Happy Birthday, Phil Collins! (65 today)

Phil Collins turns 65 today. Five years ago, after the release of Going Back, we published quite a humerous birthday greeting (click here to read it again). Nobody was aware that Collins would disappear for a while, struggling with health, depression, alcohol problems over the past 5 years. Collins himself admitted that it wasn’t a good idea to retire from music. Even Peter Gabriel advised him not to retire. But now Phil Collins is back – the campagne Take A Look At Me Now has started and his solo albums are being re-issued with bonus content (click here to see the details). A lot of rumours are discussed about what Collins might want to do in the future. Tonight, he will be out for dinner with Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, but also Tony Smith. As it always happens, we can expect further rumours about Genesis reunions and whatsoever. But let’s keep it simple here: Phil, you should take Peter Gabriel’s advise seriously, but not the way he works. How about a new album, Phil? Perhaps with a completely different input, such as producer Rick Rubin? Or maybe an Unplugged / Storytellers Tour?

Whatever will come: We wish a full recovery and all the best. Get well soon. Happy Birthday, Mr. Collins!