Who Is Genesis P-Orridge? Age, Biography and Wiki
Genesis P-Orridge was born on February 22, 1950, making them 75 years old as of 2025. Renowned for their groundbreaking contributions to avant-garde art and music, Genesis was a key member of the influential industrial music band Throbbing Gristle and the neo-psychedelic group Psychic TV. Their work often challenged societal norms and transcended conventional boundaries, making them a pivotal figure in the underground art and music scenes. In 2020, Genesis P-Orridge passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire artists and musicians worldwide.
| Occupation | Performance Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1950 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Manchester, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 14 March, 2020 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, US |
Popularity
Genesis P-Orridge's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During their lifetime, Genesis P-Orridge was known for their unique style and persona, which included an androgynous appearance. Though specific measurements may vary, they stood approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall. Their weight fluctuated throughout the years, as they embraced various artistic expressions and personal journeys, including significant life events that shaped their image and health.
In 1969, P-Orridge dropped out of university and moved to London, and joined the Transmedia Explorations commune, who were then living in a large run-down house in Islington Park Street.
The group, initiated by the artist David Medalla and initially named the Exploding Galaxy, had been at the forefront of the London hippy scene since 1967, but had partially disbanded after a series of police raids and a damaging court case.
Moving into their commune, P-Orridge was particularly influenced by one of the founding members of the group, Gerald Fitzgerald, a kinetic artist, and would recognise Fitzgerald's formative influence in P-Orridge's later work.
The commune members adhered to a strict regime with the intention of deconditioning its members out of their routines and conventional behaviour; they were forbidden from sleeping in the same place on consecutive nights, food was cooked at irregular times of the day and all clothing was kept in a communal chest, with its members wearing something d
ifferent on each day.
P-Orridge stayed there for three months, until late October 1969. They left after becoming angered that the commune's leaders were given more rights than the other members and believing that the group ignored the counter-cultural use of music, something they took a great interest in.
Julie Wilson later stated that although P-Orridge's time at the Transmedia Explorations commune had been brief, "the experiences (they) had there proved to be seminal" to their artistic development.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout their life, Genesis was known for their complex personal relationships. One notable figure in their life was their partner, Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge, who shared a deep emotional and spiritual connection with them. The two engaged in a transformative partnership that led to their joint exploration of identity and self. While Genesis and Lady Jaye had a profound connection, Genesis's passing in 2020 marked a significant loss in the art and music community.
Ronald was a travelling salesman who had worked in repertory theatre and who played the drums in local jazz and dance bands. Muriel was from Salford and had first met Ronald after he returned to England after being injured with the British Army at the Battle of Dunkirk in 1940. As a child, they had a good relationship with their parents, who did not interfere with their artistic interests.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of their passing, Genesis P-Orridge's net worth was estimated to be in the millions, primarily derived from their extensive career in music, art, and literature. Although an exact figure is challenging to pinpoint due to varying sources, it's widely acknowledged that their pioneering work in the underground scene contributed to significant earnings over the years. Their influence can still be felt, as their works remain popular and collectible, further cementing their financial legacy.
In June 1998, P-Orridge won a $1.5 million lawsuit against producer Rick Rubin and his American Recordings label for injuries sustained while trying to escape a fire at Rubin's home in April 1995. According to P-Orridge's attorney, David D. Stein, P-Orridge was staying at Rubin's home, as a guest of Love and Rockets, when the fire broke out.
P-Orridge tried to escape the house by crawling through a second-storey window and fell onto concrete stairs. P-Orridge suffered a broken wrist, broken ribs, and a pulmonary embolism, as well as a shattered left elbow that, according to Stein, prevented P-Orridge from playing bass or keyboards. They remained in hospital for ten days.
The jury found that the liability for the fire rested with Rubin and American Recordings, and awarded P-Orridge US$1,572,000 in compensation.
Career, Business and Investments
Genesis P-Orridge's career spanned various disciplines, making them a versatile and innovative force in the artistic world. As a founding member of Throbbing Gristle, they were instrumental in shaping the industrial music genre, which paved the way for numerous subcultures and artists. Following this, their work with Psychic TV and solo projects earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
In addition to music, Genesis engaged in visual arts, literature, and performance art. Their exploration of gender, identity, and consciousness brought forth compelling artistic expressions, making them a frequent subject of study in academic circles. Their investments in various creative endeavors and collaborations showcased their commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
Genesis Breyer P-Orridge (born Neil Andrew Megson; 22 February 1950 – 14 March 2020) was an English singer-songwriter, musician, poet, performance artist, visual artist, and occultist who rose to notoriety as the founder of the COUM Transmissions artistic collective and lead vocalist of seminal industrial band Throbbing Gristle.
They were also a founding member of Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth occult group, and fronted the experimental pop rock band Psychic TV.
Social Network
Despite not being a mainstream social media figure during their lifetime, Genesis P-Orridge's legacy continues to resonate on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter. Fan pages and tribute accounts celebrate their work, sharing photos, videos, and insights into their life and artistic contributions. As of 2025, their influence can still be felt through these networks, where fans and admirers discuss their impact and commemorate their work.
In November 1969, P-Orridge returned to Hull to meet up with friend John Shapeero, who partnered with P-Orridge to turn COUM Transmissions into an avant-garde artistic and musical troupe. They initially debated as to how to define "COUM", later deciding that like the name "dada" it should remain open to interpretation.
P-Orridge designed a logo for the group, consisting of a semi-erect penis formed out of the word COUM with a drip of semen coming out of the end, while the motto "Your Local Dirty Banned" (a pun on "band") was emblazoned underneath.
Another logo designed by P-Orridge consisted of a hand-drawn seal accompanied by the statement "COUM guarantee disappointment"; from their early foundation, the group made use of wordplay in their artworks and adverts.
Education
Genesis P-Orridge's educational background included formative years filled with artistic exploration and intellectual curiosity. Although specific details on their formal education are limited, it is clear that their powerful ideological narratives and artistic output reflect a deep understanding of philosophy, art history, and cultural critique. Their educational experiences contributed to their revolutionary approach to art and music.
Born in Manchester, P-Orridge developed an early interest in art, occultism, and the avant-garde while at Solihull School. After dropping out of studies at the University of Hull, they moved into a counter-cultural commune in London and adopted Genesis P-Orridge as their pseudonym.
On returning to Hull, they founded COUM Transmissions with Cosey Fanni Tutti, and in 1973 they relocated to London.
COUM's confrontational performance work, dealing with such subjects as sex work, pornography, serial killers, and occultism, represented a concerted attempt to challenge societal norms and attracted the attention of the national press.
COUM's 1976 Prostitution show at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts was particularly vilified by tabloids, gaining them the moniker of the "wreckers of civilisation." P-Orridge's band, Throbbing Gristle, grew out of COUM, and were active from 1975 to 1981 as pioneers in the industrial music genre.
In 1981, P-Orridge co-founded Psychic TV, an experimental band that from 1988 onward came under the increasing influence of acid house.
