“It took me a while to come back,” the Genesis drummer says of the recent “Not Dead Yet” tour. “I didn’t know if the audience was still there.” Interview with Phil Collins.
In the 1980s, there was no harder-working rock star. phil collins. His solo career exploded in January 1981, when his first single was released. “In the Air Tonight”, the beginning of a long series of successes that separated the decade. At the time, he continued to record and tour with his own band, aptly named Genesis, and even began his acting career, playing lead roles in films. buster In this context, he also acted as a producer and drummer. robert plant, eric clapton, paul mccartneyAdam Ant and many others.
Two years after reissuing his entire solo repertoire in various special editions, he now has his sights set on his next four-disc collaboration box set. “Play nicely with others”arrives in the trash can of September 28th. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Collins said: WECBUSA About this new collection and world tour “It’s not dead yet.”Of course, it all depends on his health and the possibility that he will eventually record his first album since his debut. “Please testify.”It was released in 2002.
Who came up with the idea for “Plays Well With Others”?
Phil Collins: I do not remember. I’ve been working on this for several years. I think someone came up with this brilliant idea at the time of my relapse. When you factor in all these license fees, things get a little complicated. I brought the songs I wanted to put on the record and left everything to the lawyer.
Were there any songs that you couldn’t get because the rights were frozen?
computer: Not that I know of. One of his songs that I really wanted to get was by Steve Winwood, but he told me he was going to make a live album and that it was better to leave it alone. All I had to do was consider everything I had collected over the years. I think most of the works were accepted.
It’s interesting to know that this compilation starts with your pop group Burning youth, long ago Genesis. Very few people have ever heard this music…
computer: good luck to them *lol*. I remember the 70s very well. For me, CDs 2, 3, and 4 are better than the first CD. Even if everything is there. If you don’t like it, please skip it.
There are a lot of Brian Eno songs. The first time you met him was during the sessions for “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”?
computer: yes.he composed “Photographing Tiger Mountain” and we did “lamb” It’s on the lower floor. Peter (Gabriel, editor’s note) and the others were big fans of Roxy (music).For me, I didn’t put myself in Roxy’s camp (…) But then he called me and helped me, and I think from that moment we became good friends “Another Green World” “Science Before and After” and “Music for movies”. These sessions were very informative and a new and different way of working. It was a far cry from Genesis.
How did you end up with John Cale’s “Pablo Picasso”?
computer: Again, I don’t remember how these things happened. Reminds me of the studio. I remember that day. There was myself and a guitarist, Chris Spedding, and I think Brian Rogers was on bass, but I don’t remember much. But I was called to play on this album. He was interesting because he was one of those artists who was working on vocals at the same time as instrumental. I haven’t seen him since. That was the only time I worked with him.
How do you remember the concept behind Peter Gabriel’s “Intruder” drum sound?
computer: Like it was yesterday. This was before Peter had formed a band. I was going through a tough situation and going through a divorce.Completed most of the demo for recording “Face value” And I said to him: “If you need a drummer, I’m here.” I’m free. » He called me and I went to his house in Bath with two other musicians, John Giblin and Joe Partridge. We lived there for a month, playing every day and helping prepare some songs that were to be included on the third album.
As soon as I arrived, Peter said: “Please take away the cymbals. I don’t want metal on the record.” I thought he was a bit stubborn, but it was his album after all. We started with producer Hugh Padgham by setting up the tom-toms where the cymbals would be, and I tried to play them to feel comfortable. I asked Hugh for his feedback on what he was playing. Peter said: ” what are you doing ? “ I said: “I’m playing with sounds.” He replied: ” I like it. Please wait 10 minutes. »
That’s what I did. At the end of the session I said: “What are you going to do with it?” » He said : ” I do not know yet. “ So I asked: “Can I have a copy?” » Because I felt like I owned it in a way. I received a copy and continued: “Could you at least give me some credit?” If I can’t use it, I’d like to have some credit. » He accepted and I began to form a strong bond with Hugh Padgham. Hugh Padgham helped me on some Genesis records.
It’s amazing that they found time in the 80’s to do all these sessions. You went back and forth between Genesis and your solo career, while also playing countless gigs.
computer: I do not know. I think I had a very patient wife. On the way to her wedding, when she thought she looked a little like Mr. Incredible, she suddenly received a call from her work and she said to herself: “I can do it. There’s time.” Of course, there are only 24 hours in a day. But everything is possible.
Even if I’m cut off All things must pass.” George Harrison, Paul called me to be on “Press to Play.” It was finally included on a Beatles record!
computer: The engineer on this record was Hugh Padgham. He got the call, grabbed his drums and went to the studio. Although it certainly wasn’t one of his best songs, Townshend was there to play guitar. It was great because when Pete Townshend smiles while he plays, he knows he’s doing something cool. Wickes Wickens, who currently plays keyboards in Paul’s band, was also there. It was an interesting day. Linda McCartney was also there and took pictures. She received a very beautiful album from her.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIeDGKb-WpY
How is the tour going? You were in South America a few months ago.
computer: We traveled to Europe last year and then South America. I will be returning to the US for a few weeks in October. We are also planning to do it in Australia early next year. I have to say it’s a lot of fun. I never thought I would repeat it again. My son (Nicholas, editor’s note) plays the drums. He was completely accepted into this group of tough guys. They were all so proud and supportive. Everything went according to plan. We’ll keep doing concerts as long as we can find somewhere to go and take a break.
Were you worried that singing while seated would change the momentum of the concert?
computer: yes. I was running everywhere like crazy. I was worried that people would ask for more. But one day a British critic pointed out that there was a kind of graceful crescendo. I go on stage and sit there all night. Therefore, the energy of the group is doubled. So the audience is focused on the music, and so am I. It’s a little different for me, it’s physically impossible to stand for 2 hours without feeling actual pain.
“Can’t Turn Back the Years” sounds great on stage.
computer: It’s one of my favorite songs. Perfect for arenas. We’re very lucky that Nick can play drums. He sounds a lot like me when he plays on the drum kit. There’s a lot of Chad Smith and John Bonham in him, but he also has the same attitude I had back then. Everyone in the group is always surprised. All of this means I don’t have to look back and say: ” Don’t do that. Do this. » We have everything you need. he understood.
Do you ever find it difficult to sing a song like “Can’t Turn Back the Years” because it goes back to a difficult time in your life?
computer: No, it allows you to project yourself into a place and a time. i love this song. This album (“both sides”(Editor’s Note) Full of my favorite works. I don’t think it’s difficult. I’m not the type to relive things. We remember it a little bit, but not so much that we go home and cry ourselves to sleep.
Are you surprised that you can still fill stadiums and arenas so many years after your last album?
computer: Yeah. To be honest, that’s one of the reasons I took the time to come back. I wasn’t sure if there was still an audience. I think the reissue helped prove once again that I was still here… As you know, the reviews weren’t always kind. But all of a sudden I started being re-evaluated and I think I felt a lot better about myself.
I remember…I was on this radio show in London just as the European tour dates were released. In the days of one-page ads, everything was sold. It was 15 seconds. I liked “Oh my god, you better be better now.” » It was the same in America.
Are you writing new songs? Are you thinking of recording an album?
computer: It must be so. 16 years have passed since the release of the previous work. I didn’t know it was that long. I have a small studio at my house. ! There’s me and the lady, and we have an office in the same room, so the busier the office is, the less likely I am to go there. I’m taking notes and have some ideas…
How is your body feeling? Years after your surgery, has your body become stronger?
Nothing in particular, no *lol*. But my health is good. His hip surgery left his right leg paralyzed…I still have some difficulty playing the drums. However, they are generally in good health.