PHIL COLLINS: GOING BACK

Phil Collins "Going Back" release date 9-28-10

While I was working trade shows in the 80's, I used to take breaks (during the day) next door at the rock arenas. During the day the arena was quiet and my trade show was mass pandemonium and mayhem. Occasionally building personnel would sit with me, drink coffee and chat. On one break I met Peter Gabriel and he told me some history of the band Genesis. I always seem to be in the right place at the right time!


Peter told me he was on tour as a solo artist. Peter left Genesis in 1975 (Collins originally supplied backing vocals for Peter) and that's when Phil Collins became lead singer/front man of Genesis while still remaining their main drummer. Genesis added a second drummer which was extremely rare in bands at that time.

In fact it is still rare except for Ringo Starr's All Starr Review. What??? A drummer being the lead singer??? Then Genesis added Chester Thompson who would drum when Phil took the center stage. During various songs they BOTH play dueling drums. Of course the rest is rock n roll history! what a fantastic artist! Phil continued drumming in the studio for their recordings. Then Phil went solo...

Here is Phil and Chester in action...

Once when I was working in Cincinnati at my show, I snuck next door to watch Genesis play at the arena. All I did is take my walkie talkie and tell the security guy that I worked for the concessions company (LOL) it worked everytime! I stood mere feet away from Phil and Chester and watched them duel. Sigh... What a sight to behold...

Phil's success just continued to grow and I was so lucky to see him at that time and place. There is a deal at Tesco Entertainment to download Phil's greatest hits for £3 for those in the UK. Music Downloads: Phil took home an Oscar for Best Original Song for his song "You'll Be in My Heart" from the Disney film Tarzan.

Also, Collins received a Golden Globe and a Grammy for his work on the Tarzan soundtrack. Phil is one of only three recording artists (Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson) who have sold over 100 million albums worldwide both as solo artist and as a member of of Genesis.

According to Billboard, when his work with Genesis, his work with other artists, as well as his solo career is totaled, Phil had the most top 40 hits on the Billboard charts for the 1980s WOW!!! Phil has a new album coming out at the end of this month and I have pre-ordered my copy of Phil Collins: Going Back