The Forgotten Rock Opera That Could Rewrite Musical History
In British rock history, the conventional narrative includes iconic albums like The Pretty Things’ SF Sorrow and The Who’s Tommy. However, every now and then, a hidden gem emerges, challenging the status quo. Such is the case with a 1969 rock opera, “A Story”, recorded by a lesser-known Luton band named Genesis.
Not unlike many groups of the time, Genesis originated from Bedfordshire and initially performed covers of soul classics as The Regency Five. However, driven by a transformative experience seeing Jimi Hendrix live, the band reinvented themselves as Genesis, setting their sights on something grander – a pop cantata. Led by individuals like keyboardist Chris Stokes and bassist Steve ‘Siggi’ Holmes, Genesis crafted an extraordinary tale of romantic obsession, plunging into darkness and death, all while pondering existential questions.
“A Story” was a deviation from the typical psychedelia of the era, leaning more towards gothic narratives inspired by post-war British comics. The album’s tracks, such as ‘Happy Man’, ‘Nightmares’, and ‘The Trial’, showcased a wide range of themes and emotions. Utilizing limited resources and aged, simple equipment at Sky Studios in Luton, Genesis achieved a striking sonic result without elaborate effects or instrumentation, highlighting their impeccable composition and classical influences.
Following an intense recording session in 1969, aiming for a sequel concept album based on the seven deadly sins, Genesis never released their masterpiece and eventually disbanded. Decades later, in the 2020s, the album resurfaced when musician Will Twynham stumbled upon an eBay listing for a battered piano, casually revealing the existence of unreleased tracks, including an entire rock opera. Thanks to a cassette copy made by Chris Stokes decades ago and a reel-to-reel tape found in Steve Holmes’ attic, the elusive album is finally being brought to light.
The emergence of “A Story” in 2025 not only offers a glimpse into what could have been a pivotal moment in rock history but also underlines the innovation and ambition prevalent in the music scene of the late ’60s. This unheard release by Genesis sheds light on the untold stories of ordinary individuals creating extraordinary art in unexpected places.
“A Story” by The Genesis, set for release on Hand Of Glory Records, presents a unique opportunity to experience the lost masterpiece that lay dormant for over five decades. This remarkable find not only enriches our understanding of rock’s evolution but also honors the grassroots creativity that often goes unnoticed in the broader narrative of music history.