In the air tonight? Phil's retirement
Phil Collins is ready to call it a night. The Genesis frontman and solo splendor told a British newspaper that he's done with touring and recording.
Read the full story from the Times of London and decide for yourself how sincere his retirement notice is. Personally, I think he's just a little tired from the worldwide reunion tour that Genesis wrapped up. And since the band didn't get anywhere close to here in Florida, I figure they have unfinished business.
"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," the Times says, without quoting Collins per se.
Apparently, he's smarting from that dreadful Cadbury commercial where a gorilla plays the drums along to "In The Air Tonight." Hey, whatever pays the bills, I say. If the Rolling Stones can sell out to Microsoft, and Modern English can cash checks from Taco Bell, so be it.
Come on, Phil. One more solo tour at least! Maybe smaller venues. (I have one in mind here in Clearwater that'd be perfect. You can have the dressing room next to mine.) I'm sorry, but these are desperate times. You can even play "Susudio" if you want.
[AP photo]
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I have see Phil / Genesis 4 times, pretty good each time, would like to see them again in some form. I like the Peter Gabriel idea, maybe PG would come out in that flower costume he used to rock way back in the day.
BTW Steve I was at that T-Bowl Genesis concert. I sat in the 2nd row center, the show was pretty good from there.
Posted by: Hamptune | April 30, 2008 at 12:58 PM
Oh man, Gwyn -- I feel for you, having this happen to you not only once, but twice. And with two iconic bands no less.
Thanks for the heads-up on "Rosehill Tree Drive" -- I will definitely check them out.
Posted by: jane | April 29, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Jane, I was at the same concert. I was very disappointed, at least he played two songs. My husband, son and I went to see The Who this past year and they sang two notes and called it a night.
I was glad I got to see the opening band though they were really good.
They were call "Rosehill Tree Drive"
Posted by: Gwyn | April 29, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I'd love to see a Phil Collins show where for "In The Air Tonight", the band including Phil, perform in gorilla costumes. I'd pay to see that.
Posted by: Richard Phelps | April 28, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Totally agree that Phil is a very, very talented bloke and I would love to finally see him or Genesis live.
But I snorted aloud at Ian's suggestion of him and the gorilla doing a duet. Hi-larious image.
Posted by: jane | April 28, 2008 at 07:05 PM
Emily,
Don't always believe what you read in tabloids and glossy mags. Only part of the separation was conducted by fax. Not the actual breaking up itself. Enjoy the man for what he has given us in glorious song. He is a true legend of music.
Posted by: Ian from Down Under | April 28, 2008 at 06:56 PM
I'm not saying you were hacking on him Steve, sorry if that was implied. I was reading some of the comments on the article you linked to, and there were some nay sayers on there.
Posted by: Bassnote | April 28, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Hoorah! Phill Collins is going to retire! Ok, he's pretty talented but that whole think with breaking up with his second wife by fax...that's just mean!
Posted by: Emily | April 28, 2008 at 06:32 PM
I love Phil. Make no question on that. I'd love to see a solo tour. And if Genesis has crossed the Mason-Dixon line, I'd have seen them this last tour.
Posted by: Spears | April 28, 2008 at 06:28 PM
People can hack on the guy all they want, but he is a fantastic musician and performer. I saw him with Genesis four times in the 80's, and once solo (No Jacket Required tour). I also saw him play drums for Eric Clapton in 1987, and I saw him again with Genesis last year. I'd love it if he did one more tour. Heck, he and Peter Gabriel should do a tour together, that would be awesome.
Posted by: Bassnote | April 28, 2008 at 06:20 PM
That's "Separate Lives" duh
Posted by: | April 28, 2008 at 06:03 PM
If Phil Collins does play Tampa, I will pack up Mrs and Baby Down Under and make the pilgrimage. I saw Phil Collins in Sydney in the 80's and he is one of the top 2 live performances I have ever seen (Queen being the other). Do you think he'd be up for a duet with the gorilla on "Seperate Lives"?
Posted by: Ian from Down Under | April 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Anything with a gorilla is more than a bit alright with me.
And I think the Tangerine Bowl disaster tops my Big Sombrero saga in the sucky Genesis concert contest. Totally.
Posted by: jane | April 28, 2008 at 05:48 PM
It's Phil Collins. God knows what makes him tick. Maybe a drum-playing gorilla flips him out.
Personally, if they same day have a commercial with a goat saying "you could be wiener," I'd go grape-nuts.
Posted by: Spears | April 28, 2008 at 05:36 PM
dude, seriously?
i freakin' LOVE that cadbury commercial.
Posted by: Tonianne | April 28, 2008 at 05:33 PM
At least you missed Genesis at the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando in 1986. Oh, the pain endures.
Posted by: Spears | April 28, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I'd also sign that petition for one more tour that comes to TB -- I was at the ill-fated Genesis gig in '92 at the Big Sombrero that got cut short after two songs because Phil was sick. So I'm due. Sort of.
Posted by: jane | April 28, 2008 at 05:24 PM