TONY BANKS UNFILTERED: GENESIS KEYBOARD PLAYER & COMPOSER IN CONVERSATION . FULL.. 1 Hour 53 Mins 

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I do think people misunderstand Tony Banks' manner. He is a genius level intellect and is famously reserved. He may come across as arrogant but he's just recalling what he thought about things in an objective and dispassionate way. It seems cold, but its not intended to be.

Genesis and in particular (Phil Collins) is the whole reason I became a musician myself. I idolized this band and loved watching and reading everything and anything I could on them and their individual careers. Tony, to me, is the true architect of this band. He is a very intelligent and a brilliant composer. Yes, he is not blessed with the charisma of his band mates Phil and to some degree Mike. But just for a moment, put yourself in this man's shoes. For most of his professional life, he has been an after thought compared to Phil and Mike & The Mechanics, when in actuality, he's probably the best composer in this trio of brothers. Top that with a personality that is hard to uncover, he comes off as this negative Nancy sometimes. Yes, to me, he does appear to be someone that wants things done a particular way, but it's this side of him that has helped make the band as successful as it's been. And yes, before you take me to school, I understand that he has had more success with his bandmates as Genesis than in his solo career. The work he's done aside from Genesis is still brilliant in its own right, but not able to connect with pop mainstream the way Mike and Phil's careers have. So what! He is essential to Genesis. I've heard him say many times that him and Peter are good friends but argued a lot. I noticed, even in the promo interviews during 1999 for the re release of Carpet Crawlers, Peter laughed and seemed almost as if (Oh this is why I left) when Tony was reminiscing of something that had happened. I just wish the two could somehow be willing to put aside their differences and do a reunion tour (or heck) I'd take a one off filmed concert, for the fans. Ultimately, I don't care what kind of personality Tony has. I'm grateful for him and his contributions to music and helping light a passion in me that has literally helped me live. Thank you John for posting these wonderful conversations with people that I hold near and dear to my heart.

These interviews are giving me a real lift in difficult times. Thank you, John - much appreciated!

Tony Banks is the greatest keyboardist in rock history and the leading light in Genesis. A fine, articulate man who is a great role model.

Tony is one of the best melody writers in the business. I have always enjoyed his work.

Probably the first interview I see Tony more relaxed and with less of his passive agressivness towards the early days and specially with Steve. Great interview.

Two underrated keyboard players/writers: Tony Banks and Richard Wright. Without them there would have been no Genesis or Pink Floyd.

We have been so fortunate to live in the era of this artist's career. His quiet manner has meant he isn't appreciated enough by the wider public, but there’s no question he is the greatest keyboardist in rock history and the source of most of Genesis's best songs. Duchess and many others.

i have always sensed a storm brewing under tony's calmness.

Thanks for uploading these interviews. I was very into Genesis in my teens (late 80s / early 90s) so I'm finding all of them fascinating and engrossing. It's made me go back and listen to their albums for the first time in years. I appreciate them all in a new way now. Phil's drums in the 70s albums will still sound fresh in 100 years time. Tony's songs were invariably my favourites on each album and listening to him describe the writing and recording process and dissecting some of his classics as well as the hidden gems just reaffirms all I thought about him. A fantastic talent and very smart, and the backbone of Genesis.

Many too Many is a masterpiece of lyrics/music and one of the best Genesis has done so far...

It was Tony Banks that drew me to deeply loving and playing keyboards. His melodic lines and point-counterpoint pieces are amazing.

This just popped up. Thats my evening sorted later 👌

I could listen to Tony talk for hours! (I just did!) - thanks for uploading the long version of this interview!

My respect for Tony’s songwriting and keyboard playing has only grown over the years. You can make a strong case for him being prog’s best writer.

It is strangely pleasurable to listen to Tony Banks. He commands respect through the screen. Half expected him to reach out and slap me - "Are you paying attention?"

Some fans lost interest in the Band when Peter left, for some others who got on board much later, Phil was the Man, for some who clearly like to engage in revisionism Steve, was the soul of Genesis but those with a bit of knowledge of the history of the band, and actually care about going through the song credits simply know that this man, was the backbone, soul and cornerstone of this band. His chords progressions, harmonies and melodies, his keyboards sound simply defined the band's ethos.

tony banks is a great composer and great musicien he is the soul of the group of Genesis

These interviews are exceptional! Thanks so much for putting them together. 🎸👍

tony banks is always precise and clever when he talks like he plays keyboards.Congratulations to him because he s got ability to use piano in a classical way like Chopin and Ravel in the early years of Genesis.After he developped his touch with synthetiseurs and create modern tube like Abacab ,it s gonna get better,Mamma, fading lights ,driving the last spike Domino Thanks for your beautiful songs M r Tony Banks.

This is great! I really love the unedited interviews! Keep them coming…

Tony Banks is simply brilliant. While I tremendously admire many of his keyboardist contemporaries like Rick Wakeman, I think Tony is an astoundingly excellent writer, player and yes, even singer. He is the best of his time and stands the test of time as well. Plus, he has the best hair in Genesis then and now (Sorry Phil, Mike, Darryl and Chester, Peter...though Nic Collins is giving him a run for the money)! Great Interview John!

Excellent interview with an outstanding keyboard player and writer. Tony Bank's use of chords and his keyboard solos are an inspiration to a lot of musicians, especially keyboard players. The weakness of his music is in the rhythm department, see solo albums. The reason Steve Hackett left was due to members of the band telling him to not have a solo career and at the same time not liking many of his songs. I wonder why Banks was surprised he left. Without Tony Banks you would never have had Genesis, and the various solo albums by the group prove it. I love his honesty and normal lifestyle and wish he had formed a new group like Rutherford did.

I'm 52 years old and been a Genesis fan since I was 12 so 40 years now. I think this is one of the best documentaries I've seen of my favorite band. Really appreciate the work and time you put in to this documentary. Thank you and the rest of your crew that helped you. From a big Genesis fan I appreciate it. 😊👍

Fantastic interview! Thanks for sharing it.✌️

Thanks so much for these wonderful documentaries of the thoughts and insights of all past and present members of Genesis. What other band has done this in a civil, friendly gathering of respect for each other. How impressive! Every person involved in Genesis added their love of music, lyrics, and composition that made Genesis the legendary band that they are. It would not be fair to compare each unique qualities that they added individually. One might be good, that the other is not! They recognized all of their own traits, and they were very particular and passionate about each of their own jobs to do, per say! That is why they stayed as a group for so long. Great sound, great lyrics, great band! Thank you ALL for the wonderful music! Goosebumps forevermore ✌

Thank you for posting this fantastic interview! Tony Banks is the indispensable musical heart of Genesis. I was sad to hear him assailing is lyric writing skills though...he's written some of my favorite pieces over the years including "Burning Rope", "Heathaze", "Keep it Dark" and his solo song "Angel Face".

Tony Banks hit the nail on the head when he spoke of "Willow Farm"(Foxtrot). It's a wonderful example of musiccal dynamics. Apart from the Beatles it's one of my favourite albums, if not my favourite..

1st x hearing tony, Mr. Banks speak since 1974 . Surely an honor. A 1969 to 1977 Gnss fan. Mostly !

I agree ,I really like him ,I love listening to him ,he’s an interesting guy. I’ve seen him in a different light when he’s not talking about himself and he’s actually quite a funny and sociable chap

Tony Banks is a legend of music and eternal inspiration

What a talented writer/musician. I, ve been a constant listener of this great band most of my life. Tony Banks might well be the heart of Genesis. I can,t praise him and his music enough.. Just excellent I suppose.

I would have loved to have heard Tony talk about his adolescent years ie. at prep school and Charterhouse. I boarded at prep school and a public school and we all loved Genesis, not knowing they (founding members) had also been to one. I think there was something slightly Alice in Wonderland about the whole experience, it's difficult to explain, and I'm sure this was key to the quirky 'english' Genesis sensibility.

Another great interview, thanks John. I think Tony is the main key for the sound of Genesis (most know this even the band members) and that mention of the lyrics of Tony's... those songs really were the bread and butter, and magic of the band to me. Most of Tony's songs were my favorites even in the later years. Unfortunately I think Tony saw the success of Phil's and M&Ms and he felt the need to chase the commercial "Hit" like they achieved, but there are some really superb songs scattered through his solo albums. He always comes through as super self-critical, but I hope he knows how much his work is revered as a musician and writer. It's been great to see him do the classical/orchestral albums as well because they really are excellent.

Thanks for this great interview. So many people on here watched this interview and then felt the need to either trash the quality of the video or trash Tony. I don’t get it. Tony Banks has given the world so many fantastic songs. He started with little pop songs like Silent Sun in the 60’s and went on to create early masterpieces like Watchers, and Supper’s Ready. Each album had something different, something special. I am just now discovering his solo works. Island in the Darkness is great. Plus he wrote 3 orchestral albums. Prelude to a Million Years is a beautiful piece. Tell me what kind of musician can compose in so many genres? I enjoyed this interview very much. No complaints from me!

Amazing interview. Every single statement is a perfect way to describe what being a musician is all about. But most importantly, Tony Banks is being totally honest about what it takes to be in a band. It constantly leaves every single member with a choice of keeping up or parting ways, but every individual choice makes a world of difference to the entire band.

Great interview. Very informative in the musical process. To me “The Lamb Lies Down” and “Duke” are true masterpieces.

Most appreciated - thank you!

I had never seen him do an interview, he comes across as a bright but also sympathetic guy, i must say! What he does have that fits in my earlier picture of him, there is something distant in him, It Maybe this is mainly that he is not into expressing his own personal feelings. He seems quite an adventurous guy, I Like this interview very much. Thank you Tony!

Supper’s Ready is the masterpiece of Genesis. Sad to hear Mr. Banks not give Mr. Gabriel and Mr. Hackett their due on the composition of that song. Without the guitar solos and Peters lyrics, haunting flute and idea, it would not be what it is. Genesis never reached it’s genius at this level once these two left the band.

The work you do John, letting these Legends talking, is as equally important as the Music they produced over the years. I wish I had the pleasure to listen to these interviews when I was younger, long time ago. Well, as they say: Better late than ever. God bless you Man and thanks for these Gems. Carus Alambra :-)

Tony and Mike backbone of Genesis, I hope they know how greatful fans are for these two lads. Another great interview binge watching.

I saw Genesis in 1977 live, then in 1981 on the Duke tour. Duke is an amazing writing achievement.

For years I thought Tony to be a bit abrasive to other members and occasionally he might have been - particularly with Steve, but especially as he gets older I understand him, and he cares passionately about the music and the vision in his head is compelling.

Tony said "Duke, wich is *probably* my favorite album in *many* ways", he talks really fast and there is an "m" in there. His favorite album, the one he has mentioned the most is Wind & Wuthering, and the track that he has mentioned the most as his favorite is Duchess, in fact, he has mentioned more Duchess than Wind & Wuthering. That doesn't mean that he doesn't like the other songs, and he has said "i enjoy everything we have done", when he is being critical of something i see it more as him being a perfectionist and wanting to change certain stuff that could've been better according to him, and that's very natural thing to do, specially if you're a perfectionist, i don't understand why so many people have problems with that. Love the bit about Supper's Ready, the entire thing about the tape, excellent. Shoutouts to Get em' Out by Friday. 27:38 lol 1:11:49 *HOME COOKING* 1:44:28 Piano time

Enjoyed this immensely.

Massive Genesis fan and loved the Phil Collins era. ESP the duke abacab and three sides live era. Duke is a masterpiece.

I always thought Tony part of the conflict as 'keeper of the band" attitude ..I have new respect for him..Well John again!

I didn't really like his solo albums at the time of their release, but now I really like them. His classical albums are really lovely.

It annoys me when someone says that they prefer the Peter Gabriel era.and don't like when Phil sang. Do they realize Genesis put out two prog rock records with Steve Hackett, then when Steve Hackett left they still were putting out the same kind of thing but just shorter? Do they realize that almost every album after that they had a prog rock epic, or some kind of prog rock. Genesis never stopped doing prog rock. Also what really annoys me is when they say Genesis sold out and did pop tunes. Was 'In the Air Tonight' by Phil Collins a pop tune? Really? Genesis had a few pop hits, but most of what they did was either prog rock, or just AOR maybe power pop, but they didn't just get drum machines and start making dead simple music. Even Phil's solo stuff is musically melodic and sophisticated music, it's not greasy kids stuff.

He seems to have a logical explanation for it all without being pedantic. He is the master after all. It took the three of them to really create the unique sound that they did. No one individual can take all the credit. They were great from day one though. Maybe too great at times. Love ya Tony.

I never cared much for Tony's solo albums, the thing about bands is that its BOTH competittive and co operative, sometimes in equal measure, sometimes not. But I think working and fighting with that many other guys really made him amp up his game. If your going to put your keys over top of Petes voice or Steves guitar, then you better be doing something remarkable with them. Apocalypse in 9/8 really is his Ode to Joy. Thats the kind of music that arrives only when you really open yourself up to the muses and let them speak through you. Its hard to even critique it, its one of those where you listen and just go "so thats what 9/8 sounds like".

Thanks John for the interview. I love Tony's solo albums which I just bought on cds including the box set. Plus I feel like the Genesis albums were like Banks solo albums. Those 70s Genesis albums were incredible and the best. I have them all.Trick Of The Tail is one of my favorites. Now go interview Anthony Phillips who has written incredible music on his own. Thanks again. You have a fan here in South Carolina

Tony's the only one that remembers anything, great to hear him, you can tell how much he cares about the history and legacy of Genesis.

Nice to hear Mr. Banks speak of the music...truly genius.

Tony actually likes “The Lamb…” yay!!! His stated objections make perfect sense. A wonderful interview. Thank you 🙏

This is so precious. Thank you so much for uploading this!

TONY BANKS ❤️ He’s one of the Best In Keyboard 💕 I LOVE YOU TONY 😘

Wonderful composer and keyboard player. He is the ground from where many great Genesis grew. I do not warm up to him as a person, I think he is uptight but it does not matter, it's Tony Banks

Just to Finnish I say Genesis are a band that have been strong and always musically great

Ive always loved Tony's " A Curios Feeling" album

When you've already written such wonderfully inventive and beautiful lyrics to as many legendary prog masterpieces as Tony has, there's hardly a need to be defensive when Mike says you can't write lyrics for a hit single.

Thank you for this John. I just turned on Three Sides Live.

In the bits where he's not talking Tony's face is like that of a bank manager sizing up a nervous applicant requesting a loan of 3 trillion.

Tony knows about all of the music. He needs to have a guy to pin him down for 5 hours and force him to explain the logic behind these chords sequences. He needs to explain the numerous I chords in second inversion for example.

Tony seems like a very selfless and empathic person, I would imagine him being helpful and supportive in any musical collaboration. Not a total narcissist at all.

Calling All Stations, one of his real works. The power behin the throne!

This is a fantastic interview of Tony banks

A screenshot from this interview has become my answer to anyone who texts or messages me something completely idiotic. Banks doesn't come off nasty by any means, but damn if his expression between answers isn't stern! Intimidating in person maybe....but it is beyond cool to hear these guys talk so much in depth about their work!

All I can say is thank you. I’ve watched a couple of these now I’ve found them. Subscribed so I can watch the rest too.. Genesis, Tony to some degrees especially, inspired my life.. I took up an instrument of my own on the back of keep watching and listening to genesis as a whole as well as the iconic musical parts of the long songs where all, past and present genesis, just showed how talented and clever they all were… Thanks for putting these on RU-vid for us to watch, absolutely fascinating and a joy to see the real people behind the music we have over time come to know and love 😊

There should be a cabinet position called "Minister For Keyboards" and Tony Banks should get the job. I always feel like I'm watching a politician when Tony's being interviewed...(for some reason) He has a very sober and diplomatic air about him...lol

"I think he just got fed up with me....people do" . Well, you have to admire the honesty. But thats the thing with really creative people, I don't think Steve just had the 'stomach' for the fight, and its seems with lot of prog bands, you had to go in with fists blazing. As for hits, when you have Phil and Mike writing hits, then that frees you up to not really worry about it. I remember on A Curious Feeling he had a love song on there, called "You can call it love", or something like that, but it almost sounded dismissive of the whole idea of a love song, its almost an ANTI love song, which probably wasn't intentional, but that shows that you need a certain sensibility. But Mike only really had those two songs, which were kind of almost prepackaged. You just tell somebody 'go write a song about your relation with your father' and your probably going to get something soppy and radio worthy. Biko is probably not going to be a 'hit', but its got a topic that pretty much commands your attention because of its subject matter. Phil has said people really minded once they had hits, and I think the biggest 'problem' with it was that suddenly commerciality became the arbiter of the quality of playing and singing, which I don't think it should ever be. I think Kurt Vonnegut said that ALL music is sacred, not sure he'd say it now, but I get the meaning.

A clever musician and a nice man.

Man, thanks for all the great stuff John, been trapped here most of the week 😀

Ads are a real drag, but thanks for posting. Love to hear a version without so many interruptions.

Thank you John for putting the pieces of this mosaic together. Looks to me that you've been able to let "accessible" Genesis members to be *Open - Enough* for the audience to see their personalities close and imagine what was behind the curtain of music writing and relations between them. Of course there are different views, that highlight important (for each interviewee) parts of their life and career. For me it is quite valuable video because I could see the person and evaluate not only as a kid that liked their music for a long time, but as a grown up, that could see *Human-behind-the-instrument*. It applies to all the videos that relates to Genesis interviews parts...of course Peter is to be expected... Thank you again, John.

Tony feels deflated that his stuff wasn't a hit but it wasn't really promoted. You couldn't get away from Phil's solo stuff, but Tony's didn't appear on radio or tele.

I never understood why Tony couldn't have a piano onstage; Rick and Keith always did in the classic era. Maybe Genesis just couldn't afford to carry one around and tune it for every gig?

Nice to hear this as a 62 year old fan, Genesis did really well and it’s a sound that I did love growing up hearing them. I still think although I love playing guitar but never could be able to play well, the influences and enjoyment of listening to music Inwould putb

1:00:45 LOL at Tony stumbling on the dreaded "P" word.

"It won't be called five". LOL!

Tony says his solo work was not played live but maybe forgets at the Atlantic records 40th anniversary, Genesis did play one of his songs ‘Short Cut to Nowhere’ along with a Mike & Mechanics song too

If it weren't for music, Tony Banks would certainly have landed in some kind of administrative position where he got to tell super desperate people ''No'' all day long after each of them waited for hours standing in line disillusioned, disheveled, disgruntled and disheartened not knowing what they could do next if this office didn't help them. Before there was Grumpy Cat, there was Tony Banks, basically. In fact, Tony once told Grumpy Cat ''No'', when Grumpy asked for his autograph, and it made him cry.

Such a deadpan expression; I wouldn't want to play poker with Tony...or table tennis, at which he is apparently formiddable. Great man, though, and during the three-man era it was his contributions that made Genesis always sound slightly left-of-centre. I thinking of the growling elephant sound in No Son Of Mine, the quirky drum sounds in I Can't Dance and that delerious keyboard solo in Invisible Touch.

I'd say if u said there's a black cat tony he would say no, there's some white on it .

Tony Banks was a perfect keyboarder for Genesis, his synth/ mellotron intro for "The fountain of Salmacis" or "Watcher of the skies" (that's an unbelievable 50y ago!!!) are absolutely iconic! The record he favors, Duke, is in my opinion not even in the same league. And his solo albums have never take off for a reason. They are simply not standing out in any way from the crowd. Steve Hackett a bit the same... Nice music as solo artist, but with no bite, no edge, which is why he has gone touring with the old Genesis stuff for many years now.

As a long time Genesis fan, I enjoyed these interviews quite a lot, except perhaps Steve's, amazing how bitter he still is after all these years. No Peter so far, perhaps he is still considering it, answer due by 2934?

'Looking for Someone' is one of my favorite Genesis songs now that I have actually gone back and listened to Trespass. Ironic that they were all loving American soul, but they wanted (or ended up) with no swing. It was more Bach as straight up, straight ahead which really gave them a unique quality.

Genesis is best served LIVE!

John, will there be a full length with Peter? Hope so… great work, enjoying these immensely.

6:03 😀 Master of low key shade.

he downplays lamb only to say he likes Duke. lamb>Duke. everyone knows that.

Whats great is that their albums are different flavors...cheers

Outstanding!

I love the trio, but Peter and Steve leaving was devastating, creatively.

Great interviews these John, how come this one isn't as good visual quality wise as the others? Cheers.

I certainly couldn't imagine sitting in a pub having a pint with Banks.

"None of my solo stuff has ever been played live" - not true, Tony! You guys played Shortcut To Somewhere as part of a medley at the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary show! ;)

Pardon me, is this the 'What did Tony say @...' support group?