But I know that she's not there...

September 23, 2021 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

3.2.4 Colour
The Revelation Station
starring Gary Starr in
Small Talk: a four-part episode
by SIMON HELDREICH : part 4 - Studio
In the final episode, Simon & Gary
discuss the possibilities of a new
album and when to expect a live
release. Simon tells us what he
hopes a re-issues programme
should look like.
Simon…………………………...….HIMSELF
Gary…………………………..ALSO HIMSELF

Music by GENESIS.
Script editor GARY STARR
Director SIMON HELDREICH

A REVELATION STATION PODCASTS production

Thanks for listening to this episode. If you’ve enjoyed this podcast you can donate the price of a coffee to help run the website by clicking this link. All donations are gratefully received and give you access to 10 exclusive minisodes only available to people who donate.

If you’d like to share your thoughts about this episode or your opinions of the podcast in general, you can email us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment below or join our Facebook group. We would love to hear from you.

And I reach across to touch her...

September 22, 2021 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

3.2.3 Colour
The Revelation Station
starring Gary Starr in
Small Talk: a four-part episode
by SIMON HELDREICH : part 3 - Scope
Continuing the discussion of The
Last Domino? tour with Simon &
Gary. The tour is hitting the UK and
USA, but do the boys think there is
a possibility of future European dates?
Plus - some Audience Participation!
Simon…………………………...….HIMSELF
Gary…………………………..ALSO HIMSELF

Music by GENESIS.
Script editor GARY STARR
Director SIMON HELDREICH

A REVELATION STATION PODCASTS production

There's no need to look outside, to see I feel the rain...

September 21, 2021 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

3.2.2 Colour
The Revelation Station
starring Gary Starr in
Small Talk: a four-part episode
by SIMON HELDREICH : part 2 - Sound
With the Genesis tour finally
underway, Simon & Gary discuss how
the band might sound in 2021. What
will the addition of backing singers,
and a youthful new drummer
in Nic Collins, bring to the band?
Simon…………………………...….HIMSELF
Gary…………………………..ALSO HIMSELF

Music by GENESIS.
Script editor GARY STARR
Director SIMON HELDREICH

A REVELATION STATION PODCASTS production

The grey of evening fills the room...

September 20, 2021 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

3.2.1 Colour
The Revelation Station
starring Gary Starr in
Small Talk: a four-part episode
by SIMON HELDREICH : part 1 - Setlist
In the first part of a brand new
adventure, Simon and Gary ponder
the start of the Last Domino tour.
What tracks would they like to hear?
And will there be any surprises in
store?
Simon…………………………...….HIMSELF
Gary…………………………..ALSO HIMSELF

Music by GENESIS.
Script editor GARY STARR
Director SIMON HELDREICH

A REVELATION STATION PODCASTS production

It sure was good for a while...

July 17, 2020 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***Don’t pay the ferryman. Don’t even fix a price.***

It’s the third week of our weekly Solo Genesis album reviews. Up this week is the first album by the man called “the only indispensible member of Genesis” (by none other than their manager) Tony Banks! The first of two solo albums based on Science Fiction novels (the other being Mike Rutherford’s Smallcreep’s Day), A Curious Feeling, has Tony exploring themes of self awareness and loss.

Released in October 1979, this album features Tony playing all the intruments bar drums, which are played by Genesis live man Chester Thompson, with vocals from Kim Beacon of String Driven Thing. Across 11 tracks, Tony weaves the story of a man who gains intelligence and love, only to lose everything. Like you do. Many Genesis fans consider this the peak of solo output, but was the critical mauling it got on release justified? You already know what you think, you’re only here to find out what we think. And that’s easy to fix, just click play.

Regaining their memories for the first time, Simon and Gary explore the soundscapes contained on this keyboard heavy debut. Sit back with a beer and listen with us as Gary experiences the album for the very first time. What impression will it make? Is this lost Genesis album as so many fans assert? What was it like at the very first public playback of the album? And how exactly did Tony come to record the album almost single handedly? All these questions and more will be answered in this thrilling episode. This episode is so thrilling you shouldn’t listen if you have a heart condition! Consider yourself warned.

NEXT EPISODE: Smallcreep’s Day by Mike Rutherford

So thank you for reading this far. We appreciate your commitment, especially if you like this album and you’ve listened to the episode. If you forgive us and want to prove it, you can support us by clicking on this link and contributing the price of a coffee to the running of the podcast. All donations will go towards the running cost of the website and recording equipment. I might buy a new mixer or something.

If you’d like to share your thoughts about this album (or the next in the sequence) or your opinions of the episode, you can email us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment below or join our Facebook group. We would love to hear from you.

Behind the Lines

February 02, 2020 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing.***

And so it ends…not with a bang. But a podcast…

Okay so I lied, we’ve got one more episode to spoil you with. 2 years ago we started this podcast with a listen to From Genesis To Revelations. 24 months and 31 episodes later we come to an end.

In this very special episode, find out what it’s meant to us to produce this show. We answer listener questions and discuss the future & past. Which songs are our least and most favourite? Why did Gary agree to get involved when he didn’t really know Genesis or listen to podcasts? Which band would Simon like to cover next? What’s Gary’s dog called? What’s Simon's favourite colour?

Find out the answers to these and many more questions today. And if you’re some sort of masochist, you could watch an unedited version of the conversation on the You Tubes right here.

To everyone who has listened to the show to this point, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will be back soon with more fun and music.

So…if you’ve read this far you probably enjoy listening. If you do please consider supporting us by clicking on this link and contributing the price of a coffee to the running of the podcast. All donations will go towards the running cost of the website and recording equipment. Big thanks to the people who have already donated, we love you. Not in a weird way…

If you’d like to share your memories of Genesis or your opinions of the episode, you can email us at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment below or join our Facebook group. We would love to hear from you.

It's the end, but the moment has been prepared for...

January 31, 2020 by Simon Heldreich in Special

***“The Watcher! He was the drummer all the time!”***

In the space year 2000, Genesis were a spent force. With the relative disappointment of the Calling All Stations tour 2 years behind them, there seemed to be only re-issues and greatest hits packages in the future. Enter Archive #2, a three disc collection of B’sides and live tracks culled from the period 1976-1992 (ignoring the Ray Wilson years completely), presented as a follow up to the Gabriel-era Archive of 2 years before.

There are some real gems included on this compilation, from unreleased Hackett-era live tracks to 1980’s B’sides, there is something for all fans and it brings together rare tracks in one place for the first time. I mean…really there’s not much else I can say about it. You should listen to the podcast.

BUT! Gary has been lost forever, seemingly into Hell, and Simon is trying to move on with his life. Enter a mysterious professor and his newest invention. Can Simon continue the podcast alone? Will he find a willing victim…er…co-host, to help him spread the word? Or will he bring about the end of all things in an insane attempt to rescue his friend…er…acquaintance.

Find out in this final episode of The Revelation Station season 1! Will there be anyone left for season 2?
Guest starring:
Sheldon Chemiri as Professor Yanov Karaktur
Ray Grast as Demon
Cherie Ghaldnem as Drive thru girl #1
Ronah el Delireche as Drive thru girl #2
Richmond Leishi as Satan

You choose not to see it...

December 20, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***A man on a flying saucer, possibly heading to the Congo.***

In 1996 after a whopping 25 years with the band, Phil Collins decided to call it quits and leave. And that was the end of Genesis…

Not really! Undeterred, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford pressed on. They wrote an albums worth of material at The Farm in January 1996 and in the meantime began a lenghty audition process. Many popular names were thrown into the ring such as Fish, Francis Dunnery and Mick Strickland. Finally, in a tense, X-Factor-like finish, the field was narrowed to two. Dave Longdon and Ray Wilson. And if you don’t know already who won the gig well…this will be a lovely surprise for you.

Sadly, this incarnation of the band was not to last. A cancelled North American tour and poor record sales meant that Tony and Mike elected not to carry on, and in 1998, after just one album Genesis was no more. Until the 2007 reunion tour that is! But that’s a whole other story.

Back in the present day, Gary has roped Simon into a shopping trip. But something isn’t right, and their refusal to accept the events of the last episode may have dire consequences. It may be the end of Genesis but it might also be the end of the world! Find out the secret history of Dave the zombie, meet our local Conservative candidate, gasp at the poor accents on display, scream at the unworldy beings dragged from another world, and I’m not talking about Gary OR Simon!

Who lives? Who dies? Who tells your story? Find out in this super-sized episode, all about the 15th and final Genesis album.

Another chance hello, another goodbye.

November 22, 2019 by Simon Heldreich

Invisible Touch was 5 years before, so the casual observer would be forgiven for thinking that Genesis were no more. But in October/November 1991 they unleashed the 70-minute epic We Can’t Dance, their first album geared to the increasingly popular CD format. Featuring a chart busting 6 singles, the album went on to be their 5th UK number 1 and sold 4 million copies in the USA alone, it also led to a highly succesful world tour which took in the sunny climes of Texas, Paris, Berlin and Wolverhampton,

Phil was responsible for a lot of the lyrics on the album, which is why it is very much in the vein of his 1989 album “But Seriously…” covering such topics as domestic violence, televangelism, the plight of the Kurdish people and drink driving, it sets a much more serious tone for the most part (Jesus He Knows Me not included obvs). It was written at the Farm studio and came from jam sessions, as the last 2 albums had been. Sadly (or not depending on if you think Phil ruined Genesis), it was the end for Phil, who departed in 1996 to focus on his solo career.

But forget all that nonsense, what you really need to know is that something is amiss at The Revelation Station pub, something that Simon and Gary need to sort out before business goes down the pan. What’s the prob Bob? How will they solve it? Just how many tracks will Simon and Gary agree on this time? Is Gary really a heartless, emotionless shell of a man?

Find out literally everything* there is worth knowing about Genesis’ 14th Studio album in this bumper sized episode. And if you’ve listened to the episode already why not click on this link for Simon’s Spotify playlist of his version of the album.

*not literally everything

A hundred crazy voices call my name

September 20, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

A very visible touch, pictured here in it’s natural environment — A *very* visible touch, pictured here in it’s natural environment

In an alternative reality, Genesis split up in 1985. Their biggest hit, Mama, defined the memory of them for 22 years until they reformed in 2007 with Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett to tour “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” in a cross-promotion with the big budget Hollywood movie.
If only…
Luckily for us, Genesis didn’t split in 1985, despite the BBC announcing it. No, instead they reformed back at The Farm and recorded what is both their most successful album and their least popular, depending on who you ask. Released in June 1986, it saw the group finally achieving the pop success that they had been craving since their formation all those years ago (18) at Charterhouse. Bolstered by 5 top 5 US singles, it remained in the charts for a staggering 85 weeks and has achieved sales of 6 million so far to date. That, as they say, is a spicy meatball.
The album features some very diverse topics, from protest songs to break up songs to songs about drugs and double-glazing (I guess, I didn’t really pay much attention). It divided fans and critics, with some deriding the electronic instrumentation and pop sensibilities, and others thinking that maybe some people should just chill out and enjoy it for what it is, I mean it’s only music there’s no need to get so uptight. Amiright?

In this episode Simon hopes to get home, but Gary has other plans. He’s got one last errand to run before they can finally head back to the pub. Does Gary like the slow songs? Which song does Simon admit to not liking? Will they ever get back home? Can you spot the error Simon makes in the album overview segment (he corrects himself later, it’s ok)?

Find out everything you’ve ever needed to know about Invisible Touch and be amazed by the surprise special guests, in this episode! Oh, and before I forget - go here for some decent Genesis artwork.

Not this confused again...

August 23, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

Is it called “Shapes”? Is it called “Mama”? No, it’s called “Genesis” and it was released on October 3rd 1983, a mere 10 years after “Selling England By The Pound” if you can believe it!
The album marked a distinct change in sound for the band, which many fans loved (and equally as many hated) but despite that it proved to be a huge success, selling over 4 million copies to hit no.1 in the UK and no.9 in the USA. But it was the single “Mama” that proved to really break the album, with the single reaching no.4 in the UK to be their most successful single to date.
Written and recorded at The Farm, it was the first to be entirely created from jam sessions, hence the collective title for the album “Genesis”. It was an attempt to get back to the pop sound that had been the original intention of those Carthusians all those years before…actually only 15 years before. Crikey! They certainly worked hard didn’t they? 12 albums in 15 years? WHAT HAPPENED PETER?

But in the 21st Century, fresh off the massive success of their live set at Wembley, Gary and Simon are attempting to raise the profile of the pub. Gary has some sort of scheme going on which involves a well-known BBC TV show. What do the boys think of the album? How many different vegetables can Gary name? Does anyone want to buy a Llama? And, perhaps most importantly, is “Illegal Alien” racist?

Find out the answers to all of these questions and so, so much more in this all new episode.

The sounds that echoed all around me

July 05, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Bonus

Grrrreeetings listeners! Please enjoy this special bonus episode…

What we have here is a special episode of the Revelation Station Podcast - for the first (and possibly only) time we’ve recorded a commentary track, and we’ve done it for the concert film of Three Sides Live.
This film was originally released in 1982 in support of the album of the same name and features many of the same tracks.

Disclaimer: This is not a normal episode. You need to listen to it whilst watching the Three Sides Live film or it won’t make any sense.

Let us know if you enjoyed this episode at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com, leave a comment on the website or join us on Facebook .

Your side. My side. The truth.

June 28, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Special

1982 was a quiet year for the boys in the band. Not. Although there was no studio album released, they put out the 3x3 EP and embarked on an extensive tour culminating in a reunion in Milton Keynes with Peter Gabriel (and Steve Hackett). Phil released an album which built on the success of Face Value. Mike released an album which is largely best forgotten. Tony recorded an album which wasn’t released until 1983.

And, of course, they released their third live album “Three Sides Live”, featuring live recordings from the Duke and Abacab tours for the most part. The international release was an unusual hybrid of live tracks and studio tracks, including the unreleased in the US, 3x3 EP. The UK version was an unusual hybrid of live tracks and...some more live tracks?

Back in London, Gary and Simon have made it to Wembley for their live gig. Will they get in? What happens when Gary decides to crowdsurf? Who has the weirdest rider request and will the boys learn a new fact about fireworks? Find out the answers to all these questions and more in this exciting episode.

My hopes are as the leaves upon the water...

May 03, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Minisode

***Yes it is, that’s the magic number…***

In May 1982 Genesis released their second EP, 3x3, onto an unsuspecting world. Made up of leftovers from the Abacab sessions it proved to be a modest hit in the UK charts, just like their first EP.
Lead track “Paperlate“ managed to be an homage to both 70’s and 80’s Genesis whilst the other two tracks were also on the EP.

But meanwhile, with the future of the Pub assured, Gary and Simon continue their London adventure with a nice relaxing trip on a bus to their next appointment. It seems Simon has meticulously planned the journey BUT what will happen when things go awry? Get ready for rush hour…

Featuring guest stars:
Bus Driver: Ray Grast
Bouncer: Richmond Leishi
And a recurring cast of thousands.

So…if you’ve read this far you probably like the podcast. If you do please consider supporting us by clicking on this link and contributing the price of a coffee to the running of the podcast. You may notice the sound quality of the episode is greatly improved, we’d like to keep doing that with your help. All donations will go towards the running cost of the website and recording equipment. Big thanks to the people who have already donated, we love you. Not in a weird way…

This is the time you've waited for...

March 01, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***One of the people in my life, pictured last week.***

1979 was not a great year for Phil Collins. However, the breakdown of his marriage lead to a huge burst of creativity and ultimately brought us his classic first solo album “Face Value”. Similarly, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford recorded and released their first solo efforts.
This podcast is not, however, about those albums. Instead we have a listen to the tenth studio album, and the second recorded by the most famous and successful line up. Duke was released on 24th March 1980 and was their very first number 1 album in the UK!
The album saw a return to longer songs following …And Then There Were Three…’s dalliance with shorter tracks. It also contains what could be considered the first proper Genesis “Pop” song, which went on to become the 7th biggest single of 1980 in Canada!

In this bumper 20th edition of The Revelation Station, the boys get embroiled in a mystery on their way to an important date and decide to while away the time by turning an ear to Gary’s first experience of Genesis’ music. Does it hold up after so long? Is it a royal success or a big pile of dookie? Can Simon accurately predict which songs Gary will hate? Just whodunnit? The answers to all these questions will be revealed…

Featuring guest stars:
Tea Lady: Kay MrsGary
Hercule Poirot: Richmond Leishi
And a cast of thousands!

Do you love us or hate us? Got something to share (about Genesis, not just random things)? You can let us know by emailing revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment below. If you really want to, you could join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation

Join us soon for another, possibly shorter, episode!

Stand up to the blow that fate has struck upon you...

February 08, 2019 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

Released on 31st March 1978, Genesis’ ninth studio album featured a streamlined sound and line up. Steve Hackett had departed the group in mid 1977, dissatisfied with the band dynamic, leaving the core trio of Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford that would exist for a good 15 years and go on to huge international success.

It all starts here folks. Hated by some, loved by others the album featured their biggest hit to date in Follow You, Follow Me, a sign of things to come. Also notable for the inclusion of shorter songs, in an attempt to cram in more ideas. This is only one of three albums they ever released that has no long songs.

Returning back from winter break with an appropriately themed album, Gary and Simon find themselves caught between a rock and a dart place as they try to bring more business to the pub. Despite this they find time to discuss the merits of …And Then There Were Three… and spend an inordinate amount of time singing in this episode.

What do they think of the album? Is it a bullseye or a double one? Which of the two single releases do they prefer? Which one of the pair clearly misses Steve but refuses to admit it? And what cover version should you definitely definitely avoid at all costs? The answers to all this and more can be found right here in a bumper length episode of The Revelation Station podcast.

Like us? Hate us? Got some interesting stories or facts you want to share? Concerned about constant incorrect release dates on Wikipedia (but not bothered enough to get them changed)? Let us know via email at revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment below. If you really like us you could visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation.

Plus! Join us back here soon for the next episode DUKE!

No business like show business.

December 14, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

For their second (geddit?) release of 1977, Genesis unleashed their second (geddit) live album, Seconds Out. Recorded at the Palais de Sport in Paris mostly between 11th and 14th June 1977 (with The Cinema Show recorded at the same venue on 23rd June 1976), this double live set is widely regarded as one of “the best live albums ever™”, by Genesis fans at least, and was released to critical acclaim.

The album would be released in October 1977, by which time Steve Hackett had already departed the group for solo pastures, and in fact the remaining trio would have recorded their next release, more of that next time. Another chapter of the book of Genesis closed and a new era would begin in 1978.

Right here, right now, Gary and Simon discuss the album in a most appropriate setting. Do they agree with the fan consensus about the album’s greatness? Does Gary learn to love Suppers Ready? What do they think of Phil covering Peter? All this and more can be found in this episode.

Are you enjoying the podcast? Do you love that scamp Gary? Annoyed by Simon constantly getting things wrong? Write to us and tell us at our email address revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com. All feedback is welcome, if you’re really tragic…I mean…interested, you could join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation/

The grime on the Tyne is mine, all mine, all mine.

October 05, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

***Out on a wiley, windy moor. Somewhere in Yorkshire.***

In 1976 Phil Collins is the singer in Genesis and they release their brand new album, A Trick of the…hang on, wait a minute! They released another album in 1976? Does Peter Gabriel know about this?

So….released as an early Christmas present, their second album of 1976 arrived on December 17th. Their 8th overall, it firmly cemented Phil Collins as the lead singer and featured classics that would become staples of the live set for many years to come.

However, all was not happy in the Genesis camp, and Steve Hackett was counting out time before he left, frustrated that his songwriting efforts were being side-lined *cough* AllInAMouse’sNight *cough*, he made the decision to leave the band in mid-1977.

In this episode! Gary and Simon find themselves in a salty situation, but use the time to discuss the second chapter in the “Phil Ruins Genesis” story (Spoiler: Phil doesn’t ruin Genesis, don’t be ridiculous). Do they enjoy the album? Which song makes it into Simon’s “Top 500” tracks list? How exactly does one eat a juicy raw rat? All these answers and more can be found in this episode!

Like what we’re doing? Hate what we’re doing? You can tell us by emailing revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com. All comments and suggestions are welcomed. Heck, if you really, like us you could join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/TheRevelationStation/

Enter the drummer.

August 24, 2018 by Simon Heldreich in Podcast episode

In 1975 Peter Gabriel quit Genesis just as they were about to hit the big time! Or, pay off some debts at least. He retired to his vegetable patch and, eventually, on to a successful solo career. But his involvement in the Genesis story was over for the most part. Which leaves the group without a singer...

Enter Phil, reluctantly at first, but with increasing confidence he takes on the mantle of front man and wins over literally everybody ever (note: maybe not everybody). After sifting through hundreds of demo tapes, the band finally settle on Phil and get down to recording their breakthrough album, A Trick Of The Tail. Released on 13th February 1976 to critical and commercial success, the album and subsequent tour raised the band's profile in the USA which ultimately led to the sell out tours of later years.

Back in the present day, Simon is taking Gary to get his casts removed and they decide to fill the hours waiting with a discussion about this seminal album. Do the boys take to Phil as lead vocalist? Is everything the band do from now on rubbish? What is the connection to Russ Abbot? Which classic does Gary hate this time? All this, and maybe more, is answered in this episode, featuring a surprise appearance from a popular comedian.

Got anything to want to share with us? Stories about upcoming albums? How you got into Genesis in the first place? Even feedback about the episodes, anything is welcome. Send it to revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Look out for the next episode in 4 weeks time, where we indulge in a little Wind & Wuthering.

The History Makers

August 03, 2018 by Simon Heldreich

*Would you buy a used demo off these men?*

In 1998, barely a year after the band released their last studio album, the classic 5 man line up reunited to compile 4CDs of largely unreleased tracks. Covering the years 1967-1975 (although the tracks are placed in roughly reverse order) this gem contains the only official live recording of the whole of The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (bar "IT" due to a lazy tape op), and demos of the band from before they were even tied to a record deal.

Returning to the pub a broken man, literally, Gary does his best to find some joy within these tracks. Will he agree that Supper's Ready is a masterpiece? Will Simon be able to convince him it's worth the purchase? Will either of them get beaten up by the barman? Find out the answer to all these questions and more in this special episode.

Got anything you want to share with us? Stories about upcoming albums? How you got into Genesis in the first place? Even feedback about the episodes, anything is welcome. Send it to revelationstationpodcast@gmail.com.

Look out for the next episode coming soon, in which we turn our attention back to the regular releases with A Trick Of The Tail.