Gabriel left Genesis in 1975 and developed a deep interest in world music rhythms and textures, reflected in four eponymous albums (the last, released in 1982, was titled Security for its American release), while songs like “Games Without Frontiers” and “Biko” announced his political convictions.

In 1975 he eventually left Genesis to keep pursuing more experimental methods in music, saying he had an interest in more "foreign sounds". Critics felt the band couldn't survive without Gabriel, though Phil Collins reluctantly took over lead vocals (after auditioning approximately 400 other singers) and achieved more mainstream success.

Peter Gabriel departed Genesis in 1975 at the end of their tour in support of “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway,” an album seen by many as a progressive-rock masterpiece. The singer had informed his bandmates of his decision during the earlier part of the year.