It’s the rare band that stays together for 30 years. Rarer still is the band that remains as popular decades later as they were in the beginning, getting airplay, regardless of the fact that they haven’t performed together or released an album since 1999. Still, Genesis is a rare band – and their roots date back almost 40 years.

Founded by Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks – who were only 15-years-old at the time – in 1965 in Surrey, England, the band eventually merged with another band, Anon, and two of their members Michael Rutherford and Anthony Phillips. The four were joined by Chris Stewart and called themselves “The New Anon.”

Together, The New Anon laid down demo tracks, the songs written by Phillips and Rutherford. The then-teenagers all attended Charterhouse School, which later proved to be valuable, for it was another Charterhouse alum, producer Jonathan King, who helped get the band into a recording studio. It was also King who changed the band’s name to Genesis.

In 1968, Genesis released their first single, “Silent Sun,” but it remained inconspicuous on the charts and with the public. A year later, Genesis was signed with the new record label Charisma, and they immediately began recording their second album, “Trespass.”

The 1970 departure of Phillips led to the entrance of drummer Phil Collins and guitarist Steve Hackett. It was the 1972 album, “Foxtrot,” that put Genesis on the map both lyrically and with the fans. Genesis concert tickets sold like hotcakes, and fans loved their live performances so much that “Genesis Live” was released in 1973.

Genesis suffered a major blow when, in 1975, Gabriel left the band. Instead of bringing in a new lead singer, the remaining members decided to give the spot to Collins. The band next recorded “Trick of the Tail” which shot to the third slot on the British charts.

Genesis continued recording and playing to sold out audiences through the 1980s. In 1991, Collins announced his intention to leave Genesis to pursue a solo career, effectively making “We Can’t Dance” the last album featuring the popular frontman. Collins was replaced by Ray Wilson, and in 1997, Genesis released, “Calling All Stations.” Unfortunately, neither the critics nor the fans were impressed, so much so that the ensuing tour was a disaster.

The band officially parted ways in 1999, but their music is still played on radio stations across the country.

In the end, Genesis had released dozens of albums, including: “From Genesis to Revelation” (1968), “Selling England By The Pound” (1973), “Seconds Out” (1977), “Genesis” (1983), “Invisible Touch” (1986), and “Turn It On Again” (1999).