Phil Collins... IN THE AIR TONIGHT | Vocal Coach Reaction/Analysis | the art of the slow build

[@miket5763]

I'm 62 years old I grew up with Phil and genesis he is and always will be THE BOSS

[@paulpazymino1706]

DITTO!

[@C10sRule]

Absolutely!! He’s pretty d*mn funny too! He would get going about his ex wives & kids and how many houses he had to buy in Vancouver! The last I visited with him he was at 4 homes in West Vancouver!!

[@LiLiJo]

People who are exceptional at what they do like Phil are born with that potential. The average person could work at being an incredible artist all their life and be somewhat good but some people are born wired with the potential.

[@timhutchinson8485]

As a bassist, I’m so glad Leland Sklar got even just a brief moment on camera. That man is a living legend. Thousands of credits to his name over a 50+ year career.

[@n5iln]

Lee Sklar is horribly underrated and unrecognized as a bassist.

[@angelabordack]

No one ever recognizes his straight up talent!

[@dustincharger9919]

Absolute Legend!

[@NickBR57]

The man's a legend

[@tonycardone990]

He's got a great KZbin channel also

[@robinyeatts2157]

here is something to think about that I have not seen anyone comment on. from the moment he is at the top of the stage, walks down the stairs, walks across the stage, up the stairs, finally gets to the drums is the exact time he needs to be at the drums. that in its self is awesome

[@snooker216]

I don't really understand what's so impressive about that? He's a drummer, if he can't handle bars, who can? He knows how long it takes him to get from A to B, he knows when he has to get to B, he knows his speed! So it just has to start at the right moment! What do you think they do during rehearsals? They certainly don't just play cards and drink.

[@joelgasparich64]

I agree I know they set up markers, pieces of tape on the floor or other markers. So he can judge when to be in the right place at the right time. It doesn't make it any less impressive with his level of professionalism he probably didn't even need them.

[@alundavies1016]

That’s why you have rehearsals!

[@Dutch3DMaster]

@@joelgasparich64 Along with the slight possibility, due to there being video registration as well, someone giving small cues should there be a risk of him missing his timing (small chance though, the chances of throwing of a singer due to hitting the wrong communication bus would be way to big, but it could). There's a video registration of a concert of the Belgian singer Belle Pérez in the Sportpaleis in Belgium, where she walked to far away from the stage out onto a center walkway when there was an obviously timed/planned move at the end of the song which she barely manages to make sort-of-in-time back on stage where she sticks her finger up in the air as the end of the song concluding with a big orchestral hit. The funny thing is that you see the podiumdirector (for the big screen for the audience behind her) probably being thrown off by the timing being off, causing there to be a shot on the big screen that looks obviously out of place, the operator of that camera performs a superquick zoom out from band members not supposed to be in frame, and a superfast zoom to a close-up of her finger.

[@mjsj2]

It's almost like they practiced it that way!

[@rodmckeav1159]

Never ever stop in the middle of a solo!!!!

[@kimcat3760]

please!

[@craigbeuker7636]

Imagine hearing this song and loving it for forty years and now seeing it like this.

[@thomaspaccione7214]

Being there was amazing. I was lucky enough to see this tour twice.

[@hazmania]

It’s no wonder he was sounding so intense and “angry”, given his life events at the time! This is one of the most emotionally intense performances EVER!

[@dahozabich]

It is about his divorce after all

[@zombiesneedluv21]

Poor guy ends up having THREE divorces!

[@kirktennyson612]

Ya his Ex must have really P him off, at least he made something Beautiful out of all that anguish!

[@BeST_70]

Phil. Collins is a legend! This song! Damn.

[@malcolmfindlay324]

The walk from the very beginning of the song ending at the beginning of the drums is a masterpiece of timing and artistry

[@React2This]

Right? If he had been a fraction of a second too late…

[@RandomUser25122]

It’s like theatre as he sings/tells a story from his life. Perfect

[@Unitopia117]

It's the difference between musician and performer. Just brilliant.

[@waymol]

Masterclass pure theatre.

[@Conceptcreator]

Phil Collins a true legend!!!

[@phenixreturns]

No reaction ! Action with music ! I can reproduce almost any sounds, a lot of covers drum cover kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4u1kmePes95n7M

[@phenixreturns]

No reaction, just action, just music kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpfOm6WmhtScgZo

[@phenixreturns]

no reaction ! juste music and covers kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpfOm6WmhtScgZo

[@Butterflies-are-free]

Genius! 💜

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I love this live version. The person who looks like Gandalf in meditation is the wonderful Leland Sklar, bassist extraordinaire, eyes closed, feeling the vibe…..He has described that tour as being one of the highlights of his career…and the thrill of being onstage with that amazing band.

[@sdgserv9753]

Leland said in an interview that he has been on over 2000 albums.

[@AvindDeMaros]

I had the pleasure of seeing Leland perform on three different tours with Phil. He is truly on under rated master of music. Of course, Phil only took the best on stage with him. That should say everything that needs to be said about Leland Sklar, and Chester Thompson, and Daryl Steurmer, and The Phoenix Horns, Richard Thomas, and so many more.

[@xenxander]

Legend has it, Gandalf is still guitaring to this day...

[@bensmith5231]

What live version was this plz?

[@AaronLitz]

That man is obviously a _wizard,_ and the guitar just happens to be his magical implement of choice to cast spells of cosmic vibration.

[@dogtor95]

Not only do you have two different rhythms to deal with(the mind and the body), but on a drum set, you have four different rhythms going in the body. One for each of the limbs. And, it is amazing how, no matter how hard he bangs, there is no stutter or hiccup in the voice. An amazing musician.

[@dixbowman3452]

On top of that singing is hard to do while sitting down and you have to drum at a certain pitch to not block your own voice or sing so loud you can't hear yourself hit your drum notes. Like this is ultimate skill. Glad you pointed out how simultaneous multitasking drumming is.

[@danmoretti8898]

Yo and those drum rhythms he's doing aren't exactly obvious/basic - they're super creative ways of manipulating the expected rhythm of a 4-beat bar. In most pop music, when you have a drum fill, has a common end-point. Most often a fill sets up the next bar's downbeat - the "1". But what I love about Phil is that he's playing with that timing in a way that adds even more tension, for instance in one case by STARTING a fill on the "and of 4" (or basically the 1), and carrying it through for a bar all the way to land on the next bar's 4. It's really just heavy in the feels department, and is a huuuge part of Phil's "voice" on drums. Masterful manipulation of how we hear rhythm.

[@frankslade33]

To think how casually people dismiss him. He is off the charts amazing. And have you played much of his music? The chord progressions are deceptively complex and creative.

[@larryclark4297]

I second that

[@WhoIsMrKiam]

This song has been giving me chills since it was released in1981. The vocoder brings out Phil's hurt and anger caused by his divorce. That image of Leland is classic! This live version is powerful. Thank you Julia, for reacting to it.

[@Spartacus3385]

Arguably the most iconic drum fill of all time. Its just legendary.

[@Z80Man]

In a interview, Phil said it was so iconic it prevented it from using it ever again... He felt like he trapped himself there. LOL

[@nativenerd]

I'd guess most people wouldn't even say "arguably"...it just IS the greatest of all time drum solos.

[@GerryDavid-f1f]

What contributed massively to making it legendary was the late introduction of the drum break, but also that it was the first mainstream use of gated-reverb on the drums (massive reverberation cut short by noise gates giving it a huge sounding presence), a production technique that then became popular and heard all over the place back in the 80's. It's more prominent in the studio version, because there's more space for the effect, with less layering of the other instruments.

[@authorrayrogers]

The way he hits that same note each time while drumming at the end... that's control. Amazing.

[@fernsehdesign]

He was always very much in control of everything and already back in Genesis had great sound. Genesis always was a incredible rhythmic band thanks to Collins.

[@1PlainOne]

Thanks Julia for your expert knowledge...the guitar actually sounds like its empathizing with the heart's cry in Phil's voice.

[@Rabmac1UK]

Holy Sh*t Indeed... A Grand Master of Music

[@AQUARIASGOLDENAGE]

Those Drums just make it!!!❤❤❤

[@shimwooley]

Phil is one of the best drummers and vocalists I've ever heard or have seen live.

[@TheMadManPlace]

This specific performance will still be watched for centuries to come. The way the performance builds up totally captures the audience who probably have listened to it well over 100 times. Should be part of all music degrees - how to capture an audience...

[@wild_lee_coyote]

There is a reason that In The Air Tonight got back to #2 on iTunes just from reaction videos decades after it first came out. It is a very powerful song.

[@robertklasson5885]

One reason was also that it was ”the” song in Miami Vice with Sonny in his car.

[@hagar6359]

I might be wrong but I think when it came out originally in the UK it only made number 2 in the UK pop charts, that I really don't understand. Please correct me if I am wrong

[@nielsdegroot9138]

@@robertklasson5885 What do you mean? iTunes, and KZbin didn't exist when Miami Vice (1984) used it. So don't think there's a connection with Miami Vice for the 2020 increase in popularity. 😀

[@o.w.h.astronaut8204]

tears of joy...tears of sadness...gasps of amazement. WELL DONE. Thanks

[@lashaundrawolf634]

I cried. I knew what was coming and still got goosebumps. Wow

[@C10sRule]

I was there. We were a group of spouses born 1961 - 1964. The guys all burly ranchers, cops, mechanics, bikers. I am a retired rancher/farmer full time who was also a cop full time. There were at least 6 or 7 other guys we got to know. We were all in tears especially when he just went right into the rhythm after the drum drops! 😂😂😊

[@mikebunner3498]

I have watched this video dozens of times. I am amazed how Phil is going for a causal walk, yet he arrives at his drum kit at the exact correct moment for the drum riff that is known worldwide. He does not miss a beat. An epic video. Take care lady and have a great 2024!!...

[@AJHyland63]

The timing is perfect. As he sits down he is already playing.

[@Nephewwayne]

This man had that crowd in the palm of his hands his stage presence is outstanding

[@larryclark4297]

Phil Collins has been playing drums since he was 5 years old 🥁

[@obi-ron]

It broke my heart when I found out that Phil can't play drums anymore because of ill health. This man's abilities have been incredibly influential on music and I hope his genius can carry on in the other areas of his craft for a long long time

[@ArcadiaJade]

Shit, he had me in the palm of his hands, and I'm sitting on my couch. Lol

[@simongoff9190]

There's a thing performers get taught about gaining attention. Actor's get told "the stiller you are, the more attention you hold." And it's true for singers too. He moves so languidly across the stage, and has these moments of stillness that commands attention. It's a masterclass in performance theory and practice.

[@dan_2584]

He is a legend. I like watching first time reactions. It reminds me when my dad played Genesis and Phil or Peter Gabriel all the in the car growing up.

[@lauraschaad416]

Phil Collins ❤ played for many Legendary Bands That asked him to play drums for many albums. ❤ Also many people have no idea he had a Perfect Pitch and A High Level of Artistic talent ❤

[@Unitopia117]

I love that lock on Phil's face when we first see him font on. He came to play. And he delivered.

[@texascontessa5818]

Flawless as usual . my absolute favourite Phil Collins

[@BrutusMaximusAurelius]

One of the best songs ever made. Just legendary. When that drum hits, goosebumps every time.

[@heididietrich9800]

I LOVE that drumming!

[@daynechastant]

That song is one of the defining moments of the 80's. In the pilot episode of the MIAMI VICE TV show, the song's slow build worked for the slow build of the approaching confrontation in the episode. In a way, it's the unofficial theme song of MIAMI VICE and a watershed musical composition.

[@JIMBEARRI]

Even before Miami Vice, this song was in the soundtrack of the 1983 movie, RISKY BUSINESS with Tom Cruise. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHu6eaWqlqZ9prM

[@ingobordewick6480]

Everyone who heard this song in the car in the 80's and 90's can remember playing airdrums on the dashboard at least once. Greatest drum-beat-drop in Pop-History.

[@eggy1962]

and to think that the hightened drum sound came from a studio effect that had been left turned on for something else....ie accidental sound effect, that sound effect became something that became an effect in its own right

[@mmt4013]

yaassssssssssss

[@kenyalogan8247]

I do in 2023 lol

[@timothyblazer1749]

100% truth!

[@jenniferbeyer6412]

I do every time I hear this song. Just can't help it.

[@ronjones7401]

Julia, I very much enjoyed listening to your technical breakdown of Phil's performance, both drumming and singing. I've heard this song since it was first released, but hearing it through your reaction gave me a new level of appreciation. Thank you for this highly informational and valuable video.

[@glennsmith8390]

One word reaction-=MASTERPIECE.

[@mikebunner3498]

So allow us to review...Phil is a master of his craft. I agree with you. Most people could not do one of these things, much less both at same time. Brilliant video. Thank you for your insights and love.

[@stephenriggs8177]

It's a "love letter" to his ex. As noted below, Phil never asked to be a vocalist. But when Peter Gabriel left Genesis, they went through a lot of frustrating auditions with Phil trying to show the applicants how these songs should be sung. Finally, his bandmates decided they were wasting their time trying to find a new vocalist, when he was already there.

[@gordowg1wg145]

Do you have the right song? The lyrics certainly don't seem to back that up.

[@tyghe_bright]

Love letter is being used ironically. It's about being on the brink of divorce.

[@jimr4354]

@@tyghe_bright Totally.

[@jimr4354]

Read my explanation above. That's what really happened and what the song was all about. Do your research.

[@thoso1973]

@@gordowg1wg145 Collins has confirmed the divorce inspiration for the song many times. Like here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX21qpKIoNSHgaM

[@massimo7219]

The way that you get in an almost euphoric state is mesmerizing. This song can easily do that, but allow yourself to go there was truly epic. Thank you for letting us see that.

[@joshuacraig6447]

The look on your face at the buildup, the climax, and the finale has been the same throughout all the ones who have listened to this masterpiece for the first time...heck...every time.

[@starlaminde8436]

It’s an experience and it’s moving even still 40 years later for me. It is such a connection to source. Building building….it’s awesome!

[@PwnstarUK]

He’s double playing the drums btw.. as in he is hitting each drum with two sticks at once for each note whilst singing.. he’s a drumming god.

[@Marcellat]

I just saw the George Harrison with Ringo star, Phill Collins on drums with Eric Clapton oh yeah Elton John on keyboard!!! 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 what GROUP!!!!!🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@rk41gator]

I can't stop watching this performance. It is like eating peanuts. I am just addicted. What is going on? It's like Collins has somehow tapped into the soul of the universe. It flows so naturally!

[@AaronLitz]

Well, his guitarist is obviously a _wizard,_ and the combination of guitar and Collins' voice and _goddamn drums_ casts a spell of cosmic vibration that reaches out through the Astral, Ethereal, and all four Elemental Planes before reverberating back to the Prime Material Plane, and those vibrations come back carrying all of the cosmic energies they picked up to hit us listeners like ten tons of pure magic. That drop drop _alone_ could banish Demon Princes and summon minor deities.

[@rk41gator]

@@AaronLitz Maybe summon major deities. Magic for sure.

[@robertwalker1803]

One of the best produced videos of all time….has everything.

[@stephenkinney1194]

You understated how many rhythms he was dealing with when playing and singing. You have to remember that not only are his hands doing something that contradicts what he's doing rhythmically with his vocals, but also each of his feet are doing something rhythmically different as well.

[@noahcasa7917]

True, but she didnt under rate the singing and drumming. Phil is a master and this performance proofed it. 💪🏼

[@corssecurity]

The Charismatic Voice mentioned that as a percussionist he has a different style of singing, that takes in account the timing of the drums. Drums are the time keeper of a rock song. 4,8,16 bpm etc.

[@celius6421]

So this is an interesting subject; singing and playing. The human mind is actually incapable of multitasking, which means that it is impossible to consciously play and sing at the same time. What this means is that we have to put parts into our subconsciousness (ie performing some parts by mere muscle memory), or find a way to combine the playing and singing into a "single" action that we perform consciously. Once we do this, it becomes possible to play and sing. It takes practice, and often lots of it. But once we do, we can perform something seemingly impossible. And in all honesty, it becomes rather trivial what two actions you perform simultaneously. I could practice singing Genie in a Bottle over a Rachmaninoff concerto and get it to a point where it requires just as much concious effort as this piece. He had to practice and analyze the nature of all parts unanimously for quite some time, undoubtedly. But once he did, he was able to focus on a single part, likely the vocals. The rest is muscle memory. Just goes to show that hard work and practice can lead to some amazing performances.

[@dougel4709]

Seeing "Light-Bulb Julia", when you found out it was about his divorce was the best!!! Such a relief. Even though this is a year old and I was sure you knew by now, and even though even though I'm watching you in a video, I was still have the need to yell at my screen. Like in a cheezy horror flick where you what to yell "TURN AROUND!!" "LOOK BEHIND YOU!!". But what was fun was that even though you didn't have the word "divorce", you were having all the appropriate emotional responses. Its like you knew, without knowing. Great video Julia!!!! Stay safe! Stay health! 😄🥰😛

[@Anne.Pinkerton]

I think I've watched EVERY reaction to this song and NOBODY has yet to not smile at that drum drop!!!!! I've noticed that the bass guitar doesn't start until his drumming started!

[@tyghe_bright]

What I find most fascinating about this performance is that this is his biggest hit. It's a song everyone is anticipating. And they do a long, slow build before he even comes on stage. And once he does step on stage, he's moving slowly... As a result, we *feel it coming*. Very effective.

[@88wildcat]

It's actually nowhere near his biggest hit. He has had 7 songs go to #1 on the charts. This didn't even make the top ten. (It peeked at either #11 or #12.) Sussudio, One More Night, Against All Odds, those stupid Tarzan songs, Take Me Home, Two Hearts, Another Day in Paradise were all bigger hits than this song was. This song feels like a bigger hit than some of those because none of those songs were ever featured on Miami Vice like this song was. It is however the most natural and obvious choice of all of his songs to open a concert with. I would have surprised if he had led off one of his shows with anything other than this song. It is a perfect show opener.

[@fahklempt3404]

I’ve watched about 20 reaction vids to this performance. Yours is , by far, the best. Talk about visceral!

[@timothystevenhoward]

a true pop wizard, master of synth and using layers

[@DavidMohr-d7z]

The production and the artists are beyond unreal Thank You Phil for all the amazing music 🙂

[@dcgoth520]

Yes, a very, very long time. He was the drummer for Genesis before going solo in 1980. In the two times I saw him live, his ability to sing while drumming goes back over forty years. When Against All Odds won the Oscar for Best Song, he was in the audience. The Academy Awards had Ann Reinking perform his song. He wasn’t able to perform his own song, as he was in the US on the wrong visa. When I saw his tour after, he joked about that incident. First, he said “I had a song that was used in a film. (The crowd goes wild), he then joked that we didn’t know he wrote the theme to Deep Throat. After the joke he says “Ann Reinking can’t be here tonight, so I guess I’ll have to do this myself. He then breaks into Against All Odds. His performances have always been stellar. Also, yes, I believe it was about his divorce.

[@NEMES1-S]

It’s incredible how watching you enjoy this iconic performance of a Collins classic, actually not only enhanced my love of this song but provoked an emotional response in me. Excellent.

[@lopezbruno3074]

this concert was in 2004 at the POPB "Palais Omnisport de Paris Bercy" France, a 17 000 capacity venue now called "Accor Hotels Arena", and let me tell you that the whole show was AMAZING

[@awmperry]

Yup, the First Final Farewell Tour. Fantastic DVD, too.

[@Otterbruce]

Cannot imagine how awesome that concert was.

[@robertelee467]

#11:15 That lead guitar’s “crying” is epic, groundbreaking, and emotion inducing! Anyone who has a true passion for music, has got to stop and wipe a tear away at just the sound of the weeping of that guitar.

[@erinyeza]

Ah wow thank you for highlighting that!! I was so taken by it all that I would not have gone back to listen for that crying. Wow! I've heard the song many times and listened as a teenager, almost feel lucky to listen again in a more mature way. Thank you for pointing that 11:15 out. Just wow.

[@ze_rubenator]

You should check out Firth of Fifth if you haven't, and also Carpet Crawlers, to hear where it's coming from. Daryl came into his own eventually, but in the beginning he was really just there to imitate Steve Hackett's expression, and there's no doubt it heavily influenced his style. Both are highly emotional and never flashy.

[@robertelee467]

@@ze_rubenatorWill do. And thanks for the suggestion.

[@david_fl507]

i have watched tons and tons of in the air tonight reaction videos, but i have to say, julia, this, and your take, is THE best reaction and breakdown of probably one of the best live performances ever, by anyone. i was a bit hesitant to start watching when i saw the 37 min plus timestamp, but i am so glad i stayed. you knew/suspected/felt the buildup, you seemed to understand that this song was something very personal, very heavy. and then you took the time to follow up on your suspicions, and checked in to this song's background. no one has ever done that. i knew the background about this song, as it is one of my all time favourites, and now, through you, 100's of thousands more do, too. peace from canada.

[@suek.1507]

He is a legend. Period. ❤

[@LordSpongy]

Every time I watch this performance, as the climax hits, I'm teary eyed and sniffly. Just incredible. I had heard this song dozens of times before seeing this live video and I'm blown away.

[@akiraakai]

You are not alone and I've been listening to this since 1981.

[@davidputterman2719]

The electronic layer on the vocals is being produced by the keyboardist who is using a Vocoder and singing in parallel with Phil on certain sections.

[@samanthamoore7615]

And it would stand to reason that he would use a lot of electronic sounds in his music, from his early days when synths were used a lot. It's bound into his DNA

[@homeofinventions]

Brad Cole.

[@MikeTotem]

First of all, Phil Collins is an amazing writer and music-creator. He creates stories with both music and lyrics, and both is worldclass. "You'll be in my heart" will always be one of my three favourite songs, and it was the main reason why I started loving music as young. He is pure talent, dedication, hard work and self-believe. Phil Collins is a legend, in the true meaning of the word. L-E-G-E-N-D. For me he is THE best music-creator in history. Second, he is soooo strong at coordination and rythm. Of course everything he does is pure worldclass, but coordination and rythm are standouts for me, it's one of the most visable places he shines when compared with other legends. He is just above and beyond all others. Thrid, great reaction, again. It's amazing when you take time to explain the more technical stuff, and for me it's especially when it's about singing. Please continue being amazing with reactions and explanations 🙂 All the best from Denmark.

[@JudithOwen-g9q]

Well of course ! Superb timing !great push and pull in vocal phrasing ! Plus words in other songs big on social consciousness. I e just another day in paradise

[@LisaP-pd6nq]

Showman. Singer. Drummer. Fan since Genesis and he STILL gives me goosebumps ❤

[@kellyruddock8822]

he is absolutely awesome!!!!!!!! i would love to see him in concert.

[@marthalikens482]

Phil Collins doesnt need to be analyzed...he just needs to be appreciated!!

[@davidbergfors6820]

this kind of analyze is deep appreciation. it tells you just how great he is.

[@davidhodgins7122]

You are so correct the man is a LEGEND and this is an outstanding world class performance.

[@NadLaMaster]

When you said you were about to cry at the end, I know that feel sis. GOOSEBUMPS all over my body from start to finish with this live performance. Phil is just an amazing artist. Thank you for your reaction and analysis Julia, you are amazing too

[@martindouglass3248]

This is, by far, one of the best analysis videos I have ever watched. It’s like taking a guided tour of an favorite song with someone else who loves the track showing you parts you had been taking for granted for years. Beautifully done. Subscribed.

[@zombiesneedluv21]

Hi Julia! This is my first time viewing one of your reaction videos. Your level of detail is phenomenal, and I loved your enthusiasm as the video progressed. The explanation of the song being about divorce was definitely a painful topic, and the poor guy ended up having THREE divorces! In the Air Tonight was featured in the very first episode of Miami Vice in 1984. Five other songs of Phil's were used in the series as well as one Genesis song, and he also appeared in an episode of the series. Thanks for such a great review, I look forward to checking out more of your content!

[@marthag9321]

❤🎉❤she is excellent at her craft for sure!! You should check out her reaction to David Draiman and Disturbed's The Sound of Silence from The Conan O'Brien Show!! 👍💕👍

[@VegasAlien1]

Not only is his voice instantly recognizable, but that beautiful Gretsch concert tom kit frequently barked out from different artists' songs during the 80s, prompting the normal reaction, "Oh, Phil's on this song." A perfect kit for one of the greatest progressive drummers to have ever played.

[@olabergvall3154]

Didn't Phil basically invent that (percussion) sound? I think he used it a lot on Peter Gabriel's first few solo albums aswell

[@erikmaronde2244]

Now, at 58 of age and being a Genesis fan my whole life, I can appreciate how great Phil Collins is as a composer, arranger and singer. And performer. 🥰🎶🖖

[@mostboring5982]

It´s still unbelievable how many goosebump moments a single song can give me. Every single time it kicks up a notch it hits me. The moment he finally hits the drums: I´m done.

[@thecrummycook6955]

Back in the days of the Both Sides tour, there was a 20 minute break in the middle of the show. Some generic background music was playing the whole time, but as the break went on we could slowly hear the In The Air Tonight drum machine over the background music. For 20 minutes there was a slow rise in volume on the drum machine and slow decrease in the background music. The break was over when Darrell hit his chord.

[@aprilchapman2758]

To sing and play drums is not easy and he made it look so easy and flawless. What a legend, and I was so fortunate to go see him in concert. He is a great artist and song writer.

[@stephensmith4480]

💯% Mate. Don Henley was another who had this skill nailed down, like you say, it`s not easy 👍👍

[@LordWolfmoon]

Many people dont know before he was a solo artist he was the face of a band called Genesis, he an amazing artist and song writer, and is still to this very day as part of my top 5 favourite artists

[@NetAndyCz]

I like him and Genesis, I grew up with some "best of CD" that featured this song as well as I Can't Dance from Genesis and some other great songs. Definitely one of my favourite artists.

[@carstenschultz5]

And before he was the face of Genesis, he was the drummer of Genesis.

[@tubelious]

@@carstenschultz5 and one of the better drummers of that era. This whole live bluray is great! Especially the bonus material gig from 1998 Montreal Jazz festival, where Phil plays drums the whole gig.

[@arztje]

If you are under 35, sure.

[@michellejackson7969]

This comment makes me feel so old! lol! But I am so...😆

[@brianproctor411]

One of the very few drummers that sets up his drum kit left-handed.

[@No2Censoring]

This is by far and away the greatest live performance of any song , EVER !. It's incredible !

[@leighwalker9377]

100% agree the emotions in this song with all those instruments coming in man this concert is by far the best live concert , Phil Collins is a true legend absolutely amazing

[@hakannorlings2439]

In this concert with all the old goodies, there are a lot of musicians, a good choir, etc, you should look at it, it's amazing! Phil Collins - Finally...The First Farewell Tour Paris 2004 He started as a drummer in Genesis, so it comes naturally for him. Collins wrote the song amid the grief he felt after divorcing his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, in 1980. In a 2016 interview, Collins said of the song's lyrics: "I wrote the lyrics spontaneously. I'm not quite sure what the song is about, but there's a lot of anger, a lot of despair, and a lot of frustration".

[@jasonhughes1463]

This is why he's a legend.....I love this song....I can listen to it all the time, it's that good.... especially the live performance version.

[@bazkeen]

The best breakdown of this song that I have heard. Thankyou Julia

Yes I agree the way you react is excellent really feeling the layers, , mood & music 😀👏

[@rk41gator]

Phil knows how to phrase his music, every thing he sings. Also his timing is flawless. Well, after all he is a drummer!

[@shoooooooes]

The electronic sounds in this live performance takes the place of the harmonies that were in the recorded version. Love this song .. both versions!

[@Lone_GamerUK]

It's even better when you remeber the scene in a convertable ferrari with crockett & tubs racing through the night! Legend

[@BravoCastNetwork]

Phil Collins’ live version of this song is always consistent…and the best version of it

[@KarolinaBernolak]

love this song

[@toooldforthisstuff]

Having viewed this performance literally hundreds of times as it is one of my faves, I spent my time watching you groove, absorbing your interpretation and wondering how you would react when the kit rises, Phil mounts and it gets real. I wasn't disappointed. "Suspended in sound" - "hyped in this build..." Happy you felt it. I loved watching you have an intense eargasm. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@TheDailyVinyl]

Hello Julia. Cheers from Nashville Tennessee. I'm glad I found your video. HUGE Phil Collins fan and one of the things overlooked regarding Phil's voice, In the early 70's when he was "just" the drummer of GENESIS, he did a lot of backing vocals and occasionally sang a ballad. He was known for his tender and sweet voice. After he became the lead singer in '76, he developed a real rock voice! Just for fun, contrast a lead vocal he sang in 1973 called "More Fool Me" and then the 1980 song "Man of Our Times". The RANGE he produced is INSANE! Hope you go down a Phil Collins rabbit hole.

[@carlitoandsandraadventures1192]

I use this song in class. I'm a Spin instructor, and I use this song as a slow climb that suddenly erupts into a powerful effort, running up hill. That beat drop really gets people going... and everyone knows the song, so they anticipate it. This song will never go out of style. Phil's the man.

[@peterfuidge1718]

One of the finest live performances of any song anywhere

[@charlesyateschalfant]

Without a doubt a masterpiece of a live performance.

[@yjwrangler7819]

When I was in highschool, the music teacher would play this every year at an assembly. We had an upper deck to the gym. 1920s built. And at. 18:07 all 1000 of us STOMPED our feet to the drum in. It's something I'll always remember. The sound was incredible.

[@karlsmith2570]

"I Feel Like It's Building To A Colossal Battle, The End Of Something" You're absolutely right on Both parts of that: Phil Collins Wrote This song While he was in the midst of a extremely bitter divorce case with his wife at the time and writing this song was a type of therapy for getting those aggressive feelings out

[@timothyblazer1749]

And...amazingly..she tried to sue him for 50% of the songs royalties, saying "without the pain I put him through, he wouldn't have written it". Yep. Thank goodness she lost that case!

[@karlsmith2570]

@@timothyblazer1749 Wow, she actually tried to sue him for 50% of the royalties?? I'm sorry, but that just makes her out to be a Gold Digger

[@timothyblazer1749]

@@karlsmith2570 she's worse than that, IMO.

[@karlsmith2570]

@@timothyblazer1749 what's worse than a gold digger??

[@timothyblazer1749]

@@karlsmith2570 a sociopath.

[@johnm.maunder5191]

Brilliant analysis, Julia! You captured everything Phil was emoting, and how he and his group layered it all together, without first knowing the story. Now that you know, it's probably even more powerful. Thank you.

[@BJ-uy1cl]

Have always thought this was very menacing, evokes darkness and builds to release anger. Saw this concert he was brilliant

[@ValerieChastain]

Menacing! That's the word I was looking for. Even his face looks menacing

[@chrisvaughn4399]

What makes this version stand out to me is that his tone is -- at an emotional level -- so personally connected to the story being told that the physical release of that drum fill is so satisfying. It's like he is slamming and locking every door that leads to something incredibly painful (relationship drama). Bridge burning cathartic soul cleansing. Done. All done. No turning back. So empowering to cut that cord of mental and emotional entanglement. The perfect resolution to a very satisfying build. Even without specifically spilling all the tea, it all comes together in the end.

[@TeaganSicario]

@chrisvaughn4399 perfectly said 💯💯💯

[@Wrangler-fp4ei]

I love how you truly feel the music and it's lyrics express by the artist. This was fantastic reaction. Thank you, Julia.

[@phobiaone306]

OK who else can't help but do the Air Drums when Phil gets going? Every time I hear this song I am just waiting for that moment!

[@GT-ry1cv]

Especially this performance of In the Air Tonight is like musical theater to me. The build in the music, his walk around the stage all lead to an explosion. You can feel all his emotions leading to that final fight that leads to life changing decision.

[@HulaHula667]

Well, he did start in musical theatre as a kid….

[@carterlink]

That’s the best reaction and breakdown of this track I’ve ever watched. Congrats. A lot of people always miss how personal and truthful this song is to Phil and his experience. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@millersatthefarm8]

Your reaction the end of the song (it was adorable) reminds me that I was so very fortunate to have grown up in the 80's hearing this music every day.

[@NancyStonebridge]

Saw him 4 times in Montreal last time his son was on the drums

[@Mandsb69]

As a musician / singer you will know exactly the Lyrics, Tunes & Drums = Emotions = Goosebumps all the way 💥💥Damn amazing 👏 😍

[@susanbeckmolloy9536]

When you look up the meaning make sure it's Phil's version. Many urban myths followed this song re: the drowning man. Phil wrote this during his divorce to his first wife. He was angry and saddened and wanted her back...at that time. By the time the album came out he had met his second wife. 😎

[@ChristinaaArmani]

He was angry because she left him. She told him not to pursue his music career. She ultimatumed him. He was pissed and angry and expected her to support him. I wonder if he was fantasizing about her drowning or if it’s a metaphor for his resentment towards her. Don’t know how he feels about things now but this song is his big FU to her.

[@jessesoby7130]

Thanks for sharing this.

[@larryclark4297]

Phil has been playing drums since he was 5 years Young 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@jonfog07]

Your reaction and analysis was absolutely amazing , this song and performance is a masterpiece , Phil Collins is a legend