50 years ago: Melody Maker headlines “Gabriel Out Of Genesis?”

Fifty years ago today, fans were in turmoil – Melody Maker ran the headline Gabriel out of Genesis?. We take a look at the events surrounding 16 August 1975.

Peter Gabriel had already decided at the end of 1974 to leave Genesis and go his own way. He did inform Tony Smith first (based on what we know, the most likely time was while the band was in Cleveland) and the band was informed later on. It remains unclear when exactly, but it can be assumed it wasn’t long after Peter talked to Tony Smith. The Lamb tour was completed without any news of this reaching the outside world.

Rumours and denials

Rumours first emerged in July, initially mentioned in New Musical Express. At that time, however, it was still more of a side note and not a cover story. On 12 July, the NME reported that the rumours that Gabriel had left Genesis came from a reliable source. They were denied by the record company. The record company pointed out that Genesis were ‘currently inactive’ and that Phil had ‘put together his own little band for a concert’, which fuelled the discussion.

Just three days ago (on 13 August 2025), a letter from Tony Stratton-Smith (Charisma Records) surfaced, which he had sent to Atlantic Records at the time. He made it clear that Genesis would continue. This letter is dated 13 August 1975.

Stratton-Smith outlines grotesque (?) scenarios

The content of the letter would have been sensational at the time, but today it is an interesting puzzle in the history of Genesis. In this letter, Stratton-Smith said Gabriel is willing to deliver vocals for the album which would become A Trick Of The Tail and also a farewell tour is possible, should they not find a vocalist. You can see the full letter below.

The fact that this letter remained unknown to the public until 13 August 2025 suggests that it was a rather bold (but also creative) attempt to appease their American colleagues with all possible scenarios. We do not know whether this was ever discussed within the band and whether it was even a realistic option.

Latest rumours, press statement and Peter Gabriel’s own explanation

On 16 August 1975, 50 years ago today, Melody Maker published its now legendary cover story Gabriel Out Of Genesis? Again, these were just rumours; there was no official confirmation in connection with this article at this time.

A week later, however, Melody Maker referred to a press release confirming that Gabriel had indeed left Genesis. This press release was definitely written after Stratton-Smith’s letter to Atlantic. And almost certainly issued after the editorial deadline for the 16 August issue of Melody Maker.

Finally, on 6 September, Melody Maker published Peter Gabriel’s own statement, which is now legendary. It was headlined Why I Quit Genesis and is also known as Out, Angels Out.

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You can discuss this in our online forum in this thread.
Editor’s note: Although the publication date of Melody Maker was used as a reference, the mag usually was available a day or two earlier at newsagents,
Thanks to Tom Morgenstern and Mic Smith for their input!

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