Genesis – The Musical Box

This 10-minute epic is a Victorian fairy tale about two small children in a country house. The song touches on themes of death, reincarnation and lust, and is based on a 1969 demo by Anthony Phillips and Mike Rutherford called “F Sharp.” Phillips has never received credit for his part in writing the song. It became one of Genesis’ signature tunes from their progressive rock-era and was a staple of their live performances for many years.

Nursery Cryme was the third studio album by Genesis. Although not a success upon release in their homeland, the album became an unexpected hit in Italy, reaching #4 in the LP charts.

Though credited solely to Banks/Collins/Gabriel/Hackett/Rutherford, “The Musical Box” began as an instrumental piece written by Mike Rutherford and Anthony Phillips called “F#” (later released as “Manipulation” on the Box Set remaster).

Starting with a performance in Dublin, Ireland on 28 September 1972, Peter Gabriel wore a fox’s head and his wife’s red dress while performing the last verse, resembling a character on the cover of their album “Foxtrot”. The fox costume was replaced sometime in 1973 by a mask resembling an old man, as Gabriel would portray the character of Henry, emerging from The Musical Box and accosting Cynthia.

The song was played live during the Trespass, Nursery Cryme, Foxtrot, Selling England by the Pound, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Wind & Wuthering, Duke (two nights only), Genesis (1984 dates only), and We Can’t Dance (as a medley) tours. On January 25, 1974 the band played the song during their appearance on the U.S. TV series The Midnight Special.

Musicians
Peter Gabriel – lead vocals, flute, percussion, oboe
Tony Banks – Hammond organ, Hohner Pianet electric piano, 12 string guitar, backing vocals
Steve Hackett – electric guitar, 12 string guitar
Mike Rutherford – 12 string guitar, Dewtron “Mister Bassman” bass pedal synthesizer
Phil Collins – drums, backing vocals

“The Musical Box” – Song by Genesis from the album Nursery Cryme
Released: 12 November 1971
Label: Charisma
Songwriters: Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford
Producer: John Anthony