Genesis legends Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett and Mike Rutherford reunited at the Dolby Screening Rooms in London on Friday 19th September for a special Dolby ATMOS playback of their landmark 1974 double album *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway*. This rare gathering marked the beginning of celebrations for the album’s 50th anniversary, ahead of the release of a Super Deluxe Edition on Friday 26th September.
Originally released in November 1974, *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway* is a 94-minute conceptual odyssey centred on the character Rael, a Puerto Rican street kid, and was the last Genesis album to feature Peter Gabriel before his departure. Its ambitious narrative, complex arrangements and theatrical live performances have since secured its status as one of prog rock’s defining works.
Following the playback, the band took part in a Q&A session hosted by journalist Alexis Petridis. Reflecting on the album, Steve Hackett said, *“The album sounds a little sweeter with the passing of time. When you’re in the thick of it, we were all going through different personal difficulties. It wasn’t the easiest of Genesis albums to make, but I think it sounds pretty damn wonderful.”*
Tony Banks added with a laugh, *“I think we felt that we went as far as we could with *The Lamb* — some people might say too far! It would have made a fantastic single album, but no one would agree on the tracks.”*
Peter Gabriel reflected on the band’s meticulousness: *“We were perfectionists, obsessing over every detail. The imperfections that irritated us then sometimes give it a bit of charm now.”*
Mike Rutherford summed it up: *“It was the end of a certain moment. We all went different directions afterward — and that’s fine.”*