Take that, Phil Collins! While the Genesis frontman was pursuing a solo career in 1985, Genesis bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford wasn't waiting around. Instead, he formed the pop/rock band Mike + the Mechanics with vocalist and keyboardist Paul Carrack (formerly of Ace and Squeeze), vocalist Paul Young (formerly of Sad Café), keyboardist Adrian Lee and drummer Peter Van Hooke (Rutherford was on bass). Mike + the Mechanics released their eponymous debut album in late 1985 and the record spawned two Top Ten singles, "All I Need Is a Miracle" and "Silent Running (On Dangerous Ground)," which both climbed the charts throughout 1986. That same year Rutherford returned to Genesis and Carrack restored his solo career.

After a few years of inactivity, Mike + the Mechanics released their sophomore album, The Living Years, in 1988 and the record was even more successful than their 1986 self-titled debut. The Living Years' lead single, also called "The Living Years," went straight to the top of the charts. Subsequent to releasing their popular second album, Mike + the Mechanics again went into hibernation for a few years, emerging in 1991 with their third effort, Word of Mouth. The album's success failed to match their previous two albums, thus another period of inactivity followed for Mike + the Mechanics.

In 1995 Mike + the Mechanics released their fourth studio album, Beggar on a Beach of Gold. The record was moderately successful across the pond and one year later the band issued their greatest hits compilation Hits. Following their trend of long spaces between album releases, it would be four years before Mike + the Mechanics would come back with another album. Young passed away in 2000 and in 2004 Mike + the Mechanics released their most recent effort, Rewired.