ARTIST · POP / ROCK

Mike + the Mechanics

Adult-contemporary craftsmanship—tasteful guitorgan, sorrowful bridges, immaculate backing vocals.

Pop rock
Soft rock

Updated 27 October 2026

Listen on NCR All artists

Biography

Living Years married generational regret to unforgettable chorus lift.

Rotating vocalists across eras kept melodic standard high.

Sticky session chops betray prog pedigree without pretension.

Lossless streams preserve DX7 sheen, snare dampening, and Carrack warmth.

Mike Rutherford formed the Mechanics as a side project from Genesis, working with singers Paul Carrack and Paul Young. Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground) (1985) was a hit, followed by All I Need Is a Miracle and Over My Shoulder.

The Living Years (1988), inspired by the death of Rutherford’s father, was sung by Carrack and reached number one in the US. Young died in 2000, and the band has continued with various singers.

Interesting facts about Mike + the Mechanics

01 British pop-rock band formed in 1985 by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford.
02 Mike + the Mechanics (1985) launched hits including Silent Running and All I Need Is a Miracle.
03 The Living Years (1988) featured the title ballad with Paul Carrack on lead vocal alongside Mike Rutherford.
04 The Living Years reached number one in the US.
05 Paul Young, one of the singers, died in 2000.