You cannot think hits of the eighties and not have at least one Phil Collins song come to mind, it’s impossible, he has so many and all absolute solid gold hits. I thought my chance to see Phil Collins live had passed but when recently speaking about his retirement Phil had this to say, “I thought I would retire quietly, but thanks to the fans, my family, and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing.” And now tonight at a sold-out Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney I get my chance to witness the drummer-turned-reluctant-frontman make his long-anticipated return to Australia with his Not Dead Yet: Live! Tour.
It’s just after 8pm and out walks the man of the hour thanking us for choosing to be with him on this Monday night in Sydney like we had anything better to do. He takes a seat at the front of the stage and begins to sing one of his most beautiful ballads Against All Odds, and though you can see age may have wearied him you are aware his voice has lost nothing of its truly majestic sound.
Helping Phil out tonight is a huge band ensemble filled with a horn section, back-up singers, percussionist, and guitarists all of which have been performing alongside the man for over 40years. It’s fair to say these guys are tight and play their parts sharp but one member who Phil jokingly says was added to help bring the average of the band down is his17yr old son Nicholas Collins who smashes it up on the drums and is quite possibly better than his dad.
A special treat amongst the setlist tonight was Throwing It All Away which of course is from Phil’s days in his band Genesis, every single song was fantastic but one song in particular deserves a standing ovation and that was In the Air Tonight, an absolutely sensational unique delivery that sent chills through me. The night belonged to the big hits and as the evening drew to a close Phil finished big and kept everybody dancing with Invisible Touch and Easy Lover then culminated with Sussudio.
Tonight was a celebration of Phil Collins’ life work, a generational icon and cultural legend whose work continues to influence and inspire fans, critics and fellow artists, do not miss this opportunity to witness it for yourself. Phil is truly not dead yet and has more show dates as follows: Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 January, Adelaide Oval on Friday 25 January, RAC Arena (formerly known as Perth Arena) on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 January and Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 February.
Review – Chad
Photo Gallery – Justin Ross