Phil Collins Comeback Tour
Speaking about collaborating with Adele, re-forming Genesis and his issues with alcohol, the musician has also declared he is returning after a decade away, with shows in London, Paris and Cologne next year
After a decade away from the stage, Phil Collins will return for a run of shows in Europe next year.
In June 2017, Collins will perform a five-night residency at the Royal Albert Hall in London, before dates in Paris and Cologne.
The former drummer, then front man, of Genesis – who is one of only three artists in history to sell over 100m records – first announced his retirement from music in 2011. However, he said performing at two charity shows in August had given him a change of heart and he had also been encouraged by his children to start performing again.
“It’s going to be a romp through my songs that people love,” he said of the tour, titled Not Dead Yet, which will kick off in June next year. Collins’s 15-year-old son Nicholas will accompany him on stage, playing drums on the tour.
However, Collins, 65, said it was unlikely he would play the drums himself and that he would “just be singing”.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to play the way I used to,” Collins admitted. “Something happened one night on that last Genesis tour and after that point, it never came back. I tried heavier sticks, I tried to use bigger cymbals, I just couldn’t get any power. It’s a bit of a mystery why it happened but I’m 65 and I’ve been playing since I was five years old.”
He added: “I play with my fingers and that’s the thing that has clammed up over the past few years. So it’s a matter of getting my strength back … I’ve got a drum kit in the garage and I will be getting to that to see if I can at least do In the Air.”
Collins said for the time being, fans shouldn’t “anticipate any new music”. “I’m going to do these tour dates and then I’m going to have a lie down,” he said.
“I thought I would retire quietly,” said Collins of his return. “But thanks to the fans, my family and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing. It’s time to do it all again and I’m excited. It just feels right.”
Phil Collins Not Dead Yet – Live 2017 tour dates:
4-9 June: Royal Albert Hall, London
11-12 June: Lanxess Arena, Cologne
18-19 June: Accor Hotels Arena, Paris
Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 21 October.
