# In 1974, Genesis had just finished recording an album that would sell 5,600,000 copies. But Peter Gabriel knew he had to leave: “No question”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1974-genesis-had-just-finished-recording-an-album-that-would-sell-5600000-copies-but-peter-gabriel-knew-he-had-to-leave-no-question/
- Published: 2026-11-02T09:34:30+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T10:55:59+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/album-1974-that-made-peter-gabriel-leave-genesis/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Gabriel’s family circumstances helped drive his decision to leave Genesis.
- *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway* was his final Genesis album.
- He told the band he would quit during a 1974 tour stop.

## Summary

Peter Gabriel decided to leave Genesis while the band were making *The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway*, their 1974 double album. The decision grew from tensions over his role in the group and his belief that his family needed his attention during his wife’s difficult childbirth.

Genesis wrote the album at Headley Grange, often working separately, with the band preparing instrumentals while Gabriel developed the lyrics and story of Rael. Gabriel also explored a film project with director William Friedkin, later made as *Sorcerer*, but recording and touring meant he could not continue. He told the band he planned to quit during a stop in Cleveland in 1974; his departure eventually brought Phil Collins to the forefront as singer.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.