Watcher of the Skies is the first track on Genesis' 1972 album Foxtrot. The title is borrowed from John Keats' 1817 poem "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer":

Then felt I like some watcher of the skies
When a new planet swims into his ken;^[1]

The song was frequently used to open the group's live performances and features as the first track on their 1973 live album Genesis Live. The song opens with one of the most famous introductions in the annals of progressive rock, played on the Mellotron by Tony Banks.

According to Banks the introductory section was intended to take advantage of the tonal strengths of the Mellotron model he was using at the time:

"It was intentionally melodramatic to conjure up an impression of incredible size. It was an extraordinary sound. On the old Mellotron Mark 2 there were these two chords that sounded really good on that instrument. There are some chords you can't play on that instrument because they'd be so out of tune. These chords created an incredible atmosphere. That's why it's just an incredible intro number. It never sounded so good on the later Mellotron."^[2] The two chords in question are Bmaj7/F# and C#/F#.^[3]. The long keyboard introduction crossfades into the main ensemble section, which features a prominent single-note staccato pattern in a 6/4 time signature (reminiscent of the 5/4 rhythmic pattern from "Mars" in Gustav Holst's The Planets suite) played over a pattern of sustained organ chords.

Following the vocal sections of the song, there is an unusual polyrhythm part, where the staccato riff changes to 8/4 time, played against a Mellotron/organ chord part in 6/4.

It was written by Banks and Mike Rutherford during a soundcheck for a gig in Italy. While they were surveying the deserted landscape of the airfield where they were rehearsing, they wondered what an empty Earth would look like in this state if surveyed by an alien visitor. The theme of aliens would be repeated nine years later in the more upbeat and lighthearted Keep It Dark.

It opened the band's shows during 1972-73 and remained a staple in the band's live set into the 1980s. It features pounding bass lines, powerful guitar and energetic organ. It was one of the most well liked songs they ever recorded, as many fans have listed it as being among their favorites. In later years, it has been played in a medley following the track "It" (from The Lamb), as can be heard on Three Sides Live.

"Watcher of the Skies", Gabriel in Toronto, 1974

It also provided the musical backdrop to one of Peter Gabriel's most memorable costumes, featuring batwings worn on the side of his head, glowing UV make-up around his eyes and a multi-coloured cape.

The song was also re-recorded in a radically altered and shortened single version. Though not actually released as a single, this version ended up on a few compilations, most notably the Genesis Archive 1967-75 box set in 1998.

The song title was used in naming of the tribute album Watcher of the Skies: Genesis Revisited by ex-Genesis member Steve Hackett. On the album, the lead vocal was provided by John Wetton.

Personnel

• Peter Gabriel: Vocals, Bass Drum, oboe and Tambourine
• Steve Hackett: Electric Guitar
• Mike Rutherford: Bass
• Phil Collins: Drums, backing vocals
• Tony Banks: Hammond Organ and Mellotron

References

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This page was last modified on 27 February 2010 at 21:54.

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