Before joining Genesis, Mayhew was a session musician and a member of various bands, including the UK-based rock band, The Soul Survivors. He also worked as a studio musician, playing keyboards for numerous recordings and live performances.
After leaving Genesis, Mayhew continued to work as a session musician and played with various bands. He also released solo material, showcasing his skills as a drummer and composer.
Unlike many “lost” members of famous bands, Mayhew did not fade into bitterness. He left the music industry entirely. He moved to Australia, became a carpenter, and later a boatbuilder, living a quiet life far from the stadiums Genesis would fill.
His arrival coincided with a defining period in Genesis history. The band retreated to in Surrey, where they spent six months in intense rehearsal and communal living. During this "monastic" existence, Mayhew's professionalism and willingness to bring his own drum kit impressed the founding members, even as they struggled to find their collective voice. Contribution to Trespass