Anthony Phillips
Encyclopedia
Anthony Edwin "Ant" Phillips (b. 23 December 1951, Chiswick
, west London
) is an English
multi instrumentalist, best known as a founding member of the band Genesis
. He played guitar
and sang backing vocals
until leaving in 1970, following the recording of their second album, Trespass
. He left due to suffering from stage fright
, after being told by his doctor that the best thing would be to leave the band. He is known for his twelve string guitar
work, and his influence can be heard throughout Genesis's early output.
Genesis's first album after Phillips's departure, Nursery Cryme
, featured two songs which were holdovers from the days when Phillips was in the band: "The Musical Box" (originally called F#) and "The Fountain Of Salmacis".
After leaving Genesis, Phillips studied classical music (especially classical guitar
) and made recordings in collaboration with Harry Williamson
, Mike Rutherford
and Phil Collins
, among others.He played the keyboards on the demos for Peter Gabriel
in 1976. His first solo album, The Geese and the Ghost
, was issued in 1977.
Phillips released his second album, Wise After the Event
, in 1978. This was followed the next year by Sides
. Both of these albums were produced by Rupert Hine
and were intended to reach a mainstream audience, though neither album was successful in that regard.
In its initial release in the UK
, Sides was accompanied by a more experimental album entitled Private Parts and Pieces
; in the U.S.
and Canada
the two albums were issued separately. Private Parts and Pieces II: Back to the Pavilion
followed the next year, and several further sequels were issued in the 1980s and 1990s.
Phillips began writing material with Andrew Latimer
of Camel
in 1981, and was a featured performer on that band's album, The Single Factor
(released in 1982).
Phillips released a mainstream pop album entitled Invisible Men
in 1983. He later claimed that this project went "horribly wrong" as a result of commercial pressures, and would subsequently eschew mainstream success in favour of more specialised material.
Phillips remains involved in a variety of musical projects, including extensive soundtrack work in England
often for the label Atmosphere part the Universal Music Group. In the mid-1990s, he released an album entitled The Living Room Concert, which featured solo acoustic versions of his earlier material. He also provided archival material for the first Genesis
box set, Genesis Archive 1967-75
, released in 1998.
Several of his albums feature artwork by Peter Cross
.
Chiswick
Chiswick is a large suburb of west London, England and part of the London Borough of Hounslow. It is located on a meander of the River Thames, west of Charing Cross and is one of 35 major centres identified in the London Plan. It was historically an ancient parish in the county of Middlesex, with...
, west London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
) is an English
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
multi instrumentalist, best known as a founding member of the band Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
. He played guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and sang backing vocals
Backing vocalist
A backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
until leaving in 1970, following the recording of their second album, Trespass
Trespass (album)
Trespass is the second studio album by Genesis and was recorded and released in 1970. Their last with guitarist Anthony Phillips, Trespass had a folk-flavoured progressive rock sound that was a marked departure from their earlier work....
. He left due to suffering from stage fright
Stage fright
Stage fright or performance anxiety is the anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia which may be aroused in an individual by the requirement to perform in front of an audience, whether actually or potentially . In the context of public speaking, this fear is termed glossophobia, one of the most common...
, after being told by his doctor that the best thing would be to leave the band. He is known for his twelve string guitar
Twelve string guitar
The twelve-string guitar is an acoustic or electric guitar with 12 strings in 6 courses, which produces a richer, more ringing tone than a standard six-string guitar...
work, and his influence can be heard throughout Genesis's early output.
Genesis's first album after Phillips's departure, Nursery Cryme
Nursery Cryme
Nursery Cryme is the third studio album by Genesis and was recorded and released in 1971. It is also the first album to feature the classic five-piece line-up of Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins and Steve Hackett; the latter two replacing John Mayhew and Anthony Phillips, on...
, featured two songs which were holdovers from the days when Phillips was in the band: "The Musical Box" (originally called F#) and "The Fountain Of Salmacis".
After leaving Genesis, Phillips studied classical music (especially classical guitar
Classical guitar
The classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
) and made recordings in collaboration with Harry Williamson
Harry Williamson
Harry Williamson is a British musician, producer and inventor.He is the son of noted author Henry Williamson and his second wife Christine Duffield. Divorced, one daughter Bee Williamson...
, Mike Rutherford
Mike Rutherford
Michael John Cleote Crawford Rutherford is an English musician. He is a founding member of Genesis, initially as a bassist and backup vocalist. In later incarnations of Genesis, he assumed the role of lead guitarist. He is one of only two constant members in Genesis . He also fronts Mike + The...
and Phil Collins
Phil Collins
Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist....
, among others.He played the keyboards on the demos for Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
in 1976. His first solo album, The Geese and the Ghost
The Geese and the Ghost
The Geese and the Ghost is the debut solo album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips Featuring Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins. It was released in 1977 on Passport Records in the US and Hit & Run Music in the UK.-Production:...
, was issued in 1977.
Phillips released his second album, Wise After the Event
Wise After the Event
Wise After the Event is the second solo album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips. It was released in 1978 by Passport Records. It marks the only time Phillips sang lead vocals on an entire album....
, in 1978. This was followed the next year by Sides
Sides (album)
Sides is officially the third solo album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips. It was released in 1979 by Passport Records. For a limited period it was sold bundled with a complimentary copy of his Private Parts and Pieces album.This album was produced by Rupert Hine and intended for a...
. Both of these albums were produced by Rupert Hine
Rupert Hine
Rupert Neville Hine is an English musician, songwriter and prolific record producer, having produced albums for artists including Kevin Ayers, Tina Turner, Howard Jones, Saga, The Fixx, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Chris de Burgh, Suzanne Vega, Rush, Underworld, Duncan Sheik, and ...
and were intended to reach a mainstream audience, though neither album was successful in that regard.
In its initial release in the UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, Sides was accompanied by a more experimental album entitled Private Parts and Pieces
Private Parts and Pieces
Private Parts and Pieces is officially the fourth solo album from guitarist Anthony Phillips. Unlike his previous releases, this one was assembled as a collection of instrumental music, rather than as an explicit attempt at a commercial album. It was first released in the U.S. in November 1978...
; in the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
the two albums were issued separately. Private Parts and Pieces II: Back to the Pavilion
Private Parts and Pieces II: Back to the Pavilion
Private Parts and Pieces II: Back to the Pavilion is the second "generic" album by Anthony Phillips. The album is composed of previously recorded pieces that had been parts of or intended for other projects. The album was released at a time when Phillips was between his Arista Records and RCA...
followed the next year, and several further sequels were issued in the 1980s and 1990s.
Phillips began writing material with Andrew Latimer
Andrew Latimer
Andrew Latimer is an English musician and one of the original members of the progressive rock band Camel. He is mainly a guitarist and singer, but also a flautist and keyboardist....
of Camel
Camel (band)
Camel are an English progressive rock band formed in 1971. An important group in the Canterbury scene, they have been releasing studio and live recordings steadily, with considerable success, since their formation.-1970s:...
in 1981, and was a featured performer on that band's album, The Single Factor
The Single Factor
The Single Factor, released in 1982, is the 9th studio album by English progressive rock band Camel. The title refers to the fact that guitarist Andy Latimer was the sole remaining original member, though original keyboardist Peter Bardens makes a guest appearance on 'Sasquatch'...
(released in 1982).
Phillips released a mainstream pop album entitled Invisible Men
Invisible Men
Invisible Men is an album by Anthony Phillips released in March, 1984. It was originally packaged not as a solo album but as a duo project. The other member of the duo was Richard Scott who co-wrote most songs, sang a few of the lead vocals and programmed a drum machine.This album features a...
in 1983. He later claimed that this project went "horribly wrong" as a result of commercial pressures, and would subsequently eschew mainstream success in favour of more specialised material.
Phillips remains involved in a variety of musical projects, including extensive soundtrack work in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
often for the label Atmosphere part the Universal Music Group. In the mid-1990s, he released an album entitled The Living Room Concert, which featured solo acoustic versions of his earlier material. He also provided archival material for the first Genesis
Genesis (band)
Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently comprises the longest-tenured members Tony Banks , Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins . Past members Peter Gabriel , Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips , also played major roles in the band in its early years...
box set, Genesis Archive 1967-75
Genesis Archive 1967-75
Genesis Archive 1967–75 is a 1998 boxed set by progressive rock band Genesis.This set features live recordings and rarities from the band's classic years when Peter Gabriel was lead singer. The first two of the four discs consist of a previously unreleased live recording of The Lamb Lies Down on...
, released in 1998.
Several of his albums feature artwork by Peter Cross
Peter Cross
Peter Cross is a British illustrator.He first worked as a technical illustrator for Hawker Siddeley.His style features lifelike drawings of British wildlife, in cartoon-like situations...
.
with Genesis
- From Genesis to RevelationFrom Genesis to RevelationFrom Genesis to Revelation was the first album by Genesis, released in March 1969 on Decca Records in England...
(1969) - TrespassTrespass (album)Trespass is the second studio album by Genesis and was recorded and released in 1970. Their last with guitarist Anthony Phillips, Trespass had a folk-flavoured progressive rock sound that was a marked departure from their earlier work....
(1970) - Genesis Archive 1967-75Genesis Archive 1967-75Genesis Archive 1967–75 is a 1998 boxed set by progressive rock band Genesis.This set features live recordings and rarities from the band's classic years when Peter Gabriel was lead singer. The first two of the four discs consist of a previously unreleased live recording of The Lamb Lies Down on...
(1998) - Genesis 1970–1975 (2008)
Solo Albums
- The Geese and the GhostThe Geese and the GhostThe Geese and the Ghost is the debut solo album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips Featuring Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins. It was released in 1977 on Passport Records in the US and Hit & Run Music in the UK.-Production:...
(1977) - Wise After the EventWise After the EventWise After the Event is the second solo album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips. It was released in 1978 by Passport Records. It marks the only time Phillips sang lead vocals on an entire album....
(1978) - Private Parts and PiecesPrivate Parts and PiecesPrivate Parts and Pieces is officially the fourth solo album from guitarist Anthony Phillips. Unlike his previous releases, this one was assembled as a collection of instrumental music, rather than as an explicit attempt at a commercial album. It was first released in the U.S. in November 1978...
(1978) - SidesSides (album)Sides is officially the third solo album from former Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips. It was released in 1979 by Passport Records. For a limited period it was sold bundled with a complimentary copy of his Private Parts and Pieces album.This album was produced by Rupert Hine and intended for a...
(1979) - Private Parts and Pieces II: Back to the PavilionPrivate Parts and Pieces II: Back to the PavilionPrivate Parts and Pieces II: Back to the Pavilion is the second "generic" album by Anthony Phillips. The album is composed of previously recorded pieces that had been parts of or intended for other projects. The album was released at a time when Phillips was between his Arista Records and RCA...
(1980) - 19841984 (Anthony Phillips album)1984 is an album by Anthony Phillips released in 1981. It is an instrumental electronic album with some vocal effects and a variety of percussion....
(1981) - Private Parts and Pieces III: Antiques (1982, with Enrique Berro Garcia)
- Invisible MenInvisible MenInvisible Men is an album by Anthony Phillips released in March, 1984. It was originally packaged not as a solo album but as a duo project. The other member of the duo was Richard Scott who co-wrote most songs, sang a few of the lead vocals and programmed a drum machine.This album features a...
(1983, with Richard Scott) - Private Parts and Pieces IV: A Catch at the TablesPrivate Parts and Pieces IV: A Catch at the TablesPrivate Parts and Pieces IV: A Catch at the Tables is an album by Anthony Phillips, released by Passport Records in April 1984. Like the first two albums in the "Private Parts and Pieces" series, the tracks on A Catch at the Tables were a collection of experiments, improvisations, and music written...
(1984) - Private Parts and Pieces V: Twelve (1985)
- Private Parts and Pieces VI: Ivory MoonPrivate Parts and Pieces VI: Ivory MoonPrivate Parts and Pieces VI: Ivory Moon is an album by Anthony Phillips, released by Passport Records in 1986. The album collects several of his pieces written for solo piano from 1971-1985...
(1986) - Private Parts and Pieces VII: Slow Waves, Soft Stars (1987)
- Missing Links Volume One: Finger Painting (1989)
- Slow Dance (1990)
- Private Parts and Pieces VIII: New England (1992)
- Sail the World (1994)
- Missing Links Volume Two: The Sky Road (1994)
- The Living Room Concert (1995)
- Private Parts and Pieces IX: Dragonfly Dreams (1996, with Enrique Berro Garcia)
- Archive Collection IArchive Collection Volume I (Anthony Phillips album)Archive Collection Volume I is the first vault release from Anthony Phillips. Compiled by Anthony Phillips and Jonathan Dann it is a 2 CD selection of previously unheard pieces and variations recorded between 1969-1990....
(1998) - Private Parts and Pieces X: Soirée (1999)
- Radio Clyde (2003)
- Archive Collection Volume IIArchive Collection Volume II (Anthony Phillips album)Archive Collection Volume II is the second vault release from Anthony Phillips following Archive Collection Volume I in 1998. Compiled by Anthony Phillips and Jonathan Dann it is a 2 CD selection of previously unheard pieces and variations recorded between 1971-1988.It was released on May 10, 2004...
(2004) - Field DayField Day (Anthony Phillips album)Field Day is the first studio album from Anthony Phillips in 5 years in between various series releases of the Archive Collection, library & TV projects and compilations. It is also the sequel to Private Parts & Pieces V: Twelve, in which the acoustic guitar is the sole instrument on the album...
(2005) - Missing Links Volume IV: Pathways & Promenades (2009)
Compilations
- Harvest of the Heart (1985)
- Anthology (1995)
- Legend (1997)
- Legend (1999) [Different release from above]
- Soft Vivace (2002)
- All Our Lives (2002)
- Soundscapes (2003)
Collaborations
- Tarka (1988, with Harry Williamson)
- Gypsy Suite (1995, with Harry Williamson)
- Meadows of Englewood (1996, with Guillermo Cazenave)
- Missing Links Volume 3: Time and Tide (1997, with Joji Hirota)
- Live Radio Sessions (1998, with Guillermo Cazenave)
- Wildlife (2008, with Joji Hirota)
Guest On Other Albums
- Intergalactic Touring BandIntergalactic Touring BandThe Intergalactic Touring Band was not an actual music group but rather a science fiction pop music concept album released in 1977 by the now defunct Passport Records in America and Charisma Records in England. The ensemble album featured many star performers from progressive rock and other...
: Intergalactic Touring BandIntergalactic Touring BandThe Intergalactic Touring Band was not an actual music group but rather a science fiction pop music concept album released in 1977 by the now defunct Passport Records in America and Charisma Records in England. The ensemble album featured many star performers from progressive rock and other...
(1977) - Mike RutherfordMike RutherfordMichael John Cleote Crawford Rutherford is an English musician. He is a founding member of Genesis, initially as a bassist and backup vocalist. In later incarnations of Genesis, he assumed the role of lead guitarist. He is one of only two constant members in Genesis . He also fronts Mike + The...
: Smallcreep's DaySmallcreep's Day (album)Smallcreep's Day is the first solo album by Genesis bassist and guitarist Mike Rutherford. The title suite is based on the dark, surrealist novel of the same name by Peter Currell Brown. It was released in 1980...
(1980) - CamelCamel (band)Camel are an English progressive rock band formed in 1971. An important group in the Canterbury scene, they have been releasing studio and live recordings steadily, with considerable success, since their formation.-1970s:...
: The Single FactorThe Single FactorThe Single Factor, released in 1982, is the 9th studio album by English progressive rock band Camel. The title refers to the fact that guitarist Andy Latimer was the sole remaining original member, though original keyboardist Peter Bardens makes a guest appearance on 'Sasquatch'...
(1982) - Iva TwydellAfter the FireAfter the Fire are a British rock band that progressed from playing progressive rock to new wave over their initial twelve-year career, while having only one hit in the United States, and one hit in the United Kingdom .-Early career:Keyboard player Peter Banks originally formed the band in the...
: Duel (1982) - Asha (Denis Quinn): Open Secret (1987)
- Asha (Denis Quinn): Mystic Heart (1989)
- Asha (Denis Quinn): Amadora (1991)
- David Thomas & Ronnie Gunn: The Giants Dance (1996)
- Mother Gong: Battle of the Birds (2004)
- ProgAID: All Around The World (2004)
- Steve Hackett: Out of the Tunnel's MouthOut of the Tunnel's MouthOut of the Tunnel's Mouth is an album by musician Steve Hackett. It is his first album on his new vanity label Wolfwork after leaving his previous label Camino. It is also his first prog release since 2006's Wild Orchids...
(2009)