When Genesis reformed to announce European tour dates on November 7th the industry quietly wondered how the news would be received. The group had tried somewhat unsuccessfully to tour in 1997. So when the 22 European dates were revealed there had to be some who held their breath.
But some six weeks later ticket sales are brisk. Nearly half the shows are either completely sold out or close to it. Shows have been added too. This is the response you’d expect from a group that reached a pinnacle of success in the 1980s and has sold over 130 million albums world wide. Add to that total the 100 million in sales racked up by lead singer/drummer Phil Collins and you have a staggering number of Genesis fans though out the planet.
Collins along with original members Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford were also one of the most popular touring acts in the 80’s. They regularly sold out big venues including four consecutive Wembley Stadiums shows in 1987, a facility with an official maximum capacity of 127,000.
At their press conference they did hint that American shows would be added. But according to Atlantic Records Rep Bob Kaus there are “no specific details regarding Genesis U.S. dates at this point” He did add that “there are plans for a selection of shows in North America next year, as the band discussed at their press conference in London in November.”
Industry sources point to that fact that the European dates are booked through July 14 2007. There is a general expectation that the US tour would begin sometime late summer or early fall.
