“A grand night out” - TWR attends the launch party for Richard MacPhails’s book at Daunt bookstore, Holland Park Avenue, London on Tuesday 28th November 2017. Photographs by Alan Hewitt, Stuart Barnes, Lynn Praid and Jonathan O’Neill.

I had been in regular contact with Richard in the lead up to the publication of this book and was only too glad to provide him with some useful tips when asked for them. Even so, I was delighted when Richard contacted me and informed me of the details for the launch of the book and so, another trip down to London was duly organised.

Meeting up with a couple of friends who were also attending we made our way to the location for this event. We were early but even so the total lack of anyone even vaguely resembling a Genesis fan at the bookstore was a bit disconcerting and so I ventured inside and asked one of the staff if we were in the right place. He smiled, and confirmed that we were and so that was a relief!

We waited for the arrival of a couple of other friends and TWR’s web master who were making their way to join us and by the time our “gang” was complete there were indeed some VERY familiar faces gathered at the store! Richard himself greeted us as we entered and then we joined the growing throng and it was a case of “spot the celebrity”.

To my delight, the first person to catch my eye was none other than legendary photographer Robert Ellis and his charming wife, Stella. It was wonderful to have the chance to finally say thank you to Robert for all his marvellous work and to have a chat about his next Genesis project which certainly sounds like another one which fans will be proud to have on their shelves.

It was great to see that several of Richard’s friends in the “beat combo” had also turned up and so it was great to be able to say hello once again to Mike Rutherford and his wife Angie, Steve and Jo Hackett, Tony and Margaret Banks and… Peter Gabriel. Yes, the elusive one eluded me no longer and yes, I did ask him for an interview but whether one will be forthcoming remains to be seen!

It was great to see “the management “ there too and both Tony Smith and Jo Greenwood were their usual charming selves. An unexpected attendee was Pink Floyd member, Nick Mason. It was also great to see former Phil Collins and Genesis producer Hugh Padgham here and a TWR “Let’s Get Technical” feature is on the cards.

But this was Richard’s evening and he looked genuinely thrilled and delighted that so many had come out to support his wonderful endeavour and from my perspective it was simply marvellous to be a part of it so thank you Richard and every success with the book!

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