My Book of Genesis

By: Richard Macphail, Chris Charlesworth

Narrated by: Richard Macphail

Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

Foreword read by Peter Gabriel. Audiobook read by Richard Macphail. Bonus interview with Steve Hackett. 

School friend, aide-de-camp, and tour manager Richard Macphail was for almost five years the glue that held Genesis together, and in his affectionate memoir, My Book of Genesis, he tells his own unique story of the group's early years. 

Richard was the singer in Anon, the Charterhouse school group that included Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips that would later merge with Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks' group, The Garden Wall, to become Genesis. Richard then became their one-man road crew, shepherding them from gig to gig, providing a cottage where they could live and rehearse, and offering support when it was most needed. 

Richard was there when Phil Collins was auditioned, when Steve Hackett was recruited to replace Anthony Phillips, and when Peter Gabriel left for a solo career. He was in the thick of it as they fulfilled their ambitions, signing to Charisma, touring Europe and America, and recording a series of albums that fans fondly remember as the bedrock of Genesis' extraordinary career. 

In his audiobook's final chapters, he describes his ongoing relationship with Peter, Mike, Tony, Phil, and Steve, a friendship that has endured for more than 50 years. Featuring contributions from all the members of Genesis and cowritten with former Melody Maker journalist Chris Charlesworth, My Book of Genesis is both revealing and forthright, an insider's account that fans will treasure.

"I think that we would have killed each other without Rich." (Mike Rutherford)

©2017 Wymer Publishing (P)2018 Wymer Publishing

A Must for Every Genesis Fan

Fantastic read, a listen to the audio book contains an intro by Peter Gabriel and a recording of the Steve Hackett interview.

If you’re a fan of Genesis, it’s well worth the read or listen!

I had no idea

I consider myself to be a hardcore Genesis fan, with a special fondness and appreciation for their 1970-80 catalogue. I have read Armando’s book several times, plus countless magazine and internet articles on the band, but had no idea what a pivotal and crucial role Richard played in their success. There are wonderful and heartfelt stories recalling the early years of Genesis, and also very interesting and humorous accounts of Richard’s adventures. If you’re a fan of the formative years of the band this is a delightful must read.

Fascinating

Wonderful behind the scenes history of the early years of Genesis! The struggles and challenges they faced coupled with their will to succeed were on full display from an inside point of view. Nicely done Richard!

my suppers ready

took me back to age 13 and that emotion i felt seeing genesis live 1973 that changed my life the best part is the writer is a fan first and foremost like us

The Rise of Legends from a Unique Perspective

Great insider account of a legendary bands rise to glory from a supporting player. only strike I've given it is that some parts of the book careen off of the topic of Genesis, and with all due respect to the author, some of his side exploits weren't if interest to me and I was wondering what I was listening to. seems like a lovely bloke, through!

Absolutely brilliant!!

I've been a Genesis fan since I was about seven years old. I'm now forty five.
I have no agenda whatsoever, I'm just stating my opinion..
The editing is poor in places but that really doesn't matter. For any Gabriel+ era fan, this is surely what you really wanted to hear!
Anyway, that's all I wanted to say.

A good listen

a really interesting and quite touching look behind the scenes at early genesis and how the band started out

Fascinating Insight Into Early Genesis

I am a longstanding fan of early Genesis and it was fascinating to hear another perspective of that era from Richard, who was so closely involved with the band.
Well narrated by Richard himself. I also liked the forward by Peter Gabriel and the audio interview with Steve Hackett at the end.
Many thanks for writing this book Richard.

long time Genesis fan

interesting to hear how it all started and the early years. I camped out for 3 days in Aylesbury cattle market for tickets. It was the first time I saw the band live and 40 years in still following them. What a band

Great for Fans

If you are a fan of early Genesis, and early Peter Gabriel, you'll really enjoy it.