Genesis - LA Complete (The Full 1986 Broadcast) (2022)

Genesis had just released what was to become their best-selling album, Invisible Touch, a few months prior to this remarkable concert was performed at the Forum, in Los Angeles, on October 15th 1986. Having moved into a more pop-oriented direction in the early '80s, Genesis was now attracting even more new fans, particularly MTV viewers who enjoyed their sometimes a little silly, but often inventive videos. At the same time, they held onto a loyal fan base that stretched back to their days as an art rock band. • Riding this momentum, Genesis played five consecutive nights at the Forum in October of ‘86. This excellent recording was made on Wednesday, the third night of the run. There's a little tension early in the show when lead singer Phil Collins tells the crowd they'll be playing some new songs. Some members of the audience boo, though some applaud. Phil then says they may play a few old tunes as well, and the audience roars. This little dialogue tellingly reflects the conflict between the fans of the new poppier style, and those who preferred the older, more progressive rock sound. Both fan groups were there in full force at this show. • The band had an incredibly complex, colourful, and dynamic light show, featuring the most Vari-lites ever used in a lighting rig. Vari-lites are small lights that can change direction and colour very quickly, and Genesis was the first band to use them in 1981.

As always, the band had a pristine sound, even in a cavern like the L.A. Forum. As for the performance, Phil Collins' voice is in fine, powerful form. The band executes the songs proficiently and tightly, though keyboardist Tony Banks makes the occasional gaffe here and there. • A highlight for older fans is a long medley of three tried-and-true tunes near the end of the set. One of these, a part of 1972's "Supper's Ready" is considered by many to be one of their very best numbers. It was quite a shock when the band broke into this song. • Perhaps on purpose, the band follows this old chestnut by immediately launching into their big hit, "Invisible Touch." For better or worse, it was a really stark contrast. New fans went nuts while older fans shivered. At this point in the show, normally tight security let the people on the floor leave their chairs to jam up against the stage. For the remainder of the night, the area up in front was a pretty wild party, particularly during the encore of the "Turn It On Again Medley." • This is a show that captures Genesis at the peak of their popularity - at a time when they (and former member Peter Gabriel) were all over the media. It's a concert with sugary pop and catchy dance tunes, but one that also features, at the same time, superb musicianship and extended instrumental jamming. After this, the band would only record one more album before Phil Collins left the group for a solo career.

Tracklist
1-1 Mama 8:56
1-2 Abacab 10:44
1-3 Land Of Confusion 5:28
1-4 That's All 7:01
1-5 Domino 13:16
1-6 In Too Deep 5:34
1-7 The Brazilian 5:22
1-8 Follow You Follow Me 5:58
1-9 Tonight Tonight Tonight 9:18
1-10 Interlude 4:37

2-1 Home By The Sea 4:52
2-2 Second Home By The Sea 7:21
2-3 Throwing It All Away 9:01
2-4 In The Cage / In That Quiet Earth / Supper's Ready 20:29
2-5 Invisible Touch 5:07
2-6 Drum Solo 5:57
2-7 Los Endos 6:46
2-8 Turn It On Again 12:05