Who was the most influent member in Genesis music, and why?

[Carlos Fontao]

I think its a good question, theya were all fantastic in their separate "jobs", but who put his mark most than any other?

In my opinion, Tony Banks is the most influent man on the group, because for me he is the sound of Genesis music, what do you think?

[Lauren Can't Dance]

I agree. There wouldn't be any Genesis without Tony. But let's not count Mike out. He and Tony are the two longest remaining members and both are, in Phil's words, most like "the spirit of Genesis." So I'd go with both.

[Mike's Mechanic]

I think I second that, even though I love the others to bits. :D

[SpctrlMornings]

Even though I am a bigger fan (solo) of Steve, Phil and Peter (in that order) and I think everyone has brought a great sound to the sound of Genesis, they would not sound like they do were it not for Mr. Banks! Nobody anywhere sounds like Tony and even his solo work sounds more like Genesis, than any of the other's solo projects! As Tony Smith said "He is the only member you couldn't replace in Genesis"

I'm sure the Banksians will love me for saying this -- The rest of the band were pawns in Tony's master plan to bring his music to the masses! lol ;)

[el kay]

The rest of the band were pawns in Tony's master plan to bring his music to the masses! lol ;)

but of course! lol. ;-)

i mean, obviously the other guys in the band contributed mightily to genesis' success, just look at tony's solo career! :D but since pete left, yes, tony is and always has been the heart and soul of genesis, which is why you'll find banksians are also all era fans.

"its all banks era, as far as I'm concerned", as the man himself said once.

and as to 'why?', well, genesis is primarily a keyboard based band, and tony plays keyboards. simple enough. ;)

[Kendra]

Oh! Oh! I know this one!!

Tony Banks! ;-D

[Adam (midwestdrums)]

Not much to add here...Tony Banks without a doubt.

Take him away, and you take away a HUGE part of the Genesis sound.

[Ed Kuszajewski]

Tony Banks. Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman may be more fleet fingered in thier soloing, but nobody plays those chords or writes those progressions, take Tony away and it would not sound like Genesis. Listen to Yes without Wakeman and it still sounds like Yes but if you take Tony out of Genesis its just not going to work. As much as I love the other guys Tony is in a lot of ways indespensible like Pete Townshend is in the Who.

[Watcher Of The Skies]

I'd have to say Tony Banks. I love the band (obviously), but if I had to pick just ONE member that's the MOST influential, then Tony be de man.

[Philip]

Tony without a doubt. Never seen anybody play keyboards like him.

[Squonk_hunter]

John Mayhew of course lol

[Old Father Thames]

What?!?!?! Everyone knows it was Chris Stewart!

[Squonk_hunter]

lol ok I stand corrected.