Mike + the Mechanics keeps Genesis fans happy

March 14, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

Northeast Ohio has a special place in the mind of Genesis’ Mike Rutherford.

“The first thing is when we hit America way back when, nobody liked us apart from Cleveland and Philadelphia,” said Rutherford, calling from New York City. “So it was always a great starting point. There are so many memories. I remember the venues and Swingos [hotel].

“A lot of Swingos stories I can’t really talk about. But Cleveland was a great place for English rock bands back then. You felt sort of home there. Once you have a beginning like that, it never goes away, really. It’s always there in your mind.”

That also rings true with diehard Genesis fans, who while holding out all hope for another reunion tour. They’re also just as excited Rutherford has resurrected his side band Mike + the Mechanics. The pop-rock act is known for radio songs “Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground),” “All I Need Is a Miracle,” “Word of Mouth,” “Over My Shoulder” and No. 1 hit “The Living Years.”

Mike + the Mechanics started out 30 years ago as an outlet for Rutherford’s solo material; however, due to his busy Genesis schedule at the time, the act didn’t tour much. In fact, its last proper tour took place in 1989 supporting the release of gold-selling album “The Living Years.”

While the outfit lasted into the ’00s, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Rutherford had more solo material but no outlet.

“I thought they sounded like Mechanics songs,” Rutherford said. “So I kind of went a different route and started with some live shows. I was kind of blown away how the Mechanics songs — ‘All I Need Is a Miracle’ and ‘The Living Years’ — clicked with the audience. They were great live songs.”

Fans of Rutherford’s entire career will get to hear the Mike + the Mechanics hits, as well as couple of Genesis covers (“I Can’t Dance” and “Turn It On Again”) when the band comes to the Hard Rock Rocksino at Northfield on Sunday.

Speaking of Genesis, the retired prog-rock band continues to garner plenty of attention.

Rutherford recently released his book, “The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir,” and the Genesis documentary “Sum of the Parts” debuted last year.

It appears as though wherever we look Genesis and its music are still vibrant and boast a large fan base. So, will Genesis be resurrected?

Rutherford said, “There are no Genesis plans at the moment and there probably won’t be, but whoever knows what’s around the corner?”