At least two artists have used the name "Genesis": 1. A British progessive rock band 2. A 60s psychedelic band from Los Angeles, California For the Colombian band, please see Génesis. 1. Genesis formed in 1967 in Godalming, Surrey (United Kingdom) and was one of the most popular progressive rock bands in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. During the 1970s, Peter Gabriel was the lead singer until his departure, when drummer Phil Collins stepped up to the mic and replaced him.