Genesis Celebrate 50 Years of “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” with Super Deluxe Edition Launch in London
On the evening of Friday, September 19, 2025, the heart of London’s Soho played host to an unforgettable celebration of one of progressive rock’s most iconic albums. Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, and Mike Rutherford reunited at the Dolby Screening Room for a very special occasion—the launch of the 50th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The event, which featured a lively Q&A session and a Dolby ATMOS playback of the album, was a moving testament to Genesis’ enduring influence and the monumental legacy of their most ambitious work.
Although the night carried a festive and nostalgic atmosphere, it was tinged with a touch of sadness. Legendary drummer and longtime Genesis frontman Phil Collins, who has faced severe health challenges in recent years, was unable to attend. His absence was felt deeply by the audience and his fellow bandmates, who made sure to acknowledge him with warmth and gratitude throughout the proceedings.
A Historic Gathering
The event marked one of the rare occasions in recent years that Gabriel, Banks, Hackett, and Rutherford appeared together in public. While Genesis has gone through many incarnations over its five-decade career, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, released in 1974, remains unique in the band’s catalogue. It was the final studio album with Peter Gabriel as lead singer and lyricist, and its sprawling narrative—following the surreal journey of Rael, a Puerto Rican youth navigating dreamlike trials in New York City—cemented the record’s place as a progressive rock masterpiece.
Fans and invited guests filled the Dolby Screening Room, buzzing with anticipation. Many of them had grown up with The Lamb…, while others were younger admirers who discovered the album long after its release. The immersive soundscape of the Dolby ATMOS presentation allowed the audience to hear the record in a way that had never been possible before, bringing fresh life to the intricate arrangements and atmospheric storytelling.
Q&A with Alexis Petridis
Before the playback, the four band members joined acclaimed journalist Alexis Petridis for a wide-ranging conversation about the album’s creation, impact, and legacy. Petridis, who has long championed progressive rock’s artistic merits, guided the discussion with both humor and insight.
Peter Gabriel spoke candidly about the conceptual side of the project, recalling how he drew inspiration from street culture, dreams, and his own personal experiences to craft Rael’s narrative. “I wanted it to feel like a cinematic journey, where anything could happen,” Gabriel reflected. “At the time, it was quite risky, but looking back, that unpredictability is what gave the record its power.”
Tony Banks delved into the musical complexities, highlighting how the band pushed themselves creatively in both composition and arrangement. “We were constantly experimenting,” he explained. “The Lamb was full of challenges—it was long, intricate, and demanding—but that’s exactly why it’s lasted.”
Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford added their memories of the recording sessions at Headley Grange and Island Studios, often punctuated with laughter as they recounted moments of both tension and camaraderie. Rutherford noted how the record was a “turning point” for Genesis, both artistically and personally, while Hackett emphasized how much the album inspired generations of musicians to embrace storytelling through sound.
Remembering Phil Collins
At several points during the Q&A, the musicians paused to acknowledge Phil Collins’ absence. Though he joined Genesis primarily as a drummer and only later stepped into the role of lead vocalist after Gabriel’s departure, Collins’ contributions to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway were enormous. His powerful drumming and inventive rhythms provided the backbone for much of the record’s intensity.
Gabriel and Banks spoke warmly of Collins, with Gabriel noting: “Phil’s energy was essential. Even in the most complicated sections, he gave everything this pulse and drive. We miss him dearly tonight.” Rutherford added, “This music wouldn’t exist in the same way without Phil. He’s very much a part of this celebration, even if he can’t be here in person.”
A Monumental Legacy
The Super Deluxe Edition of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway offers fans the most comprehensive exploration of the album to date. Alongside a remixed Dolby ATMOS version, the set includes rare archival material, unreleased demos, live recordings from the 1974–75 tour, and an expansive book filled with photos, essays, and insights from the band members.
For many in attendance, the night felt like both a reunion and a farewell—a recognition of the album’s timeless magic and an acknowledgment of the passing years. The mixture of celebration and poignancy underscored just how much Genesis has meant to generations of listeners.
As the playback concluded and the final notes of “It” echoed through the Dolby Screening Room, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation. For a brief moment, time seemed to collapse, bringing the 1974 spirit of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway into the present.
Even without Phil Collins on stage, his presence was felt in every beat and every memory. And for the fans, hearing the surviving members of Genesis reflect on their masterpiece in person was nothing short of historic.
