By the early 1970s, Genesis had evolved from their pastoral beginnings into one of Britain’s most adventurous progressive rock bands. The group, Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett and Phil Collins, had built a devoted following through their intricate compositions, poetic lyricism and Gabriel’s theatrical stage presence. Their growing confidence and artistic ambition would soon culminate in their most anticipated work to date.
Released on 22 November 1974, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway was a sprawling double concept album that told the surreal tale of Rael, a Puerto Rican youth navigating a dreamlike vision of New York City on a journey of self-discovery. Musically, it combined complex arrangements with a harder-edged, urban sound unlike anything Genesis had attempted before. Critics were divided at the time, but fans have since come to regard the album as one of the defining works of progressive rock.
To bring The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway to life, Genesis embarked on an ambitious world tour that would become legendary for its scope and spectacle. The band performed the entire album each night, complete with synchronised slides, elaborate lighting, costume changes and surreal visuals that mirrored Rael’s strange journey. While the production dazzled audiences, it also proved financially draining and logistically demanding. Behind the scenes, tensions within the group were rising, and by the end of the tour Peter Gabriel would make the momentous decision to leave Genesis, closing a defining chapter in their history.
DISC ONE
1 The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway 4:54
2 Fly On A Windshield 3:10
3 Broadway Melody Of 1974 2:17
4 Cuckoo Cocoon 2:24
5 In The Cage 8:00
6 The Grand Parade Of Lifeless Packaging 3:05
7 Back In N.Y.C. 6:04
8 Hairless Heart 2:39
9 Counting Out Time 4:01
10 Carpet Crawlers 5:42
11 The Chamber Of 32 Doors 5:44
DISC TWO
1 Lilywhite Lilith 3:07
2 The Waiting Room 8:56
3 Anyway 3:34
4 Here Comes The Supernatural Anaesthetist 4:18
5 The Lamia 7:06
6 Silent Sorrows In Empty Boats 3:31
7 The Colony Of Slippermen 8:49
8 Ravine 1:46
9 The Light Dies Down On Broadway 3:40
10 Riding The Scree 4:13
11 In The Rapids 2:30
12 It 4:03
13 The Knife 9:23