In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we gaze upward with “Watcher of the Skies,” the monumental opening track from Genesis's Foxtrot (1972). With its eerie Mellotron fanfare and apocalyptic vision, the song captures Genesis at their most cosmic — blending science fiction, existential wonder, and masterful musicianship.
We explore how Peter Gabriel's lyrics imagine a lone being returning to a desolate Earth, how Tony Banks's haunting chords defined the sound of 70s progressive rock, and how Phil Collins and Steve Hackett helped transform an otherworldly idea into a thunderous live classic.
Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we decode the mystery, the mood, and the might of Watcher of the Skies — a song that turned Genesis from storytellers into visionaries.
#Genesis #WatcherOfTheSkies #Foxtrot #PeterGabriel #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory #70sRock #Mellotron
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28:29
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28:29
Seven Stones
In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we turn our attention to one of Genesis's most overlooked treasures — “Seven Stones” from Nursery Cryme (1971). Between the sprawling epics and wild theatrics of the album lies this haunting, reflective piece that reveals a deeper side of early Genesis.
We explore the song's themes of fate, wisdom, and loss — a fable-like meditation on how small moments can change the course of life. With Tony Banks's majestic Mellotron, Peter Gabriel's storytelling restraint, and the band's dynamic interplay, Seven Stones stands as a quiet but profound moment in Genesis's early evolution.
Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we uncover how this song captures the soul of what made early Genesis so timeless — poetic, unpredictable, and utterly human.
#Genesis #PeterGabriel #TonyBanks #PhilCollins #MikeRutherford #SteveHackett #NurseryCryme #SevenStones #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory #70sRock
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29:32
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29:32
The Return of the Giant Hogweed
In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we unleash “The Return of the Giant Hogweed” — Genesis's wild, witty, and apocalyptic prog-rock epic from Nursery Cryme (1971). Inspired by a real-life invasive plant from Russia, this overgrown masterpiece blends absurd humor, ecological warning, and musical virtuosity into one of the band's most ambitious early works.
We explore how Peter Gabriel's surreal storytelling and Tony Banks's furious keyboards helped Genesis evolve from pastoral beginnings into full-blown theatrical rock. From Steve Hackett's blistering guitar work to Phil Collins's precise drumming, The Return of the Giant Hogweed is both a cautionary tale and a showcase of a band discovering its power.
Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we trace the roots of Genesis's strangest creation — a song that's equal parts satire, sci-fi, and symphonic brilliance.
#Genesis #PeterGabriel #SteveHackett #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #NurseryCryme #ReturnOfTheGiantHogweed #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory #70sRock
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37:57
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37:57
The Fountain of Salmacis
️In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we descend into the myth and mystery of “The Fountain of Salmacis” — the epic closing track from Genesis's Nursery Cryme (1971). Drawing from Ovid's Metamorphoses, the song tells the haunting tale of Hermaphroditus and the nymph Salmacis, blending ancient mythology with the band's emerging progressive brilliance. We explore how The Fountain of Salmacis marks the first time the “classic” Genesis lineup — Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, and Phil Collins — truly found their voice. From Gabriel's theatrical delivery to Banks's towering Mellotron and organ textures, this song is the moment Genesis became Genesis. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we dive into the story, the sound, and the strange beauty that still flows from this early Genesis masterpiece. #Genesis #PeterGabriel #SteveHackett #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #NurseryCryme #FountainOfSalmacis #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #MildManneredSupermen #GenesisPodcast #MusicHistory
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33:35
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33:35
Stagnation
Well stay in 1970 for one more from Trespass, Stagnation. Ever wonder how Tony Banks got that sound or what the lyrics mean? You're in the right place!
Welcome to Mild Mannered Supermen. A tribute to Prog Rock and the early days of Genesis. We'll feature songs from the Peter Gabriel era from a fan's perspective with a twist...Listen as our professional musician host breaks down the intricate details of the songs that kicked off the careers of some of the most famous names in 80s and 90s pop; Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and Steve Hackett.
Ireland