Genesis - 'ABACAB' Reaction! Experimental use of synths, electronic sounds, & complex chords!

[@billwoods9302]

Fun Fact: The song title, ABACAB, is the chord structure of the song's melody. Though they went pop in their later years, they did produce one of the greatest progressive rock live albums ever, Seconds Out. It was recorded on their first tour with Chester Thompson on drums, and he absolutely killed it. Great reaction guys!

[@kathysaladin-smith6384]

One of my fav albums of all time

[@27thangel23]

Greetings from Canada. The drummer you're struggling to name is Chester Thompson- been with Genesis and Phil Collins for like 40- 50 years. Peace, love and bellbottoms.

[@amymikesparks2699]

Chester Thompson is a killer drummer

[@ChrisITW04]

And played with Zappa before that

[@howardblecher167]

And Weather Report. Chester’s a drumming god.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

The second drummer is Chester Thompson, who was Phil's backup and co-drummer on tour for many a year. He also played with Frank Zappa, Santana and Weather Report.

[@ed-straker]

I saw Genesis live in Atlanta, and they had Chester Thompson as the second drummer. At one point, Phil and Chester did this long duet. Phil plays left handed, so they were mirror images of each other. You can see a little bit of that in this video. One of the cooler things I've seen.

[@tierbore1985]

That bass player is the guitarist on the live version of In the Air Tonight you reacted to. Daryl Struermer

[@patrickwouters6568]

For all Phil fans, I highly recommend watching the 2 hour report and interview that was just posted 2 days ago on the Drumeo KZbin channel titled "Phil Collins: Drummer First"

[@396Cap]

@@patrickwouters6568 I've watched it twice. Also checked out the review by Scott Orr on Everything Phil Collins.

[@Reba-123]

Watched it yesterday wonderful

[@srinath6247]

You need to do more Genesis reactions. They're great!! Phil, Tony, and Mike all three remain today the most underrated artists in rock history.

[@Isleofskye]

and I was there at their first ever Top Of The Bill performance in August 1972 in Croydon,South East London,England with 3,000 others so 52 years now:)

[@ChrisITW04]

Rock and roll hall of fame, multiplatinum selling underrated ?

[@Duke2363]

​@@IsleofskyeFantastic!!

[@Isleofskye]

@@Duke2363 Yes and what a career, my friend...

[@lilybee2955]

Some very impressive lead guitar work by Mike Rutherford here. Wow! 🧡

[@lilfox1967]

Phil is awesome. Love this song. Phil has always said that he's a drummer that can sing. Been listening to Genesis and Phil since the late 70's. They rock

[@greyhawk-111]

That's song #2 on that live DVD. You need to watch the opening number, "Mama". Fire!

[@Duke2363]

Need to listen to the entire show which includes the Cage Medley but was cut from the DVD

[@Agg1E91]

To be so gifted in two completely different musical disciplines. And to have grown up in the late 70's through late 80's hearing Phil and Genesis develop and release new music. What a blessing.

[@396Cap]

@@Agg1E91 totally agree. What a great generation to grow up in and experience the excellence of Genesis and Phil.

[@rk41gator]

What jam! These guys have style and groove. FIRE. absolute FIRE.

[@AlannaWilliams-u1w]

Thanks to the person that requested this one! And thanks to you guys for checking it out, so glad you enjoyed it!! I've been a huge Genesis fan for decades. This '87 tour started with three shows in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena. My friends and I got tickets for the first two shows, and got snuck into the third by our friend who was a security guard haha! We were 20 in '87, seeing this video took this now 57-year old back to some amazing times! I saw Genesis on tours before this one, and tours after, and they are always this outstanding! The Phil solo tours were also stellar. The musicianship is next level with these guys.

[@Duke2363]

That they are! I just acquired a When in Rome DVD that all 3 of them signed.

[@AlannaWilliams-u1w]

@Duke2363 so jealous you have one signed! That is super cool 😃

[@Duke2363]

@@AlannaWilliams-u1w Thanks Alanna, I'm Brad. I have a wonderful cousin who shares your name. 😊 I've been waiting for 30 years to get a hold of one. In 92 I saw them for the first time and was fortunate enough to get into their dressing room after the show. I met Mike but Phil and Tony were unfortunately long gone.

[@AlannaWilliams-u1w]

@Duke2363 hey Brad! Worth the wait for sure. And jealous again that you got to meet one of them, and after your first show? That's a decent night 😄

[@Duke2363]

@@AlannaWilliams-u1w Yeah it was utter luck in both instances but I'll take it. I'm 6'1 and I was looking up at him!!

[@dawngipe6324]

Saw him live in the 90s...his voice sounded amazing. Great show for sure!

[@kbrewski1]

From this same concert at Wembley, I highly recommend the DRUM DUET>LOS ENDOS if you want to see some killer dual drumming and Genesis' jazz fusion chops.

[@katscully]

YES YES YES! Absolute fire! GREATEST DRUM PERFORMANCE. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@adamdodgshon638]

Genesis live were just monstrous.

[@lnautomobile3248]

A fav Genesis song! ✨

[@teej-h7w]

I saw these guys, decades ago. Two drummers raised the roof on the stadium. Plus all else that you see here. Imagine this sound live!

[@christianparsons6050]

I was there in 1987! Day off school, I was thirteen and my mum and a family friend drove us up to London and Wembley....fantastic ...Chester played with Frank Zappa and Weather Report back in the day...

[@MattSingh1]

*They played four nights, Friday-Monday so you were there at the Friday date. Monday was a Jubilee day so obviously the entire nation was off.*

[@christianparsons6050]

That's it, Fri 2nd July, I remember the ticket stub...it was pink in colour and what seems strange now is that I had NO idea they were playing Wembley, even though I was such a fan, until I saw the advert in our Local newspaper The Evening Argus. No internet etc obvs ..So unless you happened to be listening to the radio or saw something about it on the tv at the right time or read the music press every week (which I didn't) you wouldn't have known. Plus it was £15 a ticket! I mean inflation doesn't explain the prices for a gig like that these days, £100 minimum ?!

[@killianlpc]

People seem to forget Phil is a Prog Rock God! Phil was the drummer with Genesis from the early 70s. He replaced Peter Gabriel ( another absolute superstar). Phil did a brilliant job going from the drums to singer within the band. Of course for the live shows they needed a drummer, and Chester Thompson was very much part of the live band from 1977 onwards. The bass guitarist here is Daryl Stuermer, a touring guitarist, who was also the lead guitarist, used to swop with Mike Rutherford for the live shows depending on what song they were doing. I have seen them many time over the years from 1977, they always put in a brilliant show, with incredible musicianship. Guys you gotta checkout the old medley of the reunion tour 2007 in Rome in front of 500,000 people. It is off the charts, contains a medley of old songs In The Cage/Cinema Show/Dukes Travels/Afterglow. It is about 17 mins long, but here you can see Phil run around the stage from mike to drums, to mike and back again etc. The quality of the music is astounding. You gotta do more Genesis Live reactions check this out if you can kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnS0kmeohMegq7s

[@archstantonainthere4526]

And let's not forget about Phil's fusion work with Brand X.

[@andreacombs8986]

Get it guys 😊!!!! I ❤it! You guys rock listening to this. Genesis is amazing! I love ALL their music

[@woodysdrums8083]

Chester Thompson is a beast of a drummer. I got to see the original line up play live in 1983 still have Mt ticket stub. 8.50 a whole day's pay back then for my Mom who bought it for me! Love you Mom RIP.

[@stephencox6012]

If you like a jam, wait till you get to los endos in this same concert, and the Brazilian. You will love this.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

one of my fave Genesis songs! ♥

[@MarcusL1995]

I love this song! The whole album itself is wonderful too!!

[@susannebrown3255]

I had the ultimate pleasure of seeing them for Abacab. I still remember the whole show. 👍🏻🇨🇦🐉🤷‍♀️

[@christopherhuot2826]

Love the 2 drummers, I saw them in 81, phenomenal awesome 👌 show😅😊

[@Sixwheelin]

Great job y'all. Love more Genesis when you can!

[@teej-h7w]

It doesn't get any tighter. It doesn't get any more inspiring!

[@MDElam]

Chester Thompson and Phil Collins drummed together for 20+ years, maybe more, and were fire every time! Tony Banks, the keyboard player, is one of the best in progressive rock. Mike Rutherford, who played guitar, is actually the bassist, and Daryl Stuermer, who was on bass for this song, was the touring bassist/guitarist with Chester the touring drummer. These guys were great in concert. If you get a chance, check out "The Brazilian" from the same concert; it's a percussion-driven instrumental. Peace to all!

[@natewilliams1062]

And yes, I agree. Chester Thompson is AMAZING

[@debibailey2968]

Great song, great musicians and musicality on this song!!! What a fun reaction!! ❤❤❤❤

[@paulrosenberg4227]

Chester Thompson is a one of a kind master. Brillant versatile drummer who adds such depth to the classic Genesis II line up.

[@MattSingh1]

*They played four consecutive sell-out nights at the 80,000-capacity Wembley Stadium in London in July 1987. The four nights were a record at the time and only surpassed five years later when Michael Jackson played seven nights. In 1986 & 1987 Genesis were likely the biggest musical act on the entire planet, as in addition to these historic fours nights, their 1986 album 'Invisible Touch' topped the US charts and spawned a remarkable five Top 5 singles in the UK charts and made No.3 in the US. This was all happening in the midst of Phil Collins' incredible solo career too.*

[@rosenfield10]

Please check out, from this concert, the "drum duet" between Phil Collins and Chester Thompson. It is amazing. It bleeds into an instrumental called "Los Endos." The drum duet is special to watch. It's called "Drum Duet/Los Endos."

[@rickward460]

Phil says he is a drummer who happens to sing and this video is proof of that! Time has not been kind to Phil, many 🙏 and much love. Y'all rock guys 👍

[@KenCyrus-tb3nh]

That was amazing! So impressive to have two drummers playing so in sync.

[@genwcd91]

Great intro by Mike, doesn't get enough respect, saw them on this tour

[@396Cap]

They did 4 sold out concerts at Wembley. This was only one of the nights. Genesis live at Knebworth in 1992 is also awesome.

[@robertjenson2020]

I've always loved the live version of this song over the studio version because of the extended jamming. Was lucky enough to see them several times live. I love all eras of the band, from the Peter Gabriel era on up to the pop-flavored 80s. Glad you gentlemen enjoyed it, and if you like the drumming, find a video of Phil and Chester doing a drum duet. Always a highlight in the shows.

[@DUGGER1947]

When they were panning over Wembly Stadium it looked jam-packed, and the damned place seats over 90,000 for sporting events. Don't know the max. for concerts. When I hear Genesis, the sound that gives the group away more than any other is Tony Banks on the keyboards. He's incredible. Chester Thompson is a perfect fill-in drummer when Phil is taking solos up front (not behind his own drum set). When they play together, it percussion perfection realized!

[@JeffCappelletti-e6l]

Daryl Sturmer the bass player was also playing the Moog Taurus bass pedals with his feet at the same time as the Steinberger bass guitar. Tony needed that big mixer due to some of his synthesizers having multiple outputs. Tony can adjust the levels of each output

[@thomasp.3796]

The song title ABACAB came from them not knowing what else to call the song and it is the actual melody of the song: the key of A, then B, then A, then the key of C, then A, then B.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

this was great never seen the video love Genesis,

[@philchurch1115]

Phil at his best.

[@RhettAnderson]

I put six quarters in a college bar's jukebox and played this six times in a row. After about the fourth play, no one was happy with me.

[@jamessummerlin1]

The drumming on the 3 Sides Live version is even better IMO. There is a transition from Dodo to ABACAB that is just insanely good. Phil and Chester together is so awesome!

[@chezdan9]

I just came here to say the same thing!

[@chicagocubs71]

Fellas, thank U all for ur reaction of Abacab by Genesis. This is my favorite Genesis song for the simple fact is that Tony Banks the guy that played the keyboardist this song is basically his cuz what he did on the keyboards. Mike Rutherford The Guitarist he is cool smooth n he also has his own group called Mike & The Mechanics that have great music also. Bass Player Daryl Stuermer had the Funk Sound. Then U have Drummer Chester Thompson beating the crap out of the drums n then Phil joining on a second pair of drum were unique. U usually don't C 2 drummers. They kicked ass n what about that Jam Session!!! Unbelievable!!! Phil did his thing on the mic n the drums. Fenom I saw U freak out when Phil came out with the Maracas!!! I luv ur reaction on that. This was part of the Invisible Touch Tour n the crowd in Wembly Stadium had 288,000 fans in 1987. That is a lot of people to C a concert. Hope U guys put this song on ur playlist. Just remember Abacab the long version. King 👑 Corey, Fabulous 🎩🎀 Fenom & Hollwood 🎥🎬 Ollie thank U guys for accepting me into ur guys club. I really appreciate that. God Bless U Guys!!!

[@wentibbetts7833]

My fav, ty for this. Chester and Phil are awesome! ✌🏽

[@tonyaristide2582]

Awesome!!

[@mariaportengen2959]

I love this song. So speedy, great guitar riffs and beat 🎶🎶🎸🥁👍

[@Isleofskye]

Great Reaction Guys. I was there at their first ever Top Of The Bill performance in August 1972 in Croydon, South East London,England with 3,000 others so 52 years now:)

[@nealjones255]

Loved it

[@rk41gator]

Wembley Stadium filled 3 sold-out nights straight and nearly sold out on the 4th. Nearly 400,000 fans.

[@klipkultur3680]

Tony Banks the true master of 80's Genesis...

[@RubesGoodBrainCoffee]

Genesis started in the late 1960s when Mike Rutherford (guitars) and his friend in school, Anthony Phillips (guitars) asked Tony Banks to play piano for them on a demo they were making. Banks agreed, but suggested that they use his friend, Peter Gabriel, as the singer because his voice was better than Phillips'. Those four were the core members of Genesis until 1970 when Phillips left. At the same time, the remaining members hired Phil Collins to be their drummer. In 1975, Gabriel left. They tried finding a new singer, but ultimately, Collins would do both singing and drums on the albums.

[@mauricelechenault3814]

CHESTER THOMPSON (drummer for Genesis Live concerts between 1976 and 2007) DARYL STUERMER (guitarist/bassist for Genesis Live concerts between 1977 and 2022) The two Americans also accompanied Phil Collins for his solo concerts. You just have to know that in 1987 the technology of synths was not the same as today. At the time, Tony Banks (the keyboardist) had to have all these synths around him to find the authentic sounds of their albums. Today he only needs 3 synths because technology now allows to store vintage sounds in recent synths... Of course Tony Banks still had this mixing console to manage the balance of his synths himself. Drummers do that too...

[@heavin6586]

Oh my. Everything from this concert is amazing!!! Definitely need to check out from this same concert Mama. - Opener Domino ( minute 16:00 ) Home by the Sea ( 1:09:00) Absolute Showstoppers 💯 💯 💯 When they open with Mama you know the shows gonna be insane !! Spoiler, let's see if you can catch which part if this song was inspired by Granmaster Flash... More Genesis please😊😊❤❤🎉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/an-2iIp8nbmloZIsi=amLEmm6UQmL3L-9R

[@linkloudenback8359]

This was Genesis at their prime. This one is usually a rock radio hit. If you listen to rock music on the radio on certain radio stations that do block party weekends then you’ll get the chance to hear it when they do a Genesis block.

[@jameskirschling7887]

I have been waiting for this reaction for a long time. ABACAB, for me, is so much better "Live" than the studio version. Shout out to Chester Thompson, former Mother of Invention, who plays drums while Phil sings. There is a great video on KZbin of Phil and Chester playing a drum duel, starting with them playing an ottoman. ABACAB is on a regular rotation on my playlist.

[@AW11-e4h]

Banger 🤘🤘

[@EarthWalker2023]

Absolutely 💯 🔥

[@davidcacciatore457]

If you want to get a sense of Genesis live with Phil on drums and Peter Gabriel on lead vocals, then check out the live version of Watcher of The Skies. You guys are kinda into prog, so I think it’s worth checking out to see how different they were at the beginning.

[@shawnk7832]

Great song. Another, Man On The Corner❤😊

[@richardhargrave6082]

I saw Genesis twice, the second being at Wembley on this tour, so may well have been at this show, I remember the jackets and yes, I had a Mullet! I tell you, as soon as Phil gets behind that drum kit the atmosphere the place goes electric! There is something about two drummers and when you have Phil and Chester Thompson you have two of the greatest drummers ever. Their drum duets are legendary. I think Chester is the better drummer. Tony Banks is a very underrated Keyboardist, very quiet and cool Mike Rutherford's guitar is fantastic and Daryll Steurmer is an excellent on bass. There is so much more to Genesis than just Phil Collins

[@ARRMAFANBOY]

Hey Guys from the UK 🇬🇧, you guys should do a reaction to Genesis live version of Fading Distant Lights from the We Can't Dance Tour. The song alone is just atmospheric and thought provoking, but Live brings everything to life in an amazing way. Keep up the great reviews guys. Awesome

[@ARRMAFANBOY]

Phil also does a specific set with Chester Thompson, his live drummer for his solo tours and Genesis tours, search Genesis Drum Duet. They are epic

[@kbrewski1]

Chester Thompson was Genesis' 2nd drummer from 1977 until the Reunion Tour of 2007. He was also Phil's drummer on most of his solo band tours until the end. Phil knew Chester was the right man to drum while he was out front singing because they had the same style. Their extended drum duets were always legendary parts of the live concerts. And yes, Phil at his core was always a drummer first. He started as the drummer for Genesis in 1971 while PETER GABRIEL was the lead singer. Genesis' talent was incredible.

[@katscully]

Yes. All the DRUM playing on the Genesis (w/Phil as drummer) & his solo albums, is by Phil. Chester is the touring drummer for both. 🥂

[@michellefranco5648]

That was so cool.

[@silversolo9995]

Fellas, Please do RIPPLES-GENESIS and HOME BY THE SEA-GENESIS and HOME BY THE SEA PART 2.

[@KDWylde]

The blonde bass player have his own band Mike and the mechanics In the Living Years is a great song also Phil did the album for the Tarzen(cartoon) movie too

[@VegasAlien1]

Drumeo just released a retrospective of Phil's musical life called "Drummer First." It's worth setting aside a couple of hours of time to watch it.

[@MarioBattaglia-yx4cb]

Phil Collins is also an accomplished piano player, besides singing/song writing and playing drums. You can see him playing the piano mostly during his solo career since Genesis already had a keyboardist in the band.

[@mike9086]

No one better

[@RosewaterElf]

Love this! If you want to hear more unique effects from them, you should listen to Mama. I prefer the live version (might even be this same concert) but the promo vid is good too.

[@susannebrown3255]

Check out their album Duke. Wicked good

[@briankilpatrick6014]

You gotta listen to home by the sea, same concert, outstanding. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Steffe]

I watch this concert a few times wvery year, as well as the Rome concert

[@nastynick8709]

Great song. Check out another off the Abacab album called "Dodo/Lurker". The drumming is awesome on that one. And by the way it's nice to see a live concert without those damn cellphones.

[@RobertBoehme-s6b]

Check out Phil with the band Brand X. His drumming will really mess with your brain!! So many rabbit holes for the man Phil Collins. So good.❤

[@wickedmirage]

Genesis - Turn It On Again

[@quincee3376]

That's my favourite song by Genesis.

[@quincee3376]

Yes!!!!!! Wooooo!! When i was in high school i literally used the letters ABACAB on an exam in the section with multiple choices. I was failing badly going into the exam and i knew i would be taking the class in Summer School so i just kept circling A . B. A. C. A. B. over and over. I actually got like 8 out of 30 in that section surprisingly. Btw there's a better version of this. The official which is live but much better.

[@robycip9715]

yall have to do - Mama Live Knebworth 1990 | Reaction!!

[@nancymjohnson]

Genesis is great! I Can’t Dance is a fun video to react to. ☮️❤️😎🎼

[@ChrisITW04]

There is a digitally enhanced version of this on KZbin. Looks much better. This song is also much better live than on record and specifically this performance of it.

[@pokerface1967]

Tremendous Performance. Plus nobody gives enough props to the Camera men's work ...

[@markfeggeler3479]

You guys would probably enjoy the song Firth of Fifth by Genesis, but please the studio version off the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound .

[@MichaelMorse-q4t]

Chester Thompson is great on the drums.

[@realtruth716]

The song is the chords A,B,A,C,A,B.

[@williamosborne6866]

Love this - Mike Rutherford finally gets to solo his ass off. He has never gotten any props for being as good as he's been for decades. Check out his other ban - "Mike And The Mechanics" with golden voice Paul Carrack (Ace, Squeeze, solo) - here's "Silent Running" (live): kzbin.info/www/bejne/enS4nqCsjK2GaLM

[@Buds1own]

Great reaction!!! Love you!!! ♥♥♥Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment. -Proverbs 12:19

[@chicagocubs71]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmbUl4mkeciLnKMsi=KFV590KUTfdNk9bA, Fellas this is the original music video of Abacab which will show the lyrics. It's Phil Collins (Drums), Michael Rutherford (Guitar) & Tony Banks (Keyboards). The original 3. Enjoy!!!

[@iainbratt5866]

Best week of my life Friday Genesis in Leeds Wednesday, Peter Gabriel So tour Birmingham Friday Genesis Wembley Saturday Genesis Wembley

[@4yules]

abacab was not at the height of their popularity but i think its their best album...

[@jackiewilliams4854]

The title ABACAB Is the actual chord progression of the song. A chord, B chord A chord, ….etc.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

That was kinda mesmerizing! I've not seen this. Heard it a bunch of course. ❤✌️ Why do I feel like this song was played on Miami Vice. 😆❤️✌️

[@RobertBoehme-s6b]

Chester played with Weather Report...

[@schmedrake5429]

You can't fully know Phil or Genesis until you've watched this 20-minute medley. Phil was a beast and Genesis too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWKVkGCgr9aCoqc

[@lordbiscuitpowerslam]

If you haven't done it yet you should check out rain down by Phil Collins the official video its great and a surprise guest

[@sumonjamal1653]

Genesis has 15 studio albums, the last being 'Calling all stations' in 1997 - the only album to feature singer Ray Wilson... Phil Collins has released 8 studio solo albums. However, The Rolling Stones have released 31 studio albums, 28 compilation (best-of) albums... Pink Floyd has 15 studio albums... Rock band Kiss has released 20 albums... Rush has 19 studio albums and a covers album... Scorpions have 19 studio albums and 29 compilation albums... Aerosmith has 15 studio albums... Sting has 15 studio solo albums and 5 albums w/ The Police... Ozzy Osbourne has released 13 solo albums and 9 studio albums w/ Black Sabbath... Late singer Ronnie James Dio has released 10 albums w/ his band Dio, 3 albums w/ Elf, 3 albums w/ Rainbow, 3 albums w/ Black Sabbath and 1 album w/ Heaven & Hell (20 albums since 1970) Deep Purple has released 23 studio albums, 43 live records, 26 compilation releases. Some metal bands have extensive release history: Overkill (from New Jersey) has 20 studio albums... Saxon (from the UK) has 24 studio albums... Iron Maiden has 17 studio albums... Judas Priest has 19 studio albums - not counting their singer Rob Halford releasing 2 albums as Fight, 1 album as 2wo, 4 albums as Halford... and former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing releasing 2 albums by K.K.'s Priest... Flotsam and Jetsam (from Arizona) has 15 studio albums... Anvil (from Canada) has 20 studio albums... Death metal band Cannibal Corpse (from Buffalo, NY) has 16 albums since 1990. U.D.O. the German band formed by former Accept singer Udo Dirkschneider has released 18 studio albums since 1987... in addition to the 10 studio albums Udo recorded w/ Accept (who have released 17 studio albums since 1979)

[@396Cap]

@@sumonjamal1653 and your point is...

[@sumonjamal1653]

@@396Cap What? Reactors find it amazing that artists have 15 albums in their career and I pointed out that legendary & persistent artists have a bigger bulk of music in their arsenal... Most pop/ rap/ R&B artists are lucky to have 5 to 10 albums.

[@396Cap]

@@sumonjamal1653 pointed out? You made a f$#cking book.

[@R777-RLM]

The keyboardist is really good, but his volume was too low. Excellent reaction, guys.