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My final comments about Phil Collins retirement

A couple of weeks ago I posted an article that was all over the Internet about Phil Collins retiring from performing.  It’s no secret I’ve been a long time fan of his earlier work from Genesis to his mid-80’s solo stuff, and although I think it’s arguable that he’s musically repeated himself 1000 times since then (Phil, what happened man?) I was still quite surprised to hear him sounding like he was just, sort of,  giving up of the music biz.  So I did a little research and I discovered that he made a statement on his website www.Philcollins.com regarding the recent buzz about him stepping down from the bandstand.  Here it is in its entirety:

Greetings to all, I’ve decided to write this in response to the articles that surfaced last weekend regarding my retirement. Why they were printed at all is a mystery, as I haven’t spoken to anybody in the press for a few months.

However, many of the articles printed over the last few months have ended up painting a picture of me that is more than a little distorted. Therefore, I would like to add my comments and try to explain again my reasons for calling it a day.

1/ I’m not stopping because of dodgy reviews or bad treatment in the press.

2/ I’m not stopping because I don’t feel loved, I know I still have a very large fanbase that loves what I do. Thank you.

3/ I’m not stopping because I don’t fit in, this was proved with “Going Back” reaching No 1 in the UK, and doing incredibly well worldwide.

4/ I’m not stopping so I can dive full time into my interest for the Alamo.

I am stopping so I can be a full time father to my two young sons on a daily basis.

Some of the things mentioned above have been said by me in various interviews, but said as asides with a smile on my face and in passing. They were not meant to be “headlines”, they were small parts of a conversation. This clearly doesn’t come over in print and I should know better.

However, the result is that I have ended up sounding like a tormented weirdo who thinks he was at the Alamo in another life, who feels very sorry for himself, and is retiring hurt because of the bad press over the years.

None of this is true.

Thanks for all your messages on the Forum regarding this stuff, it means a lot that you care.
But there’s no need for the straitjacket !

So there it is, from the man himself.  It’s astounding how the media warps things to create a story.

And finally if you are amongst the Phil Collins haters out there, (of which there are many) that think that Sussudio su-su-sucks and the drum fill on In the Air Tonight is the only viable contribution to popular music he’s ever made, here’s a few things to check out that may turn your head around:

1. Genesis, Nursery Cryme, “More Fool Me,” as far as I know the first recorded song with Phil as lead vocalist.  He has this lovely high falsetto on this very simple, short, touching song. 

2. The other Genesis albums 1972-1975: Amazing rock drumming and background vocals, period!

3.  Genesis albums 1976-86: My favorites Trick of the Tail, (his first as lead vocalist) Wind & Wuthering, Seconds OutThree Sides Live, and Duke.  All of these albums demonstrate serious musicianship and songwriting abilities on Collins’ part.

4. Brand X, Moroccan Roll and Brand X Product: This band was Phil’s foray into the world of jazz/rock fusion drumming, and he even sings on some of their tracks – and it’s awesome.  I once heard an interview with Eddie van Halen and he said he had been checking this music out too, and if it’s good enough for Eddie it’s good enough for me!

5. ” The Making of Face Value” documentary: This was one of those VH1 “Behind the Music”  specials that came out a few years back that documents Phil’s recording of his debut solo album Face Value, which he was writing and recording while simultaneously in the studio recording Duke with Genesis.  It’s a great portrait of an artist on the cusp of global stardom.

Anyway, adieu Mister Collins.  Thanks for all the music!

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