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Phil Collins
Music critics have savaged Phil Collins over the years for his cheeseball, lyrically insipid pop tunes (“Sussudio”) and wan, lyrically insipid ballads (“One More Night,” “Against All Odds,” “Another Day in Paradise,” need I go on?). But I don’t think even they wanted it all to end this way.
The Genesis star and ridiculously successful ’80 solo artist has decided to call it quits, citing health problems from years of playing drums. He also believes that listeners and the music industry itself have left him behind. The British singer announced his decision in an interview with FHM Magazine (via The Daily Telegraph).
The Telegraph’s Murray Wardrop lists the man’s ailments: “He has hearing problems, a dislocated vertebra and nerve damage in his hands, all brought on by a lifetime spent hunched behind a drum kit.” But Collins also fears that he’s no longer relevant to the music scene, telling FHM, “I look at the MTV Music Awards and I think: ‘I can’t be in the same business as this.’
“I don’t really belong to that world and I don’t think anyone’s going to miss me. I’m much happier just to write myself out of the script entirely.”
“I’ll go on a mysterious biking holiday and never return. That would be a great way to end the story, wouldn’t it?”
Collins says he now wants to turn his full attention to his family, including his two sons from his third wife Orianne (whom he divorced four years ago). “I’m not worried about not being able to play the drums again, I’m more worried about being able to cut a loaf of bread safely or building things for my kids,” he says.
Well, to offer some proof that the man could make a decent, if not excellent, tune, I give you this. 3:16 remains one of the most thrilling moments in music history.
33 Comments
Well he wasn’t all that bad of an actor… I actually could see him as the next “M” of James Bond movies.
Loved Genesis and Phil’s earlier solo stuff. Its still marketable but the illegal alien BS won’t cut it. If you look at the last concert footage Genesis did is obvious Phi was bored with Prog Rock yet they had so many loyal fans
I’m with Phil, watching the music awards this year was like watching a horror flick. Is this music today?…ew….love you Phil, hug to your kids!
I grew up on Phil Collins and Genesis – He paved the way for the groups that are out there now. When he says that he looks at the awards shows and says that he doesn’t belong…well, no he doesn’t! The groups and entertainers today are horrible! They don’t play music much, mostly machined beats and loops! Collins had a style all his own and his blood, sweat and tears helped to make music what it should have stayed. This new stuff is for the birds!
I’m sorry to hear he’s having health problems & happy he wants to spend more time with his family. But he should NEVER think that he won’t be missed! I’LL MISS YOU PHIL!!!
“Late at night when you call my name, the only sound you’ll hear, is the sound of your voice calling, calling after me.” you’ll be missed Phil
WILL be missed. You’re right, I always loved the drum riff from 3:16, BRILLIANT! 9 times out of 10, I ‘air drum’ to that. Classic.
Saw Genesis at Wembley Stadium, Mr. Collins is a class act. So what if there were some pop tunes churned out, man’s got to make a living. You sir, are being a tad too hard on yourself.
Mind, this vid is naff! Excellent song all the same.
Good bye and good riddance. You were always a hack. The people who think your music was great need psychiatric care.
wow, frank, dave… needlessly ugly? is this what ya’ll are like in real life?(not a phil fan, or non fan, just a passerby)
Good on ya, Phil! That kind of music is sadly missed.
We loved Genesis, and rocked out to BrandX. So thank you for many Xcelent summer afternoons of pinball, beer, breezes and great music.
He’s already got new plans:
http://blogs.ocweekly.com/heardmentality/2011/03/five_careers_for_the_post-reti.php
Phill, hope you read it.
I’m in Brazil, your music crossed countries and is still alive, be sure! Your songs are still actually. What can I say about your version of True Colors?? Come on, Cyndi Lauper came to sing in Brazil and it was wonderful!!! You can sing until your last day in this world! We, simply people, work all day, have simple life, I’m a pharmacist for example, but when we hear voices like yours, we dream around the world, life becomes full of colors! God bless you and your family always with this beautiful gift!
Patricia Cancelier