Synopsis

Genesis perform "Ripples" on a dimly lit soundstage in this restrained 1976 promotional video. Phil Collins sings from a stool, framed by a warm yellow backlight, while the rest of the band plays around him. The simple staging keeps attention on the song's reflective mood, with its meditation on aging, lost beauty, and the passage of time. Rather than presenting a narrative, the clip uses close performance shots and subdued lighting to complement the ballad's intimate atmosphere.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was made to promote the full-length album version of "Ripples," which runs for just over eight minutes.

• "Ripples" was one of three promotional videos created for *A Trick of the Tail*, alongside "A Trick of the Tail" and "Robbery, Assault & Battery."

• The song was written by Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford. Its lyrics focus on the sadness of seeing youth and beauty gradually fade.

• Phil Collins had initially been reluctant to become Genesis' permanent lead singer after Peter Gabriel's departure. "Ripples" was among the songs written with Collins in mind as vocalist.

• Although the studio video presents the song as a polished performance piece, Genesis did not perform "Ripples" live until the 1978 tour.

• The song returned to the set list during the band's 2007 reunion tour, where it became one of the more warmly received reflective moments in the concerts.

• The promotional clip was later included in the band's video compilations, including *The Video Show* released in 2004.