Genesis enter Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York

BRITISH progressive rockers turned 1980s pop stars Genesis have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, joined by two other acts that thrived in second lives — Abba and The Hollies.

Genesis was inducted by Trey Anastasio of Phish, whose band paid tribute to both incarnations of Genesis by performing Watcher of the Skies and No Reply at All.

The new inductees were missing Peter Gabriel, the theatrical lead singer whose departure was the dividing line between the band’s two styles.

Former bandmate Mike Rutherford said Gabriel wanted to send his apologies for missing the event.

“He has a very legitimate and genuine excuse,” Rutherford said. “He’s actually starting a tour.”

Anastasio recalled buying Genesis albums as a teenager. He called the band “rebellious, restless and constantly striving for something more”.

Other inductees at the annual ceremony at The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel were reggae superstar Jimmy Cliff and the raucous Iggy Pop and the Stooges.

The Swedish hit machine Abba quit in 1982 after the band’s two couples split. They left behind a string of catchy pop songs such as Knowing Me, Knowing You; Dancing Queen and Waterloo. !

The Hollies, led by the harmonies of singers Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, produced British hits such as Bus Stop and Carrie- Anne. After Nash left, they kept up with 1970s staples The Air That I Breathe; He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, and Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress).