Mike + The Mechanics

Mike + The Mechanics are an English rock and pop-rock band formed in Dover in 1985 by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford. Initially conceived as a side project during a Genesis hiatus, the group grew from Rutherford’s desire to make music outside his main band and collaborate with other musicians. The original line-up featured Rutherford, singers Paul Carrack and Paul Young, keyboardist Adrian Lee and drummer Peter Van Hooke. Songwriter B. A. Robertson and producer Christopher Neil played important roles in the band’s early development. Released in 1985, their self-titled debut album achieved substantial commercial success. “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)” and “All I Need Is a Miracle” both reached the US top ten, while “Taken In” peaked at number 32. The band’s biggest hit, “The Living Years”, was released in 1988 and appeared on their second album, “Living Years”. It reached number one in the United States and number two in the United Kingdom. Rutherford and Robertson wrote the song after their fathers had died, with Robertson’s lyrics addressing unresolved disagreements with his father. Carrack, who had lost his own father as a child, sang lead vocals. In 1990, the song earned Rutherford and Robertson an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. Further releases included “Word of Mouth”