What if Genesis broke up in 1977?

Originally posted by HackettFan

I have a lot of sympathy for Phil Collins. He openly admits his issues on film. I have mixed feelings about the 2 versions of Genesis. I don't find myself listening to the mainstream material, however it is not terribly awful in any sense of the word. "I Can't Dance" wasn't very appealing to me, but "Home By the Sea" and several others were not cheesy sell out songs either. Phil Collins and Michael Rutherford openly admit on the VHS Genesis documantary that they couldn't wait until those progressive days were over. But then Phil on the other hand says "If I hear people putting down our early progressive music, then I get angry and suddenly find myself defending it. He went overboard with his session work , for progressive rock artists in the 70's. Not just Brand X , but David Greenslade, Andrew LLoyd Webber's "Variations", Argent's "Counterpoints" and many more. Mostly underground prog. He was all over the map like Bruford was after the fold of King Crimson. I think since he was so devoted to prog, that his frustrations bounce all over the place and he has always been between a rock and a hard place. He defends the so called Genesis "Pop songs" and he defends himself when he is attacked by proggers who claim that he is a sell out. He will then make shrude comments, putting down the prog scene back then, BUT...when the punks said Pink Floyd were boring old farts, Phil agreed but also thought it was unjust that Genesis' name were mentioned in the same breath. Then he would openly admit that the early Genesis had something special to offer which in his book, differed from the rest of the prog world. I think he has a love for "Motown" , but also deep in his heart has respect and love for his work in the underground prog world. For example ...his vocals on Anthony Phillips "Geese and the Ghost" and so many other prog recordings where he played drums. I would hate to be him because it would be a nightmare of a reality constantly defending yourself on either end of the spectrum. I feel bad for the guy. He is an amazing talent.