Peter Gabriel left Genesis because he felt the band was taking itself too seriously.
The 76-year-old musician left the rockers behind in 1975 before launching a successful solo career and explained how his departure came about because he felt they were pulling in separate directions – with Phil Collins (who replaced him as lead vocalist) frustrated with the group’s elaborate stage costumes during the 1970s era of progressive rock.
Peter told Mojo: “Phil used to hate the costumes.
“He wanted to be like a jazz musician. That was his image of himself – which I understood – and then he’s got this idiot dressing up in a silly hat or as a sexually transmitted disease.”
He added: “My vision was part of what made Genesis what it was, as was Phil’s vision. But I think we fall down when we take any of it too seriously.”
Gabriel also reflected on his turbulent relationship with keyboardist Tony Banks.
The Games Without Frontiers artist said: “He and I were this combination of vicious enemies and best friends. Though we only ever argued about band stuff.”
Peter recalled how he knew that Genesis would thrive without him, even though the Land of Confusion rockers were fearful of a future without their frontman.
He said: “Back then we were in this strange situation where the band – and I know this sounds arrogant – were really worried about their future without me.
“I, on the other hand, felt confident that they’d do really well, as there was plenty of opportunity for them to create something new.
“Whereas my attitude was, ‘F*** the co-operative!'”
Gabriel enjoyed immediate success with his debut solo single Solsbury Hill in 1977 and explained how he penned the “optimistic” song as he tried to gain confidence away from Genesis.
He said: “It was a hopeful, optimistic song. That first record was me trying to get some confidence outside of the band.”
Peter’s biggest global hit came in 1986 with Sledgehammer and he recalled how the US chart-topper was thrown together “at the last minute” during a recording session.
The musician said: “Sledgehammer was a throwaway thing, recorded at the last minute, as the musicians were trying to leave – ‘Hey, let’s try this thing quickly!’
“Everyone thinks the music was written to be a hit, but it wasn’t.”