“It was a very difficult thing to accommodate. So it was actually a bit of a relief." By the time of his departure, the band had grown in stature and success, while Peter’s stage presence and style had become more exuberant and surprising, consisting of wild stage outfits and concept albums. The band initially tried to hire a replacement for Peter although eventually Phil took on the role of lead vocalist, but by this time Steve had recorded a solo album, thinking Genesis would be no more without Peter. Genesis in its current form (Image: Getty) As Phil’s lead vocals became more and more successful, Steve began to yearn for the creative control of his solo work, and in 1977, left the group.