Tony Banks describes writing Firth of Fifth

[FesterBable]

Best keyboard player ever.

[MrSeb92100]

what dvd is this video?

[mlintu]

i want a piano. just to learn that

[TheRaivan354]

Haha, "it sounded too King Crimsony"

Obviously, that's a GOOD thing!

[Darkmeltyable]

From where is it? Please can you tell me? It is a documentary? Please!!

Thanks for sharing this material :)

[permaveg]

Trick of the tail and Wind and wuthering, the last two Genesis lps of any merit, when steve left that was the final nail in the coffin of what was a great band, no Gabriel or Hackett no more Genesis, they become the phil collins band, sad.

[CatherineInRock]

I remember hearing the keyboard sequence from FoF for the first time back in 1993. I was 11 and smitten. Still my absolute favourite by Genesis, and yes, I did also develop a monumental crush on Maestro Banks back then. It still comes back to me every now and again. Like now.

[kamwrites]

@CatherineInRock Shoot, I've still got a crush. ;)

[cbar0x]

0:17 It looks so fucking similar to Who Wants To Live Forever by Queen.

[poisoNation]

its amazing how simple genesis became in the later years. some of you might disagree, but i think they degenerated.

[MrPstimolo]

esta canción me puede ...siempre lo sentí así ...tiene algo profundo ...trascendental

[magic8ballgirl]

Am i the only one that thinks Tony Banks is so sexy? <3

[kamwrites]

@magic8ballgirl Heck no. Saw a funny comment a while back, someone saying "you sexy beast you" about Tony and I just laughed...and agreed....LOL!

[CatherineInRock]

@magic8ballgirl No. You're not.

[MyNana420]

I've never stopped finding inspiration from this song, I love the flute solo and the different movements within the very classical piece by them. It goes well with the musical box before or after for good meditation.

[willhare]

Perfect prog song

[Aethellis]

I love playing this song in my band. Never get tired of it and it always brings a shiver to our collective spines!

[5jerry1]

I have watched performances of this song on youtube (as I'm sure many people reading this have as well), from the Peter Gabriel era and the Collins-led era, and it doesn't matter. Hearing Genesis playing "Firth Of Fifth" live is an incredible listening experience.

[BigVomit07]

...un giorno, questo compositore sarà ricordato alla stessa stregua dei grandi musicisti come Bach, Beethoven.IMAO

[Chriskkboongg]

Tony wrote a lion's share of Genesis classic songs.

[lflarry1]

The whole point that Tony was trying to make here is: the end result sometimes can be better with the whole band contributing to a song like Firth of Fith; as to just writing the song solo. The end result was a pretty amazing progressive classical fusion rock work. Really super!

[GettingEmOutByFriday]

Hah, I love Tony's honesty. "Just flute and piano..without that bum note.."

I agree, the flute/guitar solo makes the song, just as much as the intro does.

[Angop96]

Tony Banks, bland as shit keyboards??....wow...degree7..­..you sound like a real arrogant a-hole

[PhilistineTheArtLuvr]

When the British Empire came to an end some time after WW2, they gave us the Beatles and progressive rock. I wonder what the USA will be offering the world once its empire falls and China, or India, takes over?

[Marievska]

@PhilistineTheArtLuvr Maybe it'll give us the downfall of Hollywood. That would be a great offering to cinematography :P

[SPeacock]

Happy Birthday, Tony.

[emercito]

I Agree with deeppussex Firth of Fifth is oneof the best progreesives songs ever made by intelectual man, like Tony Banks

[degree7]

If one thinks about it, Phil Collins is blamed a lot for the group's descent into mediocrity. But in reality, it was Tony Banks, the bland as shit keyboardist, who was responsible for driving out Hackett and sending the group to commercial crapdom.

Still, he did have flashes of genius now and again, as with this track.

[MyNana420]

@degree7 Wow you obviously don't know much about the chemistry that caused the break-up. Better to shutup than put one's foot in one's mouth.

[degree7]

@MyNana420

Think about it, what I'm saying makes perfect sense. Genesis never really hit it big as a prog band, while they had a fan-base, were relatively underground. It was because a). They arrived too late in the game, and b). They never had a real guitar sound to their music. Not that that's a bad thing, but every popular prog band of the era had a real guitar sound at their core. Yes with Steve Howe, Floyd with Gilmour, Deep Purple with Ritchie Blackmore. Even King Crimson had Fripp.

[MyNana420]

@degree7 Wow, you've given me alot to respond to so I'll just hit a few key points on all of your posts. 1. I very much like to hear keyboards over the guitar, simply a personal preference. 2. It's not that the fan base was underground, rather we weren't the main stream, listen to anything crowd. Almost everyone in the group I hung with was either a very talented musician of their own right or came from a family full of them and had been exposed toa better quality of music than most. O.K.

[degree7]

@degree7

Hackett was always buried in the mix, in the background, hidden behind the dense layers of synthesizer and keyboards. After all, by the time Wind & the Wuthering rolled around, Hackett was barely getting his material on the album, and Banks turned the whole thing into an unlistenable synth-fest. No wonder he left the band. So it was really the core duo of Rutherford and Mike who must have been just as eager, if not more so than Phil, to take the synthesizers headlong into the 80s.

[degree7]

What I've noticed is just how little the man plays his keys legato, or rather, the marked difference in his playing on the occasions when he does. His playing on 'Firth of Fifth', 'Battle of Epping Forest', and, oh, the beginning of 'Hogweed' all have a wonderful flow to them, and as such they are extremely enjoyable to the ear.

[degree7]

(cont.) Much of the rest of the time, though, he tries to deceive the listener into thinking his parts are impressive by essentially placing an accent on virtually every single note he plays! Sometimes it works ('Knife', 'Salamcis'), but usually it doesn't (the very beginning of Foxtrot, etc)

[MyNana420]

@degree7 O.K. call us snobs. Maybe we were. Yes, I do get into observing each band members own amount of talent, what they contribute to the group dynamics and how well the song flows. I'd rather compare over all talent, than over all popularity. Buddy Rich, Herb Albert, Queen (especially his opera). I liked songs that showed a persons talent and hoped for elements of Classical movements within a rock beat. Again, personal choice.

[MyNana420]

@degree7 As far as I'm concerned Genesis just was never the same after Gabriel left. So by the 80's it just wasn't the same sound at all. On one hand you talk abut their lack of popularity, and on the other you fault them for moving into the 80's sound, which if I recall correctly was kind of Techno, keyboard, synthesizer stuff. (yes at 51 my memory does get scetchy at times). Although they did continue to produce albums, they just were never at the calibur of their earlier work.

[kamwrites]

@degree7 I disagree.

[lungsounds]

I can't believe that the Master! tony Banks is complaining.. Hey Tony Like you would ever talk to me c'mon respect your work

[GraachAhim]

And for the longest time I thought this was mainly a Steve Hackett's song.

[lorenic95]

shit i m 15 i m not english and i can t understand what he's saying! he talks very fast O.O

[edge1979666]

@lorenic95 From where are you?

Its from the Songbook dvd.

this dvd got subtitles

[lorenic95]

@edge1979666

i'm italian

[lungsounds]

I am now convinced that Tony should "Shut Up"!  He is a master of piano........ but don't talk to him again!" Wow! I thought i would hear, how he is the deep,thick, music Master!... but I heard... what the Phak did I hear....... He is NOT! It is like Opposite day on Spongebob......Who ever told Tony Banks to not talk. was correct....

[BrainiacFingers]

@lungsounds I believe he is speaking the Queen's English. No doubt he can write the Queen's English too, unlike, .....you....if, you know...what, I....MEAN..."...

[anmusel]

One of the best keyboard player in the world

[Madman007]

Tony Banks = The Heart of Genesis

[AgoAnselmo]

the greatest musician talks about the greatest song ever

[poncelled]

When Tony mentions "too King Crimsony", he's referring to the first 3 albums - The Court, Poseidon, and Lizard, which have massive mellotron. Crimson had changed their sound the latter part of '71 starting with Islands, so in that sense Tony and the boys needn't have worried.

[stronglish]

fuck me he mentioned Steve

[Bon0]

you know you've made when your songs sound too king crimson

[metalheadnick555]

I love the reference to King Crimson...when I first heard the song, my brother and I were both instantly reminded of "Epitaph"...in a good way :)

[sr14225]

I used to play this song over and over so I could learn the piano part. I nearly wore out the record! So, so, so much better than that ABACAB crap. Old Genesis is the best.

[LUDWIGPARIS]

Hackett's guitar solo in this song is one my absolute favorites. Only he could have pulled off something like that.

[panddsboy]

Where is this interview from?

[trafficguy101]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TONY BANKS, AS IT IS MINE TOO haha

[pieguy141]

sounded a bit too king crimson. ha! lmao

[narozzz]

@pieguy141 - Yes, what an odd thing to say. Minute degrees of pomp seem to mean a lot to him.

[TheWayulooktonige]

Wouldn't it be fantastic, on both a musical and personal level for Tony and Steve to create music together again? Neither of them have really lost their sense of classic Genesis in their solo work - hence their relative lack of commercial success! I just think they were the two biggest influences on the Genesis sound that we purists really adore. Think it would also be great if they became mates!

[RazielMEX]

@TheWayulooktonige I totally agree with you!!, it would be really, really awesome to hear some new mateial from both of them.

Although Gabriel's refusing, and Collin's back problems won't let us hear old Genesis again; a Banks, Hackett, and also Ruthefod collaboration, would resemble the closest we could get now from Genesis magic, again.

[PeapodEchoes]

A humble musical genius.

[zzzzzzooioriotrt]

Tony banks was the force of genesis, in my opinion he was the genius behind genesis i´m not underrating the others, but i have to admitt that tony had more musical talent

[MusicStudioTV]

Wow! That's something to hear! As a Genesis and a King Crimson fan: 1:03 "It was sort of a bit too King Crimsony and everything for me in a way" Fripp stirred emotions not only in Crimson fans, but in their peers as well. I've heard an interview with Chris Squire where he expressed cynical disbelief that Bill Bruford would leave Yes for King Crimson.

I can play the melody Tony is speaking of. The bass and drums on Selling England By The Pound are unfortunately produced like Yes.

[jhillst]

I've always enjoyed Tony's interviews. He has such a plaintive, humble personality and such a dry sense of humor...you'd never realize that so many great musical ideas were running through his head.

[IpCrackle]

yeah the guy is my piano/keyboardish hero!

[guesser7]

Nice of Tony to mention Steve, quite simply these two guys are the best musicians who ever lived --- END OF

[TheCorrectAnswer56]

I've never understood why Tony and Steve don't get along. Any answers?

[petsounds75]

Typical rock musician bullshit probably. Egos, flakiness and cut throat hijinks...just like any other group.

[GenesisFan01]

the funny thing is that Steve and Tony actually do get along fine nowadays. I think the fans like to keep the feud alive, particulary the Steve fans, just so they can continue to hate the group.

[Tracey6961]

This. I wish I could remember where I saw it, but I found a pic of the two of them taken at Steve's 50th birthday party. Both were smiling. If there was truly a feud between them, I doubt they would have been in the same room much less posed for a picture. Tony, being as stubborn as he is, will not be coerced into doing what he doesn't want to do.

[CapLockFreak]

@Tracey6961 I have a copy of that picture that you're talking about...they're raising glasses and smiling at the camera. I personally think that a lot of Hackett fans wish to continue the feud to validate something or other. Although, real life states that this so called "feud" was pretty much a misunderstanding/immaturity on both parties accounts (I read "chapter and verse", and they both admitted wrongs in this "feud").

[descargascolucci]

Sooooo brilliant, Tony rocks!!

[DJVYEATES]

I have listened to a lot of music in my time but this song has been my favourite piece of music of all time. Very refreshing how Tony talks about it too. I want this played at my funeral, it would be lovely to go out surrounded by such an air of genius. Alas, I never saw Genesis in the Gabriel and have to makedo with the very good tribute band Musical Box, which is what I'm doing tomorrow night at Fairfield Halls.

[Dannymusic1999]

How was the show?

[DJVYEATES]

It wasn't their usual standard. Unfortunately the mic was too quiet and even with people shouting at them they didn't seem to realise it. And also "Steve Hackett's" electric supply went and that was another 10 mins of embarrassment. But I will be back, no doubt. I undertsnad they're doing a Selling England/Lamb tour next year, the vocalist has obviously had enough of tambourine dances!

[trevizons]

You are absolutely right guys, when Tony and Steve used to work and write together they made magic let alone Pete, Mike and Phil, but the main structure of those two virtuosos made the recipe for those old Genesis Masterpieces, whe I listen to their solo works ( Steve's and Tony's) it always comes to my mind a continuation of the Genesis classical sound, also with Peter first solo works, but not with Phil's or Mike's...

[GenesisFan01]

Well, Mike has always been more of a rocker type, and Phil grew up listening to a lot of black music. So did Peter, but Peter also wanted to do different things from that. Phil was more groove-oriented...even in the early days. He had a very jazzy feel to a lot of the stuff they did, which took away from the grandiose element of the music in general. Bottom line, it took all of them to make the magic that they made throughout their career as a band.

[Boimarin]

he is so hot! yes i am a fangirl and i admit it.

[lightningbolt50]

Tony Banks has amazed me since I first heard Genesis Play in Los Angeles in 1977. Now, when I sit and listen to their music, I know how lucky I am to see and listen to such an artist. Tony has touched for heart

[sonicdeath10]

I'd always heard that Tony was kind of a control freak and difficult to get along with, but in every interview I've ever seen, he seems humble and humorous. He seems shy and withdrawn. Keyboard players bane.

[xpr0gpWnZx]

one of the greatest legends in prog. rock

[smigbabb]

tony is one of the most talented and underated writers of our time!!!!

[liontes]

GOD GOD GOD!Tony the best..

[AssociationAdmirer]

Great little vid. Tony Banks really expresses himself well, and his interview bits are never boring for even a moment.

"Firth of Fifth" is a pretty dull tune for much of its length, but the middle bit with the flute theme is indeed magnificent. Part of it is Tony's utterly beautiful theme, and part of it is Genesis's brilliant arrangement, with that piercing guitar reprising the flute theme. I'm glad that Tony chose that part to discuss.

[Hyardacil]

To me the kicker is the piano intro + synth solo in the middle though.

It's just classic.

[cbast2]

@AssociationAdmirer

I was just thinking the same thing aboug "Firth of Fifth" the other day. The best parts of the song are the instrumental parts. In fact, I came to the realization that the main reason I like early Genesis songs is because of the instrumental parts, not the vocal parts.

[afsartori]

Is this a documentary? What is this?

[airmover27]

tony banks makes good tunes but hes not that good at the keyboard

[cmtemoacirsilva]

Do you realy know what you are saying ???

[klwewf]

You just sound stupid saying that.

[johnnyostrawb33ry]

.... DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT? jesus h christ kid look at -in the cage, firth of fith, suppers ready, colony of slipperman, cinema show.

[theRedPilll]

yeah king crimson! - i sure love tony banks tho

[lluisboschpascual]

Pretty cool, Mr. Tony Banks! Your favourite part is exactly what I always have loved of this song... By the way, this precise song was what introduced me into rock, jazz, soul, pop, and everything that came later on! My sincerest thanks to Genesis, and of course a life-long bow to your mastery!

[deepsussex]

Firth of Fifth is one of the best Progressive Rock tunes ever and Hacketts and Banks finest moment in Genesis

[vcat10]

Here! Here! Though there were many other fine moments from Genesis and especially Banks and Hackett.

[mugwamp4]

@deepsussex agree!!!!pity most other so called keyboard wizards of prog rock couldnt come close to the inventiveness and musicality of this piece

[SY5TEM69]

TOO KING CRIMSON?!?!? you can never be too king crimson!

[767fife]

@SY5TEM69  Agree

[DNAngel2009]

@SY5TEM69 Bahahah. Amen, brother, amen.

[xnonsuchx]

@SY5TEM69 - "Too tight" isn't bad in some cases? ;-)

[nicothemusicfan]

@SY5TEM69 amen dude

[DoctorPatient]

Metal - LOL!

absolutely!

that was the point at which I had to stop the playback because I was laughing too hard ... yet, quite good and forthright of Banks to state that observation

[darksolarium]

With all respect to every band members, all of them are wonderful and very professional, but to be quite honest, Tony Banks was always a fundamental part of the Genesis classic sound. I love Genesis, oh yes :)

[N1095A]

Tony Banks is one of the great masters of our time.

[leopoldomarcialochoa]

ojfeooighbg you are wrong tony banks belongs to the great masters

phil collins ?¿?!!!!! to nowhere

[ojfeooigtihbg]

in some way in this interview he shows the interest that he had in the band when at the end he tells that without a whole band firth of filth would never been done

[NeilDeininger]

too king crimsony?... oh tony

[BigVomit07]

Tony "GENIAL" Banks!!!

[MikeyRB77]

Tony Banks is a genius. I love his work!

[pizzafrenzyman]

Too bad that today's groups don't have the same skills

[losendos127]

TONY is teh heart of Genesis!!!!!

[ojfeooigtihbg]

I think is more phill collins the heart of genesis

[mjrupps]

Oh, It's all about Ray Wilson....

[Jellybeantiger]

JC of keyboards!

[tuscarett]

No me he enterado de nada, pero el solo hecho de ver a Tony Banks explicando su (hermosa) música me ha alegrado el día. Muchas gracias a PLANx.

[8888sam]

this is the first time a heard his voice!

i guess he talks troo his music!!!

[encabulator]

the Master has spoken

[Terragen]

Yea! So glad I found this, Firth of Fifth is responsible for me getting back into Piano and REALLY applying myself- I can play it now and Cinema Show, and im learning more. Thanks Mr. Banks!!

[ironledtallicafloyd9]

The greatest rock keyboardist ever to touch an ARP pro-soloist!

[ozzierex]

TONY IS THE BEST EVER.

[emercito]

He was Genesis´ Soul.

[sluf6]

LARGA VIDA AL PROGRESIVO

[dryder1000]

"King Crimsian", love it. Tony Banks; my favorite rock keyboardist of all time.

[shonieo]

I have worshiped Tony Banks since 1978. He is a god!

[keykrazy0]

Yeah, same here! From '81, anyways, when i first heard them.

[theblastocyst]

i love this man

[MIACAIMAI]

I,M GOBSMACKED!!!

[TheUnifaun]

can you give me a traductions of the videoclip in italian?

[guyeylon]

That's brilliant! I've never seen this before! To know the best song ever began as a joke- Brilliant!! :D

[alcantara06]

TONY ROCKS (PROG)!!!!!

[leobarrac]

genioooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo­ooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!­!!!!!!!!!

[ladyvicbanks]

Tony Banks most beautiful man in the world

[mrchs1976]

Tony Banks is a genius

[ajittffcure]

'Firth of Fifth' is perhaps the best song of Genesis, musically.

[MisterQuebec]

It is because it is classical musical based.

[sparringa]

It's from the dvd the genesis songbook.

[JIF882]

Did not like that DVD much. Too much focus on the latter years, not enough Pete. Genesis: A History doc is better. "Massive Mellotron"? I think Watcher of the Skies and/or Dance on a Volcano has more massive 'tron

[SocietyOfMidnight]

When he says "Massive Mellotron" he's talking about when the ideas for that piece were first pitched; like the first time it was ever played.

[JIF882]

Ah! I get it now

[InvalidationCounter]

Dude ! "Without the bum note" ! The height of British modesty. Where did the clip come from ?

[ajittffcure]

Yeah. Interesting, isn't it?