Genoa remembers Genesis - October 12

The event

On the misty mountain

Jo and I flew to Genoa on Saturday 6th October for an event to celebrate Genesis' first tour in Italy in 1972 following the release of Foxtrot...

It was great to hook up with Richard Macphail. His wife Maggie plays exquisite music on antique instruments including the harpsichord and forte piano. Richard himself advises people on alternative technology - a really important thing in this era... Originally he went to school with Peter, Tony and Mike, and sang in a band called Anon with Ant Phillips and Mike I believe. He looked after us all in Genesis in a myriad of ways in the early seventies and had the look of a denim clad gentle Viking with red hair. No one could have cared more for the band. It's very much like the function of my wife Jo in my present life. Sometimes you're lucky enough to come across individuals whose love and commitment is total. A rare breed indeed. I was glad to be able to introduce them to each other.

So off we went with Richard, Nick Clabburn and Peter Rudden... in Genoa joined by friend Mino Profumo and the rest of the event organisers, along with Vania Santi of Blue Sky and other special Italian pals. Theatro Govi was completely full for the event and the atmosphere was buzzing. Richard and I signed autographs, talked on stage and answered questions (with a brief bit of guitar playing on a nylon guitar loaned on the spot) followed by tribute band Real Dream, who gave a spirited performance.

Forty years on from my first fantastic experience of Italy, the enthusiasm, warmth and the sumptuous meals are even more special than ever... The following morning we went on a fascinating trip out of Genoa to the top of a mountain where a monastery was surrounded by swirling mist, curling around pillars and through archways...

What an incredible experience, and all within 24 hours! A very big thank you from Jo and myself to Mino Profumo, Marina Montaobbio, Athos Enrile, Marco Leodori, Marco Baldi and all at Musicarteam for all making this a special event. Our thanks as well to both Vania and Richard for all your help and myriad kindnesses...

Group on stage
Photo © Andrea Montaldo

A brief acoustic interlude

Supper's Ready!

Pillars in the clouds - Stefania, Mino, Richard, Steve and Vania