1986 Hit was SO EERILY Prophetic…this Band HAD to BE Time Travelers! | Professor of Rock

Coming up, the story of Genesis, a band that was so great at creating hits that they had multiple projects in between albums… In fact, between lead singer Phil Collins and bassist Mike Rutherford, they had over a dozen top 10 hits over just a couple of years. But today’s song Land of Confusion might be their best. It was so prophetic many now wonder if they were time travelers because this 1986 smash hit describes our day to a tee. And most don’t realize that it’s a protest song... It helped that the music video supporting the song was just as compelling as the song… led by some really deranged muppets…that cost 10K each. The story is next on Professor of Rock.
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It’s time for another edition of #1 in our hearts where we cover a song that was great, so impactful that it should’ve been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 but for reasons, we’ll find out… It came up short… Today we’re covering a song that is probably remembered better for its music video than its #4 ranking on the Billboard Hot 100. It's one of the most memorable music videos of the 80s. It’s Genesis with Land of Confusion.
So, by the time Genesis released their 13th studio album Invisible Touch on June 6, 1986, the band had basically taken over the world. There’s no doubt, the 80s were good to Genesis, who at this time consisted of Tony Banks on keyboards and synth bass, Mike Rutherford on guitar, and Phil Collins on drums and lead vocals. These former prog-rockers transformed themselves into an all-out pop-rock powerhouse. 1980’s Duke, 1981’s Abacab, and 1983’s Genesis all did well across the world. In the US, they went #11, #7, and #9 respectively, churning out 6 Top 40 singles. But if the commercial success of Genesis wasn’t enough, there were also solo careers to consider. In February 1985 Phil Collins released his third solo record, the massive 12-time platinum #1 album, No Jacket Required. It contained a slew of chart champions… That’s two #1 hits, a #4 spot, and a #7 placement.
Add to that ‘chart-topping cuts’ Against All Odds and Separate Lives and the #2 Phillip Bailey collaboration Easy Lover, and it’s clear Collins was one of the 80s’ biggest acts. Most think that the 80s were ruled by Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, George Michael and Whitney Houston but from 1985-1987 between Solo and Genesis, Phil was bigger than anyone and he looked more like your cool uncle than a pop idol.
Said Mike Rutherford, “I don’t know any other bands who’ve done what we did: run successful solo careers along with Genesis. Most guys start a solo career because they’re frustrated, but that wasn’t us. Genesis was going great, but we just wanted variety. Was there any competition between us? I suppose. But we all knew we

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for COOLEST Music Video of the Rock era?

[@peterd.9978]

Hot For Teacher! - Van Halen

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

Tomorrow Silverchair

[@brentcox7772]

“Sledgehammer” Peter Gabriel 🤘🔥

[@christineml1476]

Beasties "Sabotage"

[@williambenner701]

Shock The Monkey -Peter Gabriel

[@MyNameIsBucket]

Turns out, "our world sucks and our leaders are insane idiots" is a message that never gets old.

[@crooker2]

And the idea that 'why can't we all just get along?' is an impossible ideal. ESPECIALLY today.

[@jasonhuntley9927]

Right? Phil Collins is kind of a whiner.

[@YochevedDesigns]

In other news, water is wet.

[@joeszymanski3540]

Unfortunately true.. it's very apparent in the times we're living in now.

[@SonsoftheEagle]

Because the message is as old as time.

[@flyfishizationjones4940]

Phil is not doing well, and it breaks my heart. He can’t even hold drumsticks any more, I read recently. He has left an immense catalogue of absolute BANGERS, but nobody wants to see him leave. Thoughts and prayers for him and his family.

[@Ninjanimegamer]

He had to support his ex wives, and it made him go bankrupt. That kills me more than him getting old. He started to fall apart after losing so much money.

[@spook75a28]

Banging on the drums for a long period of time is terrible on the arms. Same thing happened to the OG drummer of Kiss, Peter Kriss, can't hold a drumstick anymore either due to the damage to his arms. It's very sad.

[@craighermle7727]

@@spook75a28 Neil Peart has significant issues as well that were due to drumming.

[@lorierush6561]

Prayers for him and his family.

[@kalebmanning4425]

Phil Collins is a great guy. I used to protect him from drug dealers in GTA: Vice City Stories on PSP.

[@michelleb7399]

1985 was a tough year for me as a teen with a very stressful family situation. I spent so much time listening to the radio in the mid-80’s that each sample you played gave me flashbacks of several memories from times I heard those songs. I would sing and dance alone in my room. Love these trips down 80’s memory lane

[@jayrussell3796]

Me too. Was thinking exactly the same. It's really amazing how I totally empathize with you and how similar some people can be in this big, big world😊

[@MaxxRemKing1]

I was only like 5 years old during this time but with every song clip I remember the feeling of sitting in the back seat of the car with the sun on my face while a big mysterious world whirled by the window, and these song would come on and I'd suddenly feel something. I was too young to understand the meanings of these songs but the music provoked feelings of joy and curiosity, uncertainty (and even fear) in a way that has never left me. At the time I wondered what the world was like and what these people were singing about and now it is the most nostalgic feeling I have of comfort, safety and childhood innocence.

[@nathanbowen9204]

Year my dad hit the lottery, never came back from getting scratch offs.

[@Johnny_Ayers]

I was listening to Slayer in 1985.

[@tahnibobonnie]

Same for me Michelle.

[@susandiamond9969]

Had a proud parent moment when found my son explaining to a friend ( they're in their late 20's) that the Disturbed version was a remake and proceeded to show him the Genesis video.

[@joeschmoe2659]

Your son has done a great deed! The Disturbed version was a great remake and is my favorite band and has been since about 2006, but the original version from Genesis will be immortal, at least from my perspective

[@SusieRed]

You deserve to be proud! Passing along genius to our children doesn't necessarily mean it has to come from ourselves! Nice!

[@joeszymanski3540]

Nice! Disturbed did do a pretty solid cover but it's good he went back to acknowledge the original.

[@We.are.all.human.]

Haven't heard from disturbed in 10 years. I didn't realize they turned into a cover band like ffdp

[@widmerwonderland]

Disturbed covered it almost 20 years ago ​@@We.are.all.human.

[@simonwild9529]

The puppets in the video were from a weekly political satire television show “Spitting Image”

[@josephcooter5763]

I think that show just had a revival in the UK if I'm not mistaken.

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

I loved that show.

[@mikekaraoke]

@@josephcooter5763 Not just had, that was ages ago now lol

[@donkraemer50]

Was that the UK version of D.C. Follies?

[@skylx0812]

It may have inspired the creaters of many 70s Saturday morning live kids shows, Sid & Marty Kroft, to create an American version called D.C. Follies. It was a very funny political and pop culture satire.

[@davidscullbonz]

I never reconciled the status of “Rock Star” with a short, balding drummer who looked more like an accountant than musician. But Phil Collins did it, then broke the mold. Thank you, Prof, the 80’s will definitely be “in the air tonight.”

[@ajcurtis2813]

A LOT of great rock stars are "short"; Ronnie James Dio, all the members of BOC, George Thorogood, to name a few.

[@traceyrich4885]

Actually, Elton John's wacky clothes were intended to hide the fact that he was short, fat and balding and looked more like a member of Parliament (the political body, not the band, obviously).

[@Romiman1]

The same to my mum. When she saw Phil Collins the 1st time on TV, she was very surprised finding him looking that casual on the stage. She even used the same term "Buchhalter", the German word for accountant.

[@federalreservewolflegend3523]

Yes, but PHIL seems to have the most bangers of ALL artists out there. Including Rush, my favorite band.

[@Ploots21]

I love Genesis…Phil Collins…Peter Gabriel…Mike and the Mechanics…such talent in that band.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So many hits between all of 'em!

[@TheDopekitty]

I didn't realize the Mike of Mike and the mechanics was in genesis. I was just a kid then, so I just knew about Phil and Peter Gabriel

[@Steffe]

My favorite will always be Tony Banks. I never get tired listening to his many solos in all the great Genesis songs.

[@hgodvilla00]

What about Steve Hackett? Don't forget about his massive contributions to their albums in the early to mid 1970s.

[@cc1k435]

I didn't either, and that a couple of those hits were even from them. All I ever remember hearing about is "The Living Years" and nothing else. I should've been paying better attention at the time, but I suppose back then radio didn't always come with subtitles to read. 😆

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

That scene in the pilot episode of Miami vice in 1984, with Crockett and Tubbs in the Ferrari, on their way to take down Calderon, with in the air tonight playing. Man oh man, that still gives me chills. For me, it's the greatest scene in tv history.

[@stephanhuebner4931]

I think there were many scenes in Miami Vice made iconic though a perfectly fitting music track. There's this one scene that gives me chills up to this day with Jackson Brownes' "lives in the balance" playing in the background...

[@kathyd1010]

One of my favorites!

[@InscrutableObjects]

Couldn't agree more. Extremely powerful and cinematic scene. Far greater than anything on television at the time and still represents a high point in the art.

[@EightiesJames]

That was my mother's favorite TV scene ever. She talked about it for a Long -Time..

[@AldousHuxleysCat]

I always like the scene in the boat, where they were playing Russ Ballard's Voices

[@blazerhawkdarren68]

Land of Confusion was one of those songs that is timeless. The lyrics still apply in our time.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Indeed they do!

[@drewdaskievige754]

Yep and the main stream media is not really saying a thing about Nato and the countries staging for WW3. You have to go to you tube and internet to find out anything. Putin, China, North Korea, Iran all showings signs flexing their power and agenda's. Also as you know United States and their allies trying to keep their agenda and the reigns of power on their side. Just depends who is crazy enough to push it to the limit to get there way.

[@alondathomas293]

​​​​@@ProfessorofRockI loved Genesis back in the '80s--- you literally could not turn on a radio station without hearing a Genesis song, or a Phil Collins song, or a Mike and the Mechanics song---that's how huge they were at the time, lol. They totally ruled the airwaves back then. I loved all their songs, including Land of Confusion. They made some good and great songs, and Land of Confusion is definitely one of them. I also liked Tonight, which was used for a commercial.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

More relevant than ever in 2024.

[@TBishopDean]

Yes it is because it was perfect for that time. To me, it’s prophetic in that it shows how history “repeats” itself.

[@blairanderson9098]

I think it’s fantastic that you covered this song. I was in my mid-teens when it came out, I had just lost my grandfather, my parents had just divorced, I was being bullied at school, and we all lived under the radiation that was the Cold War. It truly was an anxiety-ridden time to live through. We all seemed to struggle somewhat with having fun and living carefree, so many of us turned to our diversions: video games, going out with friends, and music. This song, as anxiety-raising as it was for much of the song, ends with hope and a message: DO SOMETHING. Professor of Rock, all of your shows have something you cover with style and grace. And I for one am grateful, because this is OUR history, and your words poignantly spotlight that. Sincerely: thank you. And Rock On!

[@chrissherer2047]

The other message was Ronald Reagan rode dinosaurs. Pretty cool!

[@sigma80]

​@@chrissherer2047Yes, Reagan was going to start WW 3. Just like Trump was going to do that.

[@amorphousblob2721]

I wish you mentioned the song. This guy keeps rambling about the band and all their other songs. It's a 20 minute video, and most of it is not about the song in question.

[@shikhalemuel6802]

Words can not express this bands amazing legacy of music. Phil is a phenomenon.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen! So great.

[@PamelaLynnHowell]

I was at a concert at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia...Peter was already with the band, but at a certain point, I think during the encores... there were 2 drum sets on stage and Phil joined. It was...spectacular 🎉

[@davebellamy4867]

​@@PamelaLynnHowellWhat year was that gig?

[@kennbradley3374]

When living through the era don’t really realize how many hits they really had, it isn’t until you look back on it that you see how great they really are. I say now because music is timeless.

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

When I think of prophetic songs... I think of this lyric... "video killed the radio star...."

[@m33p0]

it wasn't prophetic. 'land of confusion' fit exactly for that time - when ww3 could happen anytime (you're fine as long as you hide behind a dry, wooden desk 😂). but as someone said, 'history doesn't repeat. it rhymes.'

[@thomasb1033]

First song ever played on MTV by the way.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It really predicted it all!

[@judgedrekk2981]

prophetic is predicting the future not proclaiming the now... video killed the radio was proclaiming the then now but was inaccurate cus radio was lifted up by MTV a little and lived on for at least all of the 90's but radio died when XM came in ad record labels forced stations to link up....now every station plays from the same playlists, there's no more local acts being discovered or the DJ deciding to play side B...that is what killed radio.... there's probably still a few indie stations who've resisted and remained viable but even that list is shrinking..... songs like land of confusion and Silent Running are prophetic.... video killed the radio star is a dated artifact that was ever even true....cus video wasn't the death knell corporate decision making was....

[@creatinotionchannel2680]

what about silent running

[@jamesshatley]

Rutherford’s lyrics are spot on and could be applied from the end of WWII on. I would include the movie, Dr. Strangelove. Kubrick’s over-the-top satire of madness, ego & power & Rutherford’s lyrics are plain to see. Adam, your statement at the end of your review here is absolutely, 100% correct. To paraphrase Peter Gabriel and to your point, “Music is the wine we can all enjoy.” As one who did sit in his room and listened to music and the message, I want to again thank you for exposing a new generation to music I grew up with. I’ll leave you with one final thing - It is easier to hate than to love. Ignorance is not a reason to hate, but to understand. Love is our only hope.

[@ronatopaz2793]

Neoliberalism started in 1979. There was nothing to predict after that…

[@kevinL5425]

Where did Phil Collin’s record “No Jacket Required”? In the Stu-Stu-Studio!

[@rogerdeahl9629]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Whisper_292]

Good one@

[@TheSlowoldman]

LOL.....I've never heard that one.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@bobdavis4848]

Phil was being interviewed on David Letterman and mentioned going back into the studio. Dave said, "You mean the Stu-Stu..."

[@ejd715]

As a kid, I absolutely LOVED this video. As you say, the lyrics are much more relevant today than ever. 1986 was such an incredible year for music!

[@stephenbrown4211]

A lot of people don’t rate eighties Genesis for selling out. To me, along with Yes, they had to survive. Those Prog bands that didn’t go along with the eighties fell by the wayside. The Invisible Touch album had some great songs.

[@charleswagner2984]

Side 2 of Invisible Touch is the best album side Genesis made since 1979. Side 1 of Invisible Touch is their worst album side in their whole career.

[@eggsngritstn]

Huge Genesis fan, and, yes, I didn't like either "Invisible Touch" nor "We Can't Dance" overall. However, it kept them together enough for one last tour in the mid-2000's, which I enjoyed. Horses for courses as they say.

[@Raycoatza]

I love prog rock, but Genesis weren't great at it. They were only great when they stopped making it. This is how I see it. Invisible Touch is an amazing album.

[@brucewilson3619]

Check out Disturbed cover

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Purists suck. It's the same with Def Leppard. Purists accuse them of selling out with the release of pyromania and Hysteria. They wanted the band to stay metal, but then Def Leppard wouldn't have had the huge success that they did in the 80s.

[@willadeefriesland5107]

Phil Collins. One of the most distinctive and recognizable singing voices ever...

[@SPAZZOID100]

His drumming is even better.

[@missmarthafawker]

The thing with genesis is that they wanted each other to succeed. They trusted each other. It was the same with the beach boys. People wondered why they succeeded and didn’t break up…… it was because they really trusted each other and wanted the best for each other. There was a genuine like. A genuine friendship with no competition

[@tb6791]

Phil was also one the 80's best producers 😮

[@markusw7936]

Finally... some love for Genesis! It always seems they are kinda forgotten. Also Phil Collins. Makes me sad.

[@pipkingdom]

Google Musical Box!

[@JimmyTwothumbs]

Phil is my all time favorite artist. I’m sad I never got to see him live.

[@tamic4555]

I'm 64 and I love watching your videos. I have learned so much about the stories behind songs that I have loved through the years. And my taste in music is very eclectic (probably due to the many years of listening to great music) so I enjoy all of your videos. Thank you.

[@Drchainsaw77]

In 1986, Genesis was in the charts, as was Phil with No Jacket, Mike with the Mechanics, Steve with GTR, and Peter with So.

[@DCbigpappa]

When the heart rules the mind!

[@wills2140]

Thanks for including Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel. GTR is almost forgotten now, but it stands up well enough. It was one heck of a year! So much going on, so much music coming at us. I got my first job in October '86 and my journey into a super wide variety of music began! good times man, good times

[@revelle8605]

The bridge of this song is so dreamy, so wistful in a way that touches something deep.

[@thelogicaldanger]

I wasn't a big Genesis fan, but I LOVED this song. And it is even more timely today. The 80's was SO full of good music, many songs deserving of #1, didn't get the chance to reach #1. Genesis wasn't time travelers, but they really hit the vibe of that time (and unfortunately of the current time) with this song.

[@DH-vj2bw]

I was more into the hair bands in the 80’s but the exceptions were Genesis and Peter Gabriel. They just wrote great songs. Couldn’t stop watching the Land of Confusion and Big Time videos

[@lena-Ramone]

Big time is great

[@johnnyabbott2302]

ALL of the music of Phil Collins and Genesis definitely takes me back, just like in a time machine, to the days of the most awesome music!

[@jonfargo7321]

Genesis is a phenomenon I came to appreciate over the past couple of years. Their early prog rock is superb. Then they re-invented themselves and became an accessible pop band with traces of prog. A remarkable transformation few could achieve.

[@wills2140]

I can totally understand where you are coming from. Through a co-worker at a previous job, who was also a drummer, I "rediscovered" music that I had not gotten to appreciate in it's time (I had been of age to know, but was too busy working, and into a different scene, etc.). He really liked Dream Theater (among others) and we both had an appreciation for Genesis, his use of KZbin to show what his musical points were what led me to start exploring on here. Just by following the recommended videos after searching for "shoegaze" got me traveling back in time to Madchester... (whata scene !) Eventually I watched _'24 Hour Party People'_ and have been enthralled with that particular time & place, and the music that grew out from it ever since. Though it would be over shadowed too quickly by it's own outgrowth of electronic dance music (from the clubs), and the arrival of "Brit pop" would shove the remaining "Madchester" artists into the background, shoegaze itself never went away and has become stronger than ever thanks to newer bands that incorporate it's sound and style - thankfully. All of that to say : you are so correct about Genesis - they re-invented themselves in every era, and after every former member left. Genesis followed where Phil and Mike (Tony to a lesser degree) went - into their eras pop music, to great success. They never left "prog rock" too far behind, with tracks like _"Domino"_ and _"Tonight, Tonight, Tonight"_ keeping some small elements of it on this album ( _Invisable Touch_ ). As well as _"Dreaming While You Sleep"_ , _"Fading Lights"_ , _"On The Shoreline"_ (a totally underrated b side, all of a newer electronic "prog" style, from the _No Son of Mine_ album). Sadly due to Phil's ever declining health and neurological condition, it is really academic, because Genesis will not ever be fully back and performing any of their songs any longer (tho, both Mike Rutherford will play a couple of songs on his tour, and Steve Hackett did some of the "classic" tracks from his repertoire on his previous tour(s). ).

[@ThreeWheelFlyer]

That song is more relevant today than it was in 1986.

[@starshake8998]

UK vs US -- maybe not?

[@franzgeil422]

Great episode, Professor! This is on rotation in my Spotify. As a pissed off Gulf War vet, I enlisted under Ronald Reagan, and unfortunately, this song rings truer today than ever before. CRANK IT UP!

[@Faesharlyn]

I was 15 and life was very Not Good.. Phil and the boys helped me stay here.

[@waynevia6976]

Genesis is one of the best bands ever in my opinion. Invisible touch is one of my favorite albums. My dad's favorite was throwing it all away. 1986 was a great year.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Throwing it All Away is a personal fave.

[@robertb186]

Phil solo..still not in the hall of fame. Crazy.

[@richardathome65]

This album along with Gabriel's So and a couple of others were the soundtrack to that summer and subsequent autumn for me. I'd just graduated with my Bachelor's and was starting. work on my Master's, and this conjures up that time and my emotions perfectly. My musical tastes essentially fossilised in the 1970s-1980s, so this channel is like mana from heaven!

[@davebellamy4867]

Yep. Both those albums were huge in the UK too in 1986. Then they both payed sepately in London within a few days around 25-28 June and 1-4 July 1987. I was at Gabriel on 28 June and Genesis on 1 July. Their respective career peaks - but I wish I'd seen them in the 70s too. Especially together. Or at the one-off reunion on 2 October 1982.

[@DuneFreak66]

Testify my friend!!!!! The hate being pumped into us on every device in our lives. Love will win one day. This song speaks across time. Big money and world governments just keep making trouble. Helping each other is the way thru. Much love Professor! Music is the only true rebellion left to us.

[@joshuaowens4797]

Those were the days! Take me back!!! Genesis/Phil Collins' was an everyday thing on the radio. I remember watching the Land of Confusion music video on MTV. I was six and it freaked-me-out a little.

[@zelbar2000]

"Land Of Confusion" is timeless. When it came out its political commentary was spot on. Somehow it still hits the nail on the head in todays society. Disturbed did a great cover giving the song a harder edge which just makes the message hit even harder.

[@marktait2371]

agree ways liked disturbed cover better than gen.

[@Crazykid949]

Adam: I love your channel and the levels of depth that you dive into with each topic. Thank you for bringing these songs, groups, and stories to us. Your research, and heart felt delivery make this channel the huge success that you have achieved. After watching your channel for some time now, I find myself being a little upset at myself for not truly understanding some of the songs that I used to not really like, that is until I hear the way that you dive deeply into the group, the lyrics, the meaning from the artists. and the instrumentation of the song. Just by listening to the stories behind some of the songs I used to not like, I find myself being upset at the fact that I missed out for so long about a good, and sometimes great piece of musical art. Thank you for being the force to open my eyes about songs that I had missed for so long, and I doubt I am not the only one who feels this way. Great Channel, Great Information, And Great host. Thank you again for being the light source for music we may have missed. Many wished of Peace, Love, and Happiness my friend!

[@ramlin35]

Well said! 😊

[@user-tc5pl3zw3h]

Adam, we all love you. I think that's mainly because you not only love the music, but also because you sincerely care about people. You're one of those people who always make me try to be a better me. Thanks, mate.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow! Thanks!

[@larrylarry739]

We are a lot closer to Zager & Evans, "In the year 2525," than we are Land of Confusion.

[@TommyZeus-i8n]

The future is Brave New World and 1984.

[@lorierush6561]

Yes I agree. But both apply. In my opinion.

[@kaldemvor]

We're closer to Silent Running than Land of Confusion.

[@email4664]

I am closer to making another sandwich

[@InscrutableObjects]

This is one of the most heartfelt and wonderful videos I've seen in a very long time. Thank you for your beautiful message. I appreciate that you're out there posting these. Thank you!

[@ssjackson5400]

After watching this, I had to find and rewatch the music video, really takes me back to the 80s.

[@lena-Ramone]

❤❤❤

[@BartG87-]

Mama is one of my favorite songs ! By any band , any genre . ❤

[@AB-kx4nc]

Brilliant song

[@Sweet--Richard.4981]

I saw Genesis in 1978, Phil stepped up front and center and did a juggling act. Super Talented! He sounded so much like Peter Gabriel.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@AlvaritoGT]

There is a Genesis book that actually has the quote "Phil Collins sounds more like Peter Gabriel than Peter Gabriel sounds like Peter Gabriel"😅

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow! For real? Multitalented.

[@petechau9616]

FWIW: John Denver soft rock act of the seventies does that also. I knew someone that attended a rock concert and denver was the opening act. On stage John noticed that the crowd was not his type of crowd so as my friends tells me he stopped the show and started telling jokes. Then he pulls out some pins and started to juggle them.

[@SteveStarkey]

One of my favourite albums in the eighties. An album that you can listen to from beginning to end.

[@jeffkostro7804]

I might not love every song you cover, but I do really appreciate your inciteful breakdown of all these songs. And I can say you have changed my mind on a few, and got me to appreciate what most of them were trying to say

[@gregorygarcia6542]

Another great video! Thanks again Adam! We love you man! I remember a bumper sticker from the '80s that just read "Peace through music." That is no lie. I try to live this everyday. The concert is where everybody can come together and be at peace.

[@IamSammy1]

One of my favorite songs. The drum fill after the bridge isn't talked about enough. Great stuff.

[@joe-nn2ml]

The 80's and 90's were the absolute best years in history.

[@smscoal8579]

I’m 63 and still love that album. I don’t think it has a bad song on it. “Land of Confusion” was a great song. You didn’t mention that when the lyrics “these are the hands we give them,” it’s baby’s hands being held in the open palms of an adult (all puppets). I believe that a year after this came out Ronald Reagan had his “Tear down this wall speech.” As a child who had drills sitting under our desks head between your knees (kiss your a$$ goodbye) it was one of the greatest speeches to hear. I also loved Mike and the Mechanics, especially “ In the Living Years.” Thanks Prof!

[@DeafGryphon]

Also LOVED Mea Culpa… ^^

[@jordans4827]

We are the proof of goodness... this musical community. Love this channel.

[@williamallen4236]

I remember Spitting Image doing "The Ron and Nancy Show" about Ron and Nancy Regan-great stuff!

[@warrendevine7459]

The video was an iconic music video in an era of, iconic videos! Great track and album, takes me back to my childhood! Ironically, life was difficult yet less complicated and happier at the time of this! Thanks for the memory reboot!

[@MrPhilm00r]

Such a cool music video and a killer song. I also adore Mike + the Mechanics.

[@jamesferrone7994]

I'm a huge fan of Genesis...ALL eras of the band. So great to see you do them!! Great song choice.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool! Same!

[@DW3010]

What you were saying about music is true. I was at a concert last year and the artist on stage said how divided the world is now, but look around here tonight. we’ve got black, white, Indian, Asian, all different backgrounds, people wearing masks, people not wearing masks, and nobody here is fighting, nobody is arguing, we’re all here to enjoy one thing and I’m happy to provide that for you.

[@marktait2371]

our local outdoor venue was same shame had to close down

[@shoop4040]

Before I even click the video, I knew exactly who you were about to talk about because yes, this is the song that can be relatable to us today be in the present and the future of our humanity. I graduated in 1986. I am a product of the 80s and yes I could be biased but the 80s have to be one of the greatest decades in history thus far when it relates to movies entertainment, freedom fun laughter and of course music.

[@robertpease9834]

How boring would it be if we were all the same. Variety is the spice of life. There are people who love doing a job that I could never find myself doing. Treat other people as you would want to be treated is the motto I live by.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And it’s a great one!

[@wrongwaygarage]

Beautifully said!✌🏻

[@LosRes]

Thanks Prof. Your insight and perspectives on the music just add so much more to it all. You Rock.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I appreciate that!

[@josephcooter5763]

My favorite scene from the video is Spock using a screw driver on a Rubiks Cube before giving up. And my second favorite is Reagan riding a Triceratops like it was Trigger.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I love both! So good, So clever.

[@marktait2371]

yeh spock is the funniest part of the video

[@josephcooter5763]

@@marktait2371 Another funny bit was Mick Jeager pouring ketchup on his tounge, putting a bun on it and then eating his tounge like it was a hot dog.

[@marktait2371]

oohh yeh forgot about that one haha

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, it’s all so funny!

[@projectkj7643]

Listening to those songs…I feel a range of emotions. Phil Collins’ songs are the soundtrack of my youth. I wish I could go back…just for a day, even! ❤

[@rogertemple7193]

I'm more into the early days of Genesis when they were Prog rock but i like some of their latter songs in the early 80's though and I also liked some of the videos thanks Professor.🎵🎶🎼🎼🎶🎵

[@mikekannely2286]

I saw Genesis more than any other band in the 80's. When Phil and Chester Thompson went at each other on the drums, it was awesome.

[@TheSupy96]

I knew it just from the thumbnail. Haha

[@RBS_]

.....YOU STOLE MY LINE!! ....those Puppets are SINGED into my memory! ..ha-HAA!

[@Terk131]

Same here.

[@jasonschlierman412]

Same!

[@ElleMo-gy1bf]

Me too!😂

[@BrittneyDeShea420]

I didn't even have to watch this to know what song and video you're talking about! Best video and song that I've heard in my life. Even as a child I understood exactly what the song meant. Thanks for posting this dude!! Sending love!!

[@BillGraper]

My faves from that album are "In Too Deep" and "Land Of Confusion." Genesis & Phil Collins were essential 80's music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

In Too Deep is incredible.

[@quantum_man]

This was one of your best episodes ever. So nostalgic and prophetic! We are in a very powerful time of Transition in Human History and this music by Phil Collins was a premonition for sure.

[@Autumn_Forest_]

Eight mins! I’ve never been so early! I love this channel! ❤

[@GoVoteDemocracy]

Great song, great story. Thank you for sharing it.

[@brentcox7772]

So talented!! Saw the “Invisible Touch” tour in ‘86! Incredible!🤘🔥

[@ProfessorofRock]

So jealous! Thanks Brent!

[@tammywooley2635]

I loved the Mike and the Mechanics In the living years, this song hit home in so many ways in my life with the relationship with my dad.

[@BlindGordie]

I can't agree more that this song was pression. Even David Draiman of Disturbed agree that this song was as relevant in 2005, as it was an 1986, as it is today.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it. Thanks for watching.

[@BlindGordie]

@@ProfessorofRock thank you and keep up the great work.

[@aarontornow938]

@@ProfessorofRock Surprised you didn't mention Disturbed's cover of the song. Keeps the feel of the original but sounds more gritty.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And it will be as relevant in the future.

[@BlindGordie]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 absolutely.

[@xamonttofficial]

When you make it on Miami Vice...you made it! And Phil....he for sure made it!

[@ROBYNMARKOW]

Phil Collins & Genesis was literally" In The Air" & everywhere back in the '80's . "Land Of Confusion" wasn't my favorite song by them back then but since I've come to appreciate its message ( & the video was definitely something else! )

[@GoodieWhiteHat]

I love the protest songs of the 80’s. Didn’t realise Genesis made quite a few. Thanks!

[@mpm1125]

The band Disturbed has a great animated video cover of this song. An awesome metal version.

[@amorphousblob2721]

Finally, somebody gives enough information to save me from having to listen to this asshole ramble. The song in question is "Land of Confusion," but I don't see the prophecy in it. All the song says is that the world is turning to shit, which was known by many people at the time.

[@stevenstolz5920]

Boy, did I need your heart felt commentary, it hit me hard. Love your Heart, don't stop!

[@SidecarBob]

Anyone who was past their teens when this song came out can tell you that it wasn't prophetic at all but simply described the world as it was at the time. The older I get the more I realize that that is the way the world has always been and probably will always be.

[@juliecrane9647]

Yep My mom always said, The more things change the more they stay the same

[@SidecarBob]

@@juliecrane9647 So true. So very, very true.

[@SamieCarvalho]

From the last 10 years I’ve been saying that this song is eerie disturbing for being so prophetic or for showing us that after all nothing changed and we are stuck in a hellscape loop.

[@vapniitinerant2829]

Didn’t realize how good those Genesis songs were until now. Thanks!

[@email4664]

I recall when they first came out- I was into metal (not the hair metal, but Nuclear Assault and Maiden....) but also found the time to really delve deeply into Genesis. Their live performances were exceptional. Folks thought I was odd, but music is not just one genre.

[@genwoolfe]

The Invisible touch tour at Wembley was outstanding and is well worth watching again on YT.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

❤🎉 Land of Confusion. Loved that video! And yes, it was indeed a protest song. Fun fact: the Invisible Touch tour had a genius way of stopping counterfeiters. In Pittsburgh, the official tour shirt was spelled Pittsburg. The counterfeits had the Pittsburgh spelling. Genius!! Thanks Professor! Love deranged Muppets. 😅

[@stephenbrown4211]

You mean Spitting Image. Great British satire in the 80’s. One of the creators, Roger Law grew up in my village.

[@autojohn-pu1vf]

I saw it as Hollywood and the rest trashing Regan like's gonna nuke the world and it's never stopped until today with U know who.... I noticed they never went after Jimmy or his pals like that... and this song actually taught me, as a little kid, the difference between Democrats and Republicans

[@ChristChickAutistic]

Lol! Reminds me of the "Tad Nugent" shirt Hyde and Fez were trying to sell on That 70s Show, lol!

[@stephenbrown4211]

@@autojohn-pu1vf Spitting Image wasn’t around in the Carter era. It would lampoon anyone; Reagan, Thatcher, the Royal Family. This was British not an American programme

[@autojohn-pu1vf]

@@stephenbrown4211 Yeah but it was what MTV here in the former US was pushing with the same $$$$ funding gangster rap and societal decline in general

[@AllonaHyke]

I absolutely love the song, it's one of my all time favourites.

[@floepiejane]

You missed a few: 1. Phil-produced hits like Nobody Is To Blame for Howard Jones and Something Going On for Frida Lingstad, etc. 2. GTR with Steve Hackett and Steve Howe of Yes, When The Heart Rules The Mind 3. Phil's hits from the first two solo albums were huge too 4. Most of Peter's solo career! Their presence back then was even bigger! But great work as always, Prof. Cheers ✌🏼🌻

[@ldolphin34]

The whole Frida album was basically Phil Collins and his solo group with Frida Lyngstad of ABBA doing all the lead vocals instead of Phil. It's one thing to discover the hit single, and another to hear the entire album and realize it's a Phil Collins album.

[@DCbigpappa]

NoONE is to Blame...

[@floepiejane]

@@DCbigpappa yeah, I hesitated on that one 😄👍🏽

[@timothyslaughter476]

You left out a dude name Robert Plant.

[@timmmahhhh]

​@@ldolphin34 ah, I never knew this. That explains the intensely prominent drums in Something's Going On.

[@janiceellery1653]

What I like about Collins videos is some of them were very entertaining and he would sometimes even make fun of himself 😂My favorite scene is where he is hitchhiking and a beautiful girl pulls over. Instead of letting Phil in an Iguana next to him crawls in and then she takes off. This is the"I can't Dance video". Since I have kept Iguanas and Monitors I found this particularly funny 😂😂

[@cherylreichardt]

I can not tell you how creative and punch you in the gut realism this song is! Those puppets may look creepy but they are spot on! Excellent work Genesis!

[@jeremylesh7098]

Great catch Prof! One of my childhood favorites.

[@bartbluemusic]

Yes! One of my all-time favorite music videos was to this song. "Ronald Reagan scratched his what?!?" LOL. And whenever it played on the radio, I always turned it up. I absolutely LOVE this song, and the album it came off of. Now I'm in the mood ... 'scuse me, going to hafta get that album out today. :)

[@Whisper_292]

It's definitely a song that should be played at full blast.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It is meant to be played loud.

[@tennyceb]

All these songs touched my life

[@sourcecode5273]

hate is easy. love is hard.

[@OZARKMOON1960]

I never hear this song without picturing the video. It was just mesmerizing when it first came out.

[@Atheist7]

Fact checked: Yes, yes it was.

[@davidstrother496]

As you said, Professor, not everyone loves every band and genre, but I don't think anyone would be driven to violent dispute over who is the best. We are in some stressful times around the world, and music can divert us to a little magical time away. Thank you, sir. I do love Genesis and Phil Collins.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

Oh, I would be driven to violence if you told me that REO 💩 wagon or Rush are any good at all! 😆😂🤣

[@davidstrother496]

@@Frankie5Angels150 No problems. Whenever Rush or Gun's n Roses come on, my radio immediately gets turned off.

[@Imaewok]

Great job Professor! I wasn’t a big fan of Genesis. I was a teenager in the mid 80’s and was into all the hair metal bands. However, over the years I came to realize how big Genesis was back then. Their songs were always on the radio. You got me interested and made me appreciate this band even more after all these years! Thanks!

[@abouc]

Seriously, how do you make so much high quality content for this channel?

[@ProfessorofRock]

I work a lot of hours.

[@xina968]

I loved Genesis in the 80s Love your channel, thank you for all your hard work and great videos! Peace & Love ✌❤

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

They weren't Muppets they were Sid and Marty Croft puppets!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!

[@LilithEveRain]

I love and truly appreciate that you said this in this video, Professor: "That's exactly the open-mindedness that we need in the world right now" No truer words have been spoken. Maybe it can be our generation that can lead the way. We might not be spring chickens as it were, we aren't "the future" so to speak. But we grew up in a time that makes us especially equipped to do it, start being the change this world needs, and show by example what can be accomplished with empathy, open-mindedness, and mutual respect.

[@johnvoncannon9717]

Saw both Genesis and Phil Collins at concerts in Chapel Hill, NC in the 80's. It was interesting that Genesis was a bit more adult oriented in their language. Phil Collins solo leaned more family friendly.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I have noticed that too!

[@ldolphin34]

Songs like Thru These Walls (voyeurism) and Another Day In Paradise suggest Phil's world wasn't that squeaky clean.

[@ronnydarko9046]

I remember watching this on MTV when I was around 4 years old and I became a lifelong Genesis/ Phil Collins fan.