Michael John Cloete Crawford Rutherford, a celebrated English musician, made his mark on the music world by co-founding the legendary rock band Genesis in the pivotal year of 1967. As a stalwart member of the band, alongside the talented Tony Banks, Rutherford has maintained a consistent presence in Genesis's lineup, assuming the roles of bassist, backing vocalist, and primary songwriter.
In the early days of Genesis, Peter Rutherford's primary responsibilities were to deliver exceptional bass guitar performances and provide rich backing vocals, while also skillfully contributing rhythm guitar parts. It was during this period that he frequently employed his iconic twelve-string guitar, in conjunction with Genesis' esteemed lead guitarists Anthony Phillips and Steve Hackett.
As the band evolved, Rutherford's role expanded, and following Hackett's departure in 1977, he assumed the additional responsibility of lead guitarist for the band's studio albums, marking a significant milestone in his career. This new chapter commenced with the 1978 release of the album...And Then There Were Three..., which would go on to showcase Rutherford's impressive guitar work and solidify his position as a vital component of the band's sound.
Mike Rutherford, a renowned songwriter and integral part of the iconic British rock band Genesis, has left an indelible mark on the music world through his prolific creative output. As a primary lyricist, he has penned some of the band's most cherished and globally acclaimed hits, including the timeless "Follow You Follow Me", the energetic "Turn It On Again", the thought-provoking "Land of Confusion", and the poignant "Throwing It All Away".
Rutherford's immense contributions to Genesis have been formally acknowledged and celebrated, as he was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a valued member of the band.
Notably, Peter Rutherford's artistic endeavors extend beyond his collaborations with Genesis, as he has concurrently nurtured a thriving solo career, marked by the release of two albums during the early 1980s.
Furthermore, in 1985, Rutherford co-founded the remarkable ensemble Mike + the Mechanics, which would eventually emerge as a chart-topping act and a highly sought-after live attraction in its own right.
Throughout his tenure with Mike + the Mechanics, Rutherford garnered widespread recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for the 1988 single "The Living Years", as well as two coveted Grammy Awards.
