Some good anecdotes but not enough. For hard core fans only.
October 13, 2021
Great read!
September 9, 2024
A must-read for any Genesis fan. The author passed away toward the end of August 2024. R.I.P.
June 5, 2021
One of the best books about early Genesis, told from the inside with candour and class. In some ways it sheds more light on the dynamics within the band members at that formative stage of their young lives than any other Genesis biography, including the personal memoirs of Rutherford, Collins and Hackett.
Highly recommended to any lovers of the band's music, which still resonates to this day, and yet which still fails to put its finger on the magic at the heart of, particularly, Tony Banks' musical genius. Which is a good thing. It's the intangible, candescent majesty of Cinema Show and Firth of Fifth which will have music fans in raptures for decades, or more, to come. And which still enrapture 50 years after their creation.
And the great Anthony Philips emerges as a figure of singular importance among the gifted team. His musical nous and compositional ear have bequethed a lifetime's worth of beauty, and it's comforting to know that he's appreciated beyond the family circle. I would recommend Seventh Heaven, his collection of orchestral pieces from 2012, reisssued in 2019, as arguably the most translucent, achingly beautiful collection of 'tunes' and tender arrangements ever from the Genesis camp. or many others. Up there with any fine classical composer.
Highly recommended to any lovers of the band's music, which still resonates to this day, and yet which still fails to put its finger on the magic at the heart of, particularly, Tony Banks' musical genius. Which is a good thing. It's the intangible, candescent majesty of Cinema Show and Firth of Fifth which will have music fans in raptures for decades, or more, to come. And which still enrapture 50 years after their creation.
And the great Anthony Philips emerges as a figure of singular importance among the gifted team. His musical nous and compositional ear have bequethed a lifetime's worth of beauty, and it's comforting to know that he's appreciated beyond the family circle. I would recommend Seventh Heaven, his collection of orchestral pieces from 2012, reisssued in 2019, as arguably the most translucent, achingly beautiful collection of 'tunes' and tender arrangements ever from the Genesis camp. or many others. Up there with any fine classical composer.
June 8, 2019
A pleasant listen, but as has been mentioned before, there’s not a whole lot new in terms of the band’s history, and I’d say that despite the book’s title, only about 25% is actually to do with Genesis. One bonus of the audiobook is that the last 45 minutes of it is a recording of the author’s recent interview with guitarist Steve Hackett.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews