Mike Rutherford

Date of Birth: October 2, 1950

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Mike Rutherford, born Michael John Cloete Crawford Rutherford, is an acclaimed English musician, songwriter, and founding member of the rock band Genesis. He was born on October 2, 1950, in Guildford, Surrey, England. Rutherford is best known as the bassist and guitarist of Genesis, and later as the founder of the rock/pop band Mike + The Mechanics. His musical journey began in the late 1960s when he co-founded Genesis with Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, and Chris Stewart while they were all students at Charterhouse School. Rutherford’s versatility in playing both bass and guitar significantly contributed to Genesis’s evolving sound. After the departure of Peter Gabriel and later Phil Collins, Rutherford, along with Tony Banks, steered Genesis through a successful transformation from progressive rock to a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound in the 1980s and 1990s. In addition to his work with Genesis, Rutherford found success with Mike + The Mechanics, a side project that produced hits like “Silent Running” and “The Living Years.” His career spans over five decades, during which he has left an indelible mark on the rock and pop music landscape.

5 Interesting Facts about Mike Rutherford

1. Mike Rutherford is one of the few members of Genesis to have been with the band since its inception in 1967.

2. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.

3. Mike + The Mechanics’ song “The Living Years” won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1990.

4. Rutherford authored an autobiography titled “The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir,” which was published in 2014.

5. He is known for playing a double-necked guitar, which allows him to switch between bass and guitar during live performances.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mike Rutherford

1. “The song ‘The Living Years’ is about family and about communication. It’s about not leaving things unsaid.”

2. “Genesis was always a band that evolved. We never wanted to stay in one place musically.”

3. “Success in music is about more than just talent; it’s about chemistry and timing as well.”

4. “I’ve always believed that music should be about emotion and storytelling.”

5. “Being in a band is like being in a marriage; you have to work through the ups and downs together.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Mike Rutherford’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $60 million.

Children

Mike Rutherford has three children: Kate, Tom, and Harry Rutherford. His children have generally stayed out of the public eye, and Mike has often spoken about the importance of family in his life.