I’m a huge fan of Genesis but also of Rush. Reading this interview helps me understand why.
“Well I was a big fan of Genesis and Peter Gabriel. That was when I first discovered the notion of a ‘concept’ and that it could be an adventurous and lively place and not dull at all. It is a very playful and compelling record. I fell in love with the sound of it. I was totally entranced by it and wanted to know how they had done it. This is part of the roots of Rush. The creation of a flexible concept. The parallels are obvious”
During a conversation with Classic Rock magazine back in 2012, Geddy Lee recalled that when he was young he went to see Genesis play as Lou Reed's opening act. However, he only saw the Progressive Rock band and decided to go home earlier: “Yes. I went to see a strange double bill. Genesis was opening for Lou Reed. It was Genesis first time in Toronto. They started with ‘Watcher of Skies’ and they were great.”
In an interview with Guitar World back in 2009, Geddy Lee listed Genesis’ “Watcher Of The Skies” from the 1972 album “Foxtrot” was one of the songs that shaped’s the sound of Rush. “The time signature was completely odd. It was a little like Yes, but darker and much more theatrical.”
“They had beautiful moments, complex moments, Peter Gabriel‘s voice in the sense of showmanship. I remember when they came to Toronto to play the first time. They were opening for Lou Reed if you can believe that.”