HENLEY-ON-THAMES, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Mike Rutherford of Mike and the Mechanics performs on stage at Rewind South 80s Music Festival at Temple Island Meadows on August 16, 2014 in Henley-on-Thames, United Kingdom. (Photo by Rob Ball/Redferns via Getty Images)
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In an interview, Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford shared his feelings at the last Genesis concert on March 26, 2022. The show, which almost didn’t happen due to the Covid-19 pandemic, took place in the sold-out O2 Hall in London. Rutherford relates: “It was nice when everyone, including Peter [Gabriel, Ex-Mitglied] and Richard McPhail [Tourmanager aus den Siebzigern], were in the dressing room together. Apart from that, we cordoned off the backstage area,” as reported by “Loudersound”.
Rutherford describes the actual show as “quirky,” adding, “I was doing reasonably well until I saw on my setlist that there were only four songs left. Seeing this in print made me emotional, but after overcoming all the issues with Covid it felt very good to finish things.”
All in all, the farewell tour was a nice experience for everyone, especially seeing what Genesis means to the world, says Rutherford: “For example, we played a few shows in America, in a city where we have been for thirty years have not performed again and both nights were sold out. This proves what a beautiful reach Genesis had. It was a bit sad but I really enjoyed our last tour. It’s always a pleasure to be on stage with Phil and Tony.”
But Mike Rutherford’s live career didn’t end with Genesis, quite the opposite. During a Genesis hiatus in 1985, Rutherford formed the band Mike + The Mechanics, with whom he is currently touring the UK. Although the band has their own hits, such as “The Living Years” or “All I Need Is A Miracle”, they will also play some Genesis songs that were not heard on the farewell tour. On top of that, actual drummer Gary Wallis is being replaced by Nic Collins, son of Phil Collins, due to health complications – just like live on Genesis.
Tickets for the 34-act tour can be found at their website.