Mild Mannered Supermen - A Genesis Podcast

Blood on the Rooftops & Wot Gorilla?

Skip the News: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we continue our exploration of Genesis's 1976 album Wind & Wuthering with a deep dive into two fascinating tracks: “Blood on the Rooftops” and “Wot Gorilla?” We examine what many fans consider one of Steve Hackett's crowning achievements in Genesis, the hauntingly beautiful “Blood on the Rooftops.” Written in collaboration with Phil Collins, the song combines Hackett's stunning twelve-string guitar work with a poignant meditation on media, violence, and modern life. We discuss why this track represents one of the creative highs of Hackett's Genesis career and why it remains a favorite among devoted fans. We also explore the story behind “Wot Gorilla?”, the instrumental that ultimately took the place of Hackett's composition “Please Don't Touch.” The decision became another source of frustration for Hackett during the Wind & Wuthering sessions and contributed to the growing tensions that would eventually lead to his departure from the band. Along the way, we discuss legendary drummer Chester Thompson, whose nickname was “Gorilla” and whose arrival would become a crucial part of Genesis's live sound. We also trace the fascinating connection between Thompson and Hackett, who would later collaborate extensively during Steve's solo career. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we explore the creative triumphs, frustrations, and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the final Genesis album featuring the classic lineup of Phil Collins, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Steve Hackett. #Genesis #WindAndWuthering #BloodOnTheRooftops #WotGorilla #SteveHackett #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #ChesterThompson #PleaseDontTouch #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock

Eleventh Earl of Mar & One For The Vine

Daddy, You Promised: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we begin our journey through Genesis's 1976 masterpiece Wind & Wuthering by exploring two of Genesis's most ambitious compositions: “Eleventh Earl of Mar” and “One for the Vine.” First, we examine the historical inspiration behind “Eleventh Earl of Mar,” a sweeping tale of the failed Jacobite Rising of 1715 and the Scottish nobleman who dared to challenge the British crown. We discuss how Genesis transforms history into mythology, blending real events with themes of ambition, memory, and lost causes. Then we dive into the epic “One for the Vine,” a progressive rock masterpiece that explores leadership, faith, destiny, and the cyclical nature of human history. Is it a fantasy tale? A political allegory? A meditation on how societies create heroes and prophets? We unpack the song's rich lyrical themes and discuss why many fans consider it one of Tony Banks's greatest achievements. Along the way, we explore Phil Collins's evolving role as frontman, the band's creative chemistry following Peter Gabriel's departure, and how Wind & Wuthering represents one of the final great statements of Genesis's classic progressive rock era. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we uncover the stories, symbolism, and extraordinary musicianship behind two of the most compelling tracks in the Genesis catalog. #Genesis #WindAndWuthering #EleventhEarlOfMar #OneForTheVine #TonyBanks #PhilCollins #MikeRutherford #SteveHackett #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock #GenesisDeepDive

Squonk & Los Endos

Just a Pool of Tears: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we close the book on Genesis's landmark 1976 album A Trick of the Tail with two unforgettable tracks: “Squonk” and “Los Endos.” First, we dive into the legendary tale of the Squonk, a mythical creature from Pennsylvania folklore whose tears are said to dissolve its very existence. We explore how Genesis transformed this strange American legend into one of their heaviest and most dramatic songs, featuring Phil Collins's thunderous drumming, Mike Rutherford's driving bass, and some of the most powerful instrumental passages on the album. Then we turn our attention to “Los Endos,” the instrumental finale that serves as both the conclusion of A Trick of the Tail and a farewell to an era of Genesis. We discuss how the track brilliantly weaves together musical themes from across the album while subtly referencing the band's past—including the famous callback to Peter Gabriel-era Genesis with echoes of “Supper's Ready.” From mythical beasts to triumphant finales, this episode celebrates the album that proved Genesis could not only survive after Peter Gabriel's departure—but thrive. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the stories, musicianship, and hidden connections behind two of the most beloved tracks in the Genesis catalog. #Genesis #Squonk #LosEndos #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #MikeRutherford #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #MusicHistory #70sRock #SuppersReady #GenesisDeepDive

Mad Man Moon & Robbery, Assault and Battery

Same Old Song, Done Me Wrong: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we continue our journey through Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail with a deep dive into two wildly different tracks: the emotional and mysterious “Mad Man Moon” and the theatrical fan favorite “Robbery, Assault and Battery.” We explore the possibility that “Mad Man Moon” reflects the emotional fallout of Peter Gabriel's departure from Genesis, examining Tony Banks's sweeping composition, the song's longing atmosphere, and its themes of searching, uncertainty, and change. Could this be Genesis quietly processing the loss of its former frontman while redefining its own identity? We also revisit the bizarre and charming world of “Robbery, Assault and Battery,” including a look at the band's rare 1976 promotional video — another fascinating glimpse into Genesis experimenting with visual storytelling years before MTV transformed music culture. From majestic Mellotron textures and emotional piano work to humor, character acting, and progressive rock storytelling, this episode captures Genesis at a turning point — balancing introspection with theatrical fun as the Phil Collins era fully begins to take shape. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack two of the most unique songs from A Trick of the Tail. #Genesis #MadManMoon #RobberyAssaultAndBattery #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #TonyBanks #SteveHackett #PeterGabriel #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory

Ripples & A Trick of the Tail

Look Into the Pool: In this episode of Mild Mannered Supermen, we dive into “Ripples,” one of the most beautiful and transformative songs from Genesis's 1976 album A Trick of the Tail. We explore how this track captures a band in transition — moving from the intricate progressive rock of the Peter Gabriel era toward a more melodic, accessible sound that would define Genesis in the years ahead. Jake (professional musician and co-host) makes the case that “Ripples” is a turning point, where the band begins to fully embrace emotional storytelling and pop sensibility without losing their musical depth. We also take a look at the early 1976 “A Trick of the Tail” promotional video — a fascinating piece of pre-MTV history — and discuss how Genesis was already experimenting with visual storytelling long before music television took over. From Tony Banks's sweeping keyboards and Steve Hackett's delicate guitar work to Phil Collins's heartfelt vocal delivery, “Ripples” remains one of the most enduring and emotionally resonant songs in the Genesis catalog. Join Mild Mannered Supermen as we unpack the beauty, the evolution, and the lasting impact of “Ripples.” #Genesis #Ripples #ATrickOfTheTail #PhilCollins #SteveHackett #TonyBanks #ProgRock #ProgressiveRock #ClassicRock #GenesisPodcast #MildManneredSupermen #70sRock #MusicHistory #GenesisEvolution #PreMTV