Trick of The Tail

Mama to Perform A Trick of the Tail in Full for 50th Anniversary at Kinross

As Mama wrap up 2025 with two shows at Backstage At The Green Hotel in Kinross, I caught up with John for a quick chat about the band’s plans and what fans can expect in 2026.

Webmaster: Hi John, to quote a phrase… “It’s been a long, long time.”
John: Yeah, (laughs).

Webmaster: So how are things with the band?
John: All going very well. The lads have been working really hard on new material for next year’s shows, and it’s all come together really nicely.

Webmaster: So, changes to the setlist then?
John: Yes. The main thing is that we’re playing the whole of A Trick of the Tail for the 50th anniversary of its release, while fitting later songs around that framework.

Webmaster: I seem to recall you saying years ago about performing a whole album… Duke, wasn’t it?
John: Yeah, but sadly there wasn’t enough enthusiasm from the band members at the time, so we ended up just doing the “Duke Suite.” This time, everyone is on board with the project.

Webmaster: I’ve noticed the band is incorporating more of the older songs now. How are people reacting?
John: Well, you can’t please all of the people all of the time, but most of the audience like the mix we do. We do get the odd request for “Sussudio” or “Can’t Hurry Love” though (laughs).

Webmaster: Really?
John: Yes, some folk still equate Genesis with Phil’s solo songs, but that’s rarer nowadays. If you look at the setlist, most of the big Genesis hits are in there — Follow You Follow Me, Turn It On Again, Mama, Invisible Touch, No Son of Mine, etc. We always try to balance the album tracks with the hits.

Webmaster: So what can people expect at Kinross?
John: On Friday we’ll play more of the hits and later Genesis songs, with a few “proggy bits.” Saturday will be the whole of A Trick of the Tail, with more emphasis on the prog side. We’ve done that more or less each time we’ve played there over the last ten years, and the crowd seem to appreciate that approach.

Webmaster: Are there any Genesis songs you’ve never sung but would love to?
John: Loads (laughs). Off the top of my head… Cinema Show, Keep It Dark, One For The Vine, Fountain Of Salmacis. I could go on.

Webmaster: I know the other band members and yourself have other musical projects. What can we expect next year?
John: David is working on another solo album and also with his band The Mousetrap Factory. I’m doing a new Ellesmere album and have a show in Rome with them in February. I’ve also just started work on another solo album. Andy is still with his Doors tribute band, Simon has a few irons in the fire, and James is still with The Contenders too.

Webmaster: Sounds like you’re all very busy.
John: Which explains the delay in finding time to speak (laughs).

Webmaster: Thanks, John, for your time — and best of luck for 2026 and beyond.
John: Cheers.

We’d love to hear from you! Which Genesis songs would you most like to see Mama perform in future shows? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.