Turn It On Again: Genesis Opens 2021 North American Tour
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Genesis’ Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins in Chicago, Nov. 15, 2021
Genesis began the North American edition of their long-awaited reunion tour on November 15, 2021, with opening night of their “The Last Domino?” tour at the United Center in Chicago, Ill. The audience was treated to a mix of hits and album cuts, and the spectacular light show that has always been one of the band’s live hallmarks.
The band, who had slimmed down to the threesome of Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks all the way back in 1977, had abruptly ended the U.K. edition after their Oct. 7 performance in Glasgow when they announced that at least one member of the touring band had tested positive for Covid-19. (Rutherford later told USA Today that it was him.) (Those shows have since been moved to 2022.) Prior to the U.K. tour, the group hadn’t performed live together since 2007. The North American edition was announced on April 29, 2021.
Due to severe issues with his back, Collins, born January 30, 1951, is no longer able to drum. (His percussion playing is limited to the tambourine.) He has also dealt with hip issues in recent years and now sits center stage. The trio are joined on this tour by Collins’ son, Nic, who has filled in for his father behind the kit during his recent solo tours. (The younger Collins turned 20 on April 21.) Longtime Genesis touring band member, Daryl Stuermer, returns on guitar and bass. Also on hand are Daniel Pearce on backing vocals and percussion, and Patrick Smyth on backing vocals and tambourine.
On opening night, the 23-song setlist was almost identical to those performed on the U.K. tour. (They mirror many of the songs on the group’s new compilation, also called The Last Domino, with tracks such as “Carpet Crawlers” and “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” dating back to 1974, their final album with their original frontman, Peter Gabriel.) Watch several clips below. (Warning: The clips are great though you’ll have to put up with singing by a nearby audience member.)
Watch them take the stage and perform the opening numbers, “Behind the Lines” / “Duke’s End” and “Turn It On Again”
The setlist features several choice album cuts.
Watch them perform “Home By the Sea” and “Second Home By the Sea”
The title cut from 1974’s The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is performed as part of a mini acoustic set.
The group performed 1980’s hit single “Misunderstanding” for the first time since 1984.
Watch Collins introduce the band, followed by “Misunderstanding” plus Banks’ showcase on “Firth of Fifth” and “I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)”
Following Collins’ interaction with the crowd, 1986’s “Domino” from the Invisible Touch album was a highlight.
The 21 shows are the first time in 14 years that the band has visited North America, when they reunited for 2007’s Turn It On Again tour.
Next up: “Throwing It All Away”
Watch them close out the main set with two favorites
Watch the evening’s first encore, “I Can’t Dance”
The concert closed with “Carpet Crawlers,” also from Gabriel’s 1974 swan song with the band.
Thanks to Philippe Lopez for the outstanding videos.
Genesis, United Center, Chicago, Ill., Nov. 15, 2021
Behind the Lines / Duke’s End
Turn It On Again
Mama
Land of Confusion
Home By the Sea
Second Home By the Sea
Fading Lights
The Cinema Show
Afterglow
That’s All
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Follow You Follow Me
No Son of Mine
Misunderstanding
Firth of Fifth
I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)
Domino
Throwing It All Away
Tonight Tonight Tonight
Invisible Touch
Encore
I Can’t Dance
Dancing With the Moonlight Knight
Carpet Crawlers
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1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationYou’re right, the videos are really good but the guy in the audience sucks! I’ve heard drunk karaoke better than that.