This time, he really must be going. More than 100 million album sales into his
career and roughly two thirds of the way through our interview, Phil Collins
casually serves notice of his retirement. Having joined a reformed Genesis
for a world tour last year, he says he’s through with the touring and
there’s no album planned. He’ll write, but only because he doesn’t know how
to stop writing.
In truth, he sounds more excited about nurturing his collection of memorabilia
relating to the Battle of the Alamo. “It’s not that unusual for a man of my
age who grew up reading Davy Crockett,” he insists. In Switzerland, where he
lives, he maintains his collection of cannon-balls and guns. When he’s not
doing that he helps to raise the two sons he had with Orianne Cevey, whom he
married in 1999, three years after divorcing his second wife, Jill
Tavel-man, reportedly by fax.
But right now we’re not in Switzerland. Asked by Sky Arts if he would be a
subject of its Songbook series – Squeeze, Travis and David Gray
feature in other shows – Collins, 57, has flown to this studio in Barnes,
southwest London, to perform four of his best-known songs. If he seems
thrown by praise, that’s almost certainly because he hasn’t received much of
it over the past couple of decades.
But in 2008 it would be weird to single out Collins for the derision to which
he was once subjected. In person, he’s unexpectedly self-deprecating.
Nevertheless, listen to all his biggest hits back to back – One
More Night, In the Air Tonight, Against all Odds – and it all comes
back, a picture of a man flailing amid the crashing waves of his luckless
love life.
You suspect that, in the early Eighties, he was one of those people whom you
dared not ask “How are you?” for fear that he would tell you. “I don’t think
I was that bad,” he says. “There were other songs. But the ones that were
coming out as singles were mostly in the same vein.”
His own commercial success surprised him more than anyone. “In Genesis we saw
ourselves as song-writers. After Peter Gabriel left I was the first to say:
‘It’s OK – we can just do instrumentals.’ ” There was no need to worry,
though. The relationship troubles that launched Collins as a solo entity
also inspired Genesis tunes such as Misunderstanding and That’s All.
“In 1977 we played America and Europe three times, and Japan – my marriage
suffered as a result. My then wife [Andrea Bertorelli] took the kids to
Canada to be near her parents.”
The band briefly went into abeyance to allow Collins to try to sort out his
marriage, but to no avail. When it emerged that his ex-wife had run off with
a painter and decorator, he drily performed In the Air Tonight (from
his platinum-selling debut solo album Face Value) on Top of the
Pops with a pot of paint and brush atop the piano. He says the song
itself was written on the back of a stray piece of wallpaper.
How ubiquitous was Collins in the Eighties? His profile was akin to that of,
say, Mark Ronson today. As a producer he quickly became the go-to guy for
singers after their own separations. He worked on albums by John Martyn and
Frida from Abba while maintaining the solo career and being in Genesis.
A child actor in the Sixties, he later played a loveable Cockney Great Train
Robber in Buster(even though he bore a marginally greater similarity
to the train). In his mulleted prime he even donned a Hawaiian shirt and
starred in an episode of Miami Vice(a role he digitally revisited in
2006 for the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories).
At Live Aid in 1985, his gorblimey, game-for-anything persona made him the
natural choice when Bob Geldof cast around for a pop star to play on both
sides of the Atlantic. Not only did Collins rise to the challenge, he also
occupied the drum stool for Led Zeppelin’s short set.
His detractors couldn’t help but take it all personally. Melody Maker
led the charge against him. When it made him Wally of the Week two weeks in
a row Collins wrote to protest. Mischievously, the magazine printed his
letter without trying terribly hard to hide his address. NME raged at
the “hypocrisy” of his writing the homelessness song Another
Day in Paradise when he had allegedly baulked at the possibility of
higher taxes under a Labour Government. He has since maintained that he has
never voted Conservative.
Nonetheless, the matter still comes up far more often than he would like it
to. Before the General Election in 2005, Noel Gallagher took a pop: “Vote
Labour. If you don’t and the Tories get in, Phil is threatening to come back
from Switzerland – and none of us want that.” Collins’s response? “I don’t
care if he likes my music or not. I do care if he starts telling people I’m
a w****** because of my politics. It’s an opinion based on an old
misunderstood quote.”
But at the beginning of this decade, an odd thing happened. While a generation
of indie kids defined itself against everything for which Collins apparently
stood, the man from Genesis became a hip-hop icon. Urban Renewal – a
2001 compilation featuring versions of his songs by the likes of Ol’ Dirty
Bastard, Lil Kim and Kelis – emerged to some acclaim.
“ Urban Renewal was sweet,” he says, “because I’ve been –
unfairly, I would say – plonked in the middle of the road because of a
handful of songs. It came at a good time for me, because you do take a bit
of a browbeating and, as you get older, you become better at accepting it
and realising why it happens.”
Then he received a phone call from his manager: Cadbury’s had been in touch to
ask if Collins might allow the use of In the Air Tonightin an
advertisement. Was it made clear to him that it would feature a gorilla
playing drums to the song? “As much as it’s possible for such a thing to be
made clear,” he smiles.
He’s long been reconciled to the fact that In the Air Tonight
will for ever be his keynote song. “Do I mind? Well, if you’re ever
remembered at all, it’s only usually for one or two things. With me, it’ll
be: ‘He faxed his wife a divorce’, which is actually b****cks, but that’ll
be on top of the headstone. And then, further down, you’ll have ‘Da-dum,
da-dum’ . . .” He simulates that drum fill from In the Air
Tonight.
Then he modulates into a burst from one of Basil Fawlty’s most memorable
ruminations – “Zoom! What was that? That was your life, mate. Do I get
another? No, sorry that was your lot” – and it amuses him just as much as it
must have done the first time he heard it.
Songbook, Sky Arts, May 1 2008 (8pm)
Genesis and Phil you're the best and have been top in my heart since I was a teenager. I hope you work your marriage out Phil - keep each other feeling loved in the way that does it.
Heather, Morley Leeds, England
I hope you change your mind from retirement. If that marriage didn't work out there is always me........ You have the most wonderful singing voice and I just loved the show at Hollywood Bowl!!!!!!!!! I was lucky enough to go to the very last show........
Julie, Los Angeles, USA
After all the magic you and your mates have given, if you really feel it's time for retirement, we can only whish you all the best
But please, don't listen to envy and silly singers-wannabe. The truth is, my 12 years old daughter is one of your biggest fan. Genesis family will always be THE band!
Cesare F, Mantova, Italy
good luck Phil...your are the BEST for me
i'm your fan (and of Genesis of course) since 30 years...
great singer, great drummer and great melodist.... There is not a day within a song of Phil or Genesis....GREAT
Joël, Billy-Montigny, France
Truly... a great writer, drummer and performer. And Switzerland is a wonderful place to commit reverie.
D Griffing, Naples, Long Beach, USA
It's been cool for a while to mock Phil, and to be honest some of his recent solo work has been very average. To those people I say pick up an old Genesis album, listen to the drumming, watch a DVD of a Genesis concert, see him in action, there are very few drummers around that could reach his level
James, A Chalfont, UK
Phil...please...the 5 of you need to sign off with the promised Lamb tour. Either way, thanks for the years of music, no other band has come close to Genesis.
James, A Chalfont, UK
I have never seen Genesis or Phil live, but the music has always been a part of my life and always will be. Phil is a class act and that's the way I will always view him. Thanks for the great work Phil. Dang, this sounds like a eulogy. Sorry about that. Enjoy the retirement Phil.....
Harry, Oak Island, USA
Phil & Genesis part of my life for 35 years. If retirement is true, a sad day for me & British music. Seen him live about 40 times - Genesis, John Martyn, Brand X, Clapton, Robert Plant etc. - brilliant! Best concert, Genesis Manchester 07. Please do the rumoured Lamb tour with Peter then retire....
Nigel R, Tarleton, UK
well its time for a Peter Gabriel frontman tour
before the old boys put their stuff for storage!
That would be a great way to leave on top!!!
Thanks for everything guys!
bill, chicago, usa
Been Genesis fan for 20 years and also like his solo work. I have seen lot's of live bands from Blondie to the lightning seeds but nothing comes close to last year at Old Trafford when Genesis played. Ripples and In the cage were master pieces. Phil your album sale's say's it all you are the best.
David Bell, frodsham, United Kingdom
Hard to hear you're really retiring!
Phil , thank you for your music ,and your personality . I've been a real fan for 27 years now , seen you several times on stage ....
Thanks for the "serial of shows " last year !If I had known they were yr last ones ,I would've visited them all!
Nicky, Antwerp, Belgium
Is it true? It's way too soon for you Young Man! First tuned in to Phil in the early 80's when I heard, "If Leaving Me Is Easy". Never looked back since then. Time passes so quick. "Happy Retirement". Cheers Mate! Hey, change your mind will ya! We old-timers still some decent music to listen to!!
Mike, Vancouver, Canada
Phil, yuo're a brilliant drummer, and not bad a singer, ignore the critics, they'll be gone long before your music has.
Gary, Basingstoke,
I am a long time Genesis fan from Italy, and a drummer who started hitting the tomtoms hearing your magnificent fills. I was in Rome amongst the 600.000 last year. You are still young and full of life. We need you to come back even if only for albums and little gigs. And for your smile and jokes!
Roberto, Rome, Italy
I have always loved you Phil. Your music has played a major part in my life. I am so glad I saw you at Wembley in your solo tour and then at Twickenham with Genesis .
I truly would have loved to have seen you one last time, but now that will not happen.
Have a long and happy retirement, Love ya! x
kaz, Sevenoaks, Kent
Phil, Genesis have been a big part of my life. The music on record and live is fantastic and more veried than the gutter press idiots give you credit for. Last year was fantastic for me seeing you 3 times in Amsterdam, Toronto, Buffalo. My 11 yo daughter loved it too (Amsterdam). Your cool!! Album??
Chris, Northampton, England
Thanks for the last Genesis tour Phil it was my ambition to see you play live and what a gig! We all want you to go on forever but we all have to be a little less selfish and realise how much you have given over the years. Time for a well deserved break - thanks for the last 30 years!
Mark, Durham, UK
dear phill have been a a fan since the age of 12 im now 43 ur music has kept me going in good &bad times in my life as im disabled saw u at twikenham in july 2007 loved every second
andy, luton, beds
Thanks Phil
I saw you and Genesis at Twickenham in July 2007 and many other dates prior and you always gave a brillant performance to touch the very soul of all there of all generations.
Don't Do it mate, Keep going. there are a lot of people out there who still think you and "the band" rock
Graeme, canvey island, uk
Phil and Genesis always have been for me the best rock group. A retirement well deserve for Phil. To bad i cannot had another album in the Genesis collection. I've seen every live concert in Ottawa and 2 in Montreal. I'm glad i went to both concert in 2007 Montreal and Ottawa.
Maurice H, Clarence-Rocland, ON, Canada
Dear Genesis
My name is Aaron. I live in Toronto ON. I saw you play at BMO Field and HSBC Arena when I was 9. It was great . My Dad has all of your albums. I have one question. If you were still playing where would you play first? Someday I want to be a rock star like you.
Aaron
Aaron, Toronto, Canada
I'm a musician who grew up in the 80s - and Phil Collins is one of the archetypes of what it means to be a real musician while also being a popstar. His stuff is great, defined the pop genre of real and mature music. I can't believe 57 is retirement age. He must just be in the doldrums.
Allan Hubbard, Texas, USA
So Phil you might be finally almost definitely retiring!?! Ignore What those talentless Oasis pratts say, your way above them. I think more people like your music than they actually let on. You've helped me through good bad times, A fantastic musician, you'll be sorley missed, take care.
Mark Whitehouse, Derby,
It´s a sad day...Phil. But anyway you left us a great present: Your music. And to me, the opportunity to see you in a Tour (in 2004 and 2007 -my dream come true- with Genesis in Rome!). All this great moments that you´ll never ever know but it is an important part of our lives! Thanks for all Phil!
Rogelio Pomares, Malaga, Spain
Hi Phil. Thanks for your music, truly - solo, and otherwise. I was introduced to you (and Genesis) through I Can't Dance - had to get every other album after that. Would love it if you could manage a gig in New Zealand. Cheers and all the best mate. Take care.
Mike, Christchurch, New Zealand
To one of the honest-to-God legends of Rock and Roll; have a great retirement! You've more than earned it.
thanks for everything.
Tim Gainer, Chicago, U.S.A.
Phil, I would love to see U 1 last time here in Cape Girardeau, MO! I Have seen U 3 times as Genesis, and once solo-yer phenomenal! In the Cage/Afterglow! I cried, it was sooooo good! Thank you so very much for rockin my world! TY for the best ear candy ever...love ya! Laura
Laura, Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
Can't believe that! If so, it's a sad day for the music world...
I had the amazing time of my life last year when I traveled to Washinton DC to enjoy my best concert ever, with Genesis and Phil at their best. Phil, you shoud try and tour the rest of the world and come to Argentina for the last time
Adrian Pavese, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phil,
You need one last Genesis Album/Tour to say good-bye.
You owe it to the fans and the last mini tour proved that Genesis is still at the top of their game and has something creative to offer.
Please give Genesis it's Revelation even if it means getting Gabriel to put on the Red Dress & Fox Head
Frank , Miami, USA
How refreshing to hear from the silent majority...
This is the problem with the media party line on musicians - they thrive on cliche. Phil's career encompassed avant Jazz, prog and some pretty decent pop too. There is plenty of genuine MOR mediocrity to despise. Oh and he could drum too...
Ben Cohen, Harrow,
100 million album sales pretty much sums it up. Yes - of course you can pick holes in anybody's career. I saw Genesis twice in the 90's and last year - and I'll proud to say I saw PC live - Phil enjoy your retirement!
Barry Dunn, Leicestershire,
Phil, what took you so long, mate? Some of us have waited over 30 years for this news! You've really brightened my day!
Thanks, fella!
Dermot, London,
I never really liked any 90's boy bands and therefore never had the trauma of going through a boy band break up! This is my 'boy band' break up moment. I was brought up on Phil and Genesis and am very sad to read the above.
I have always been proud to be a Phil fan - long may it continue x
Sarah Greene, Enfield,
A fantastic contributor to the world of music. Memorable era of Genesis the band and a brilliant solo muscician and singer. It is nice to know that you now bow out gracefully, and remain a true performer. I wish that some of the other ageing "Stars" would do the same - Madonna will be 50 this Aug
Mark Harris, Swansea,
Thanks Phil for all the great memories provided by yourself and Genesis. No soundtrack of the last thirty years would be complete without you.
Pat, Atlanta, USA
If this actually is Phil's 'retirement interview' where is the official word from the Genesis and Phil Collins management camp/website? In the Folk awards video Phil does say he wants to do less, not retire completely. At this present time he wants to take some time off.
Liz, London, England
Why is Phil's drumming with the band "Brand X" never mentioned? For that alone, the man can be proud.
Tony Elka, Las Vegas, NV
Tony ELka, Las Vegas, USA
Hi Phil:
Can't find the right words to express my thankfulness for all the musical talent you shared with the world. Evey note, every chord, every drum play, every word in our minds will be there forever. And as I wrote to Tony, thank you for making my dream come true on 9/23/07 in Washington DC.
Juan Romero, Atlanta, USA
If Phil retires I'm FatherChristmas. Genesis was the best thing to have happened in 2007 and there's that Lamb tour to consider.
Jon Farmer, Brighton, East Sussex
Enjoy your "retirement" -I will miss your music. You've been a constant companion to me since 1977 mainly in the guise of Genesis, and it's been brilliant.
Thank you for very many hours of enjoyment
Melanie, Ludwigshafen, Germany
Bye Phil
It's been a great 30odd years following you & the other members of Genesis
I assume getting behind the drums for doing the lamb is out the window now
Live long & enjoy the future and looking forward to seeing the Squeeze, songbook episode
How about a last Farewell Tour :)
Coppola, Edinburgh,
hi phil ! I play drums thanks to you, you've been a great inspiration and force for me , both as a drummer or a singer. my dream would be to share a couple of hours with you, talking about drums and music; who knows, maybe someday!
anyway, thanx for all those great moments and emotions, i'll miss u.
laurent L., montpellier, france
I will always love listening to you and your music, I have loved your stuff since I was 12 years old and seen you in concert at every opportunity since 1994. To a 28-year old woman you are the greatest of the great. Thank you.
"Peace will only come, finding the peace within"
Heidi , Stockholm, Sweden
just to say thank you Phil, I grew up with your music, and if I look back I remember some moments, sad and happy, and some of your songs as a soundtrack. But I want to look forward too... Please don't forget us PS. Don't care about some minor musicians and little man...
davide Frasnelli, roma, italia
Phil, sorry to hear you're retiring. I've enjoyed many years of your stuff and the music you've done with Genesis. Time will be kind to you, mate; that headstone will be longer than you think!
Stefan Livesey, Wirral,
hi phil, I did lots of crazy things in my life but the 3 I'm really proud of were: a) 92: went NYC to see 2 Genesis concerts. b) 94: saw you 2 nights at MSG again in NYC. c) 95: went to see you in Buenos Ayres. Need I say more? I'm really sad. Think again & again. Love to you and all your family.
Marcelo Souza, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hi Phil!
I just want to thank you for what your music has given me over the years and thank you for being you! As I singer/songwriter one of my biggest dreams is to work with you some day. So let me know if you're up for it! ;-)
Iselin, Trondheim, Norway
hi, phil its so sad to hear the news of your retirement . you have made a great impressions on me all though my teenage and adult life i'm a feamle drummer who is looking for a little break i'm not giving up you have showed me how to hang in and nevet give up
thaks:)
angelinaboschetti, pittsfield, ma
Phil is a legend, a trully talented musician, one of the best drummers of the world. He is in another level, he is not a clown of a cover band like Oasis. This guy and his songs, with Genesis and the solo ones, will be remembered. I only hope he reconsider.
Mauricio, São Paulo, Brasil
Hello fm Athens!Phil you are the company of my life.Thank you very much for the soundtracks of my life.
Makis, Athens, Greece
Thank you Phil for your work on - 'Nursery Chryme' 'Foxtrot' & 'Lamb..' these albums were so important to me. Great drummer.
merc, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Simplemente: Gracias Phil por tu musica......... PHIL THE BEST.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Miguel Castillo Scovino, Caracas, Venezuela
If it is true Phil.....Then you deserve a well earned retirement. THANK YOU for such great music, performances, and also not mentioned much are all you contributions to other Artists and Bands, so so many it's hard to believe you had time!!
Love
Chris, High Wycombe
Chris Chennell, High Wycombe, UK
Phil Collins is and always be a musical icon! His music is a best friend and a reminder of who you are, if you are truly a fan! We will miss you dearly, Mr. Collins! Enjoy your retirement. Your music and genious in songwriting will live on forever!
Teresa, Concord, NC, USA
I cannot believe he's retiring, it's too early, there's so much music left to do, I'm sure of that.
Also, I cannot understand what the UK has against him, I had never heard any jokes about him until I arrived here, just good things. Maybe, as we say in Spain, "no one is a prophet in his own land".
Luisa, Barcelona, Spain
A long time ago, say 15 years, I spent one night in Phil's managers mansion in the new forest having a b'day party with all my mates from school, it was empty and we knew the housekeepers. Since then I've loved Phil's music because if he didn't exist, we wouldn't have had such a good party.
robert, Prague, Czech Republic
Best drummmer in the world? Superb front man in a superb band. Writer of many memorable songs, Great performer. Why the vitriole? We love you Phil and always have done. Old Trafford last year was fantastic. You deserve your retirement. Enjoy it, but if you change your mind we will be delighted.
Ian, Cannock, UK
Just to add one more comment\pile on....
Not for just an hour
No, no, not for just a day
Not for just a year
Oh but always
Thanks Phil for the time, effort and music in the car and in the headphones! You guys keep Cerwin-Vega and Bose in biz, lmao!
Always
Stu, The Bay Area In Geneal, USA
Phil Collins is not giving it all up! This article is very misleading, and I suspect some of what Phil said, has been taken out of context. Phil continues to work in the US. Furthermore, he has an apartment in New York to be closer to his girlfriend. His life isn't all "The Alamo and Children."
Liz, London, England
Greetings from "the Bay Area In General" as Phil called it so many times. Saw Genesis for the first time on April 14, 1978 and never missed a show after that. Octobers event at San Jose was awesome and I was really hoping they would continue per Tony Smiths comments over the last year. TY4 38 years!
Stu, Bay Aerea In general, USA
I am very sad to read that Phil is retiring, he unlike many other singers ans song writers put into words how a lot of us felt at that time. Although I'm a man of the same age I am very upset that this great musician will sing no more. Phil deserves a knighthood ! for his dedication and love.
John B Harrison, Udon Thani, Thailand
Travis, David Gray and Phil Collins... phew, rock 'n' roll, eh?
Tim Footman, London/Bangkok,
I love Phil's/Genesis music. I attended all three concerts in Chicago. I bid a sad goodbye after the 3rd performance. Mike and Tony are magnificent , but Phil, "You'll Be in My Heart." He deserves his retirement and is making a wise decision for his own inner peace. God bless from Debra in GA, USA
Debra, Douglas GA, USA
Although I appreciate anyone conjuring "Blood On The Rooftops", sadly Phil didn't write the lyric, Steve Hackett did. Phil will be missed. An absolute original.
peteham, Toronto,
Let's not forget that Phil is a drummer first and then a singer. He always wants to be remembered in that regard. Get the whole picture of this class-act guy and his virtuosic drumming. Anyone remember The Knife and Supper's Ready? Criticism from the Gallagher bros. is laughable as they're jealous.
Allan Howard, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
I took the genesis album Wind and wuthering with me on a 6 month van trip to canaries in 79 living on the beach. The lyrics ,Arabs and Jews boy ,too much for me , gets me confused puts me off to sleep and the thing I hate is staying up late to watch some debate on some nations fate. just brilliant
Philip Collins, Hayle, UK
Sorry to hear Phil's retirement, my one regret is I did'nt get to see Genesis last year. Just can't get enough of their music at the moment with 'Live over Europe' a permanment fixture in the car. Trying my best to educate my kids on the thrill and excitement of drum duets!
Matthew, Leeds, England
I've been a fan as far back as I can remember and I feared that I would never get to see him live until the 2007 tour was announced. I've also enjoyed all of the music you have written for Disney, too. Enjoy your retirement - but you can always come back, if you miss it! :)
Lisa, Milwaukee, USA
What people forget is that Collins is a great drummer and the early Genesis is excellent along with his work with Brand X. Even 'In the Air Tonight' was stunning when it came out, cutting across so much of the rubbish in the charts at the. Groovy Kind of Love was when it all went wrong.
Philip, chelmsford,
I grew up listening to Genesis and Phil's solo stuff - they were the soundtrack for all those long car trips between Kent and Leeds when I was a kid. Fantastic stuff all round, enjoy your retirement Phil.
Ross, Ripon, N. Yorks
Fantastic singer and composer. One of the best. Oasis do not even come near! A singer who sings from the heart and writes all his own material, a rarity in this day and age! I just want to say thanks to Phil and we will miss you
Henry, Oxford, UK
Phil is a huge star and his music is styill so popular. Live he is fantastic - I last saw him at Earls Court a few years back and I came away thinking it was the best gig I'd evr been to! To be so brilliant at what he does yet have such a troubled personal life is tragic. Please keep on Phil!
Martin, London, UK
I'm 56 yo and if asked to name the band or person who can raise my spirits just by playing the music Genisis and Collins would be my first choice every time. Not normally a 'gigger', I had the joy of seeing him at the City Hall in Newcastle, which I will never forget. His legacy goes on.
jeff, Durham, England
Phil always has rocked my world, I love his music with a passion and I will always throw a Phil CD in the stereo if I'm having a bad day. Don't retire big guy, the world needs you, now more than ever.
James Collins, Clapham, London, UK
People forget how big both he and Genesis were in the late 70's and early 80's. Genesis voted best live band for years by NME; Collins' first two or three solo albums flying off the shelves.
Genesis music has been with me at every junction and highway in my life and always will be - Thanks Phil.
Nigel, Redhill, UK
NME just live off the scraps that people like Phil Collins leave around, like much non news media they try to create their own stories from a misquote or half line. Phil Collins has given so much pleasure to people, he is huge and his work will be around for years to come whilst the NME..Who??
Peter Hampson, Whispering Pines, USA
While he may be best known for his singles some of us will remember and admire him for his early work with Genesis. I first saw the band in Hammersmith in 1976(?) and again in Brussels last year. For 30 years your music has been the soundtrack to my life. Duke still sits in my car CD. Thanks Phil.
Dave, Melun, France
Been a while since i heard anything from him but you gotta hand it to him he is a great song writer have fun in retirement m8
Christopher Amor, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
Have you been playing since the seventies Phil? I was born in 76 and I love your music - you're the man!
Stella, Gaborone, Botswana
Like him or not, Phil Collins has contributed enormously to modern music, far more so than those copyists Oasis, who have already sunk into the 4th Division of music.
Jealousy tends to be behind most of the vitriolic comments made about most successful people!
Steve, Warwick, UK
a legend - and other minnows are just jealous. Thanks Phil.....
peter, montpellier, france
I thought he'd already gone.
Susan T, Peterborough,