Speech Media Contact Thursday, April 22, 2010 Danielle Shaw Advanced Diploma Public Relations [email protected] 905-555-5555 Trey Anastasio Inducts Genesis into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Many artists get the chance to stand where I am and introduce a great band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However many do not stand here with the feeling of being as star struck as I am today. When I was 13 years old, back in 1977, I walked into the record store that I happened to drop by every day. One specific day changed my life. I had never heard a Genesis record before. I came across their record ‘The Knife’ and was immediately seduced by the cover artwork- the slash mark on the cover pushed limits. I bought that album and have been continually in musical love with Genesis since then. It was rebellious and pushed boundaries- something Genesis did throughout their career. As a musician, and a writer, I have been influenced by Genesis. I owe them so much. Throughout changes in direction both musically and with band members, they have continued to be musical icons. Genesis began as a 1960s pop band, playing moody, simple keyboard-driven melodies. During the 1970s, they evolved into a progressive rock band, incorporating complex song structures and elaborate instrumentation, while their concerts became theatrical experiences with innovative stage design, pyrotechnics, elaborate costumes and on-stage stories. In the 1980s, the band produced accessible pop music based on melodic hooks. Oh, the hooks. Incredible. Genesis played with such power. Each of the band members lived Genesis. Blood, sweat and tears. You could feel it in them as they played. Phil Collins- throughout his entire career has been the most incredible, and intense drummer of our time. What can I say to truly express how talented you are? The only way I can truly express it is to say Trespass- that is legendary. As a band, you moved me. You made me feel the music. You made me live the music. You (more) made me experience the music. That is what makes music great. To give your listeners an experience that can affect them years later- an experience that is reflected in their own work. That is what you have achieved. Genesis never settled. They pushed for the ultimate and now, you are only the second progressive rock band to be inducted into the Hall of Fame today. On behalf of everyone who agrees with me and understands me when I say I am so proud, so pumped, and so pleased to welcome Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Steve Hackett and Peter Gabriel – the legendary members of Genesis- as the newest member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. -30- .