Mike Rutherford

Michael John Cleote Crawford "Mike" Rutherford (born October 2, 1950 in Guildford, Surrey) is a British musician. Whilst attending Charterhouse School he became a founding member of Genesis, initiall

Michael John Cleote Crawford "Mike" Rutherford (born October 2, 1950 in Guildford, Surrey) is a British musician. Whilst attending Charterhouse School he became a founding member of Genesis, initially as a bassist and later assuming the roles of rhythm (especially known for his simultaneous 12 string guitar and Moog Taurus bass pedal synthesizer playing) and eventually lead guitarist and backup vocalist.

Rutherford's basslines are known for being tastefully constructed as well as showing a great deal of technical innovation and skill. His basslines from early Genesis are some of the most innovative and complex lines from any time period and were especially impressive in the rising progressive rock movement. He and bassist Chris Squire pushed the envelope of creativity for the bass guitar in the genre. When Rutherford is not playing a dynamic and complex bassline, he plays the bass in a melodic manner that is well respected.