With a Little Help from Our Friends: Lessons from Genesis

A couple of years ago, my husband Richard and I had a great time seeing Phil Collins in concert. We were excited to see him perform as he doesn’t tour very often due to his health conditions. We talked at the time about how much fun it would be to see him perform with Genesis but thought it would likely not happen as they don’t regularly tour together anymore.

A dream come true

We were so excited when we learned that Genesis was planning a new tour last year! Richard had seen them perform once back in the 80s and said it was the best live band he had ever experienced. I hadn’t had the pleasure and so was overjoyed that they planned to stop for a performance in our city, and I was able to get us tickets.

It was a terrific night and an incredible performance with a mix of songs from many of their albums from across the years. They seemed to play music that satisfied all their fans' cravings, from the hits to the adored songs not as well known to the casual listener.

As much as I had enjoyed the previous Phil Collins solo concert and took away some joyful life lessons, I found myself loving Genesis and their camaraderie in a whole new way.

I learned a lot from this concert!

From the moment they climbed up to the stage to start playing, you could tell the gentleman of Genesis were enjoying themselves.

Life is more fun with friends

It was obvious that their tour was a labor of love. They were smiling at each other, tapping their toes, and jamming in the revelry of being together and making the music they love. It reinforced that life is more fun when you spend precious moments with good friends.

It’s ok to lean on others for help

Another rich part of the Genesis band’s friendship was shown in moments when they helped Phil Collins on and off stage, as he has trouble walking and uses a cane. The band also moved to play an acoustic set while sitting close to Phil Collins as he remained on his stool. It wasn’t a big deal, but it was clear that his friends (and bandmates) were helping and supporting him and playing their music together. Sometimes it may seem subtle, but our friends help us get through our challenges so we can participate in life.

Laughter really is the best medicine

Since Phil Collins could not drum anymore due to his physical disabilities, his son joined Genesis on tour to drum for the band. A couple of younger singers and musicians also supported the 3 Genesis band members on tour. It was great to see new generations celebrating the music of Genesis but also honoring their history.

During one of the songs called “I can’t dance,” the original members performed a funny walk in the music video. In a humorous concert moment, the younger guest players copied the funny walk as the actual Genesis players performed. It was a great reminder that laughter and good memories could see us through hard times.

Friends can make life with RA better

Throughout the concert, the Genesis bandmates jammed together and seemed to know where each member was heading with the music. Knowledge about each other had been built over decades of record-making and performing. It was just the result of time together creating memories. A rich and interesting life is built with the help of good friends over long periods of time.

It reminded me how a full life comes from close friendships during the good times and bad. We support each other, learn from each other, and laugh with each other. It’s a good reminder that a good life is built with some help from our friends. And they’re still the best live band Richard has ever seen.