15. Phil Collins / In The Air Tonight

My new Web site is: www.lelandsklarsbeard.com. The new book is there and lots of goodies in the works...
Here are the directions to my new club house if you want to come and hang. flatfiv.co/pages/lees-clubhouse

[@peppergrind]

Leland Sklar, talking about how much he loves playing this song he spends more time admiring the other musicians on than actually playing himself. Love this guy!

[@srxiii2261]

True humility and true musicianship, never forget to listen to the other guys in the band.

[@LukeMaynard]

Every great musician I've ever heard is immediately identifiable as such by how much they gush over the musicianship of the other people they admire. They're each worth 100,000 regular listeners when it comes to how much they hear and appreciate what others do. If I only sold 3 copies of my next CD, I'd be happy as long as one of them went to somebody like Mr. Sklar.

[@michaelmurphy987]

Guy is a straight up class act x infinity.

[@carolinajimenezc9606]

🎸 🎸 🎸🎸 🎸 🎸🎸 🎸 🎸

[@paul-c7541]

A true Musician

[@pantelispp]

Imagine being someone who has played with Phil Collins and Toto. Godly

[@simonpreston1693]

Nah, imagine being Phil Collins, or a member of Toto & being able to say Leland Sklar was your bassist. Now that's got to be a thrill.

[@pantelispp]

@@simonpreston1693 you nailed it!

[@tunesmith531]

I had the pleasure of playing bass with Phil Collins for a low key one off show for the Princes trust back in 93 in my home town. An incredible talent

[@ajconstantine3593]

Simon Preston ... A sublime touché. 👏👏✌️

[@mikeuher5054]

....and Jackson Browne! and James Taylor!

[@SeanLaMontagne]

This man has played 1 note in 10 minutes and I am still loving this video

[@MrMedtech1437]

As his eyes close he is replaying the scene from on stage in his memory and is there again for a moment...respect to you and your talent. Thanks.

[@_i_am_unceded]

Tears

[@mikenelson1986]

My favorite lines from Phil during a tour when introducing him...”He was clean shaven when we started these introductions”

[@GoDamnWeird]

Most people won't get it. That's what we call an Actual Drummer Joke. XD Nice one Phil! Like it, like it! XD

[@djmips]

Isn't it just as simple as implying the introductions were taking a long time (as his beard grew) ?

[@Nhilzer]

This is beautiful, so good to listen to this song and even better with your bass sound.

[@BiggHoss]

Everyone always talks about the drum fill, but that bass line is pure magic

[@knurd75]

One of Jon Giblins gems! Not as well known as Mr. Sklar, but also an amazing studio guy.

[@actionjackson8439]

⁠@@knurd75RIP to John Giblin

[@user-yu7po7od6n]

You're right! A friend pointed it out to me, I'm glad to hear that it was Leland. Beautiful!

[@fenderstratADHD]

That razor guitar riff is absolutely haunting!

[@debipearson8762]

I live for the bass line!

[@arundhawan8574]

The difference between good artists and legends is that with legends, it's never about them. It's always about the craft.

[@Nikioko]

Good artists don't take themselves too serious. But they take their work very serious.

[@88pynogrl]

YES!!!

[@josephkelley8641]

What a great point, Arun.

[@TeeMaaLyt]

and when u click on his website link the first thing you see is a book with his face on the cover and a title saying "everybody loves me" LOL

[@jimcrowell7368]

Stop it with the craft crap. Its about working.

[@danfry909]

Man, I'm in tears! The feels from this track are unreal. Can't imagine how it must have felt to play there on stage in a stadium, standing in the bass field.

[@RubinOotes]

I’m a drummer, and for decades people say: in the air tonight, the drums man, amazing. And for decades I respond: are you deaf...? The bass man, the bass! Soooo nice to see you do this so close to us. Thank you for making all you made mr. Sklar 🙏🏼

[@RubinOotes]

I even read: John Giblin. But any of these guys, including mr. Sklar rock the hell out of the song.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@RubinOotes there, that's very true take a look at Steely Dan all the guitar player's they've had Through The Years in and out the doors on the album's. but then you look at who's been there for yrs Jon Herington many many years doing the stage work guitar playing

[@dxb8086]

Nothing special about it. It is iconic, yes... but you are forgetting that musically there actually isn't all that much behind it.

[@loverof666]

@@dxb8086 musically idea is briliant, doesn't have to be there always thousands notes.

[@garyjohnson4988]

Rubin Ootes I concur...

[@barrygoodson4952]

Leland would be the perfect guy to have a beer with and talk music for a few hours ! A real people's person.

[@krbmsw]

This song is the quintessential example of less is more. Everything in its right place. Watching Lee play one note with so much feeling. Just incredible.

[@RichardTClark396]

This band had the best chemistry of people I have been fan since the beginning.

[@dragon08mike5]

This is the coolest beard I've ever seen in my life

[@TheSpud1129]

Ol boy tokes out to this....guaranteed. Good cover!

[@ryanwhite5764]

WHAT'S SO COOL ABOUT IT???? MAN COME ON, WHAT'S UP WITH BEARDS!!!

[@Hawking1969]

"so what albums is he on? "yes"

[@maartenarnou]

That's a good one!

[@stoojinator]

Actually, I think Yes is one of the only bands he hasn't played with :)

[@Hawking1969]

@@stoojinator brilliant

[@zonachoke]

@@stoojinator So many folks played for Yes, there wouldn't have been room for him. Besides, with Chris Squire omnipresent, adding Sklar would have been overkill.

[@iyot1020]

hes the definition of someone who trully loves his job still geeking out after almost 5 decades

[@TFFgeek]

'In the air tonight' is a great marriage of tension and storytelling. The moment that that drum fill hits, the relief you feel is incredible. Thank you Leland for doing your part (magnificent).

[@Strap1205]

One of my all time favourite musicians on this planet. Simply brilliant.

[@zorbeclegras5708]

What I find fantastic is that after having played this song so many times, after having played everywhere with the best, Mr. Sklar has kept his eyes amazed as a child.

[@raanusant]

Doesn’t it all come down to that? being present? 🤍

[@juanmanuel5135]

Totally agree with that. This guy was always there 100%

[@MrFreevo]

that's music magic!

[@MrGregmac]

I saw Phil Collins sing this on a Robert Plant tour back in about 1984. He would come out from behind the drums for this one song. So powerful!

[@v_sign]

Talking 'bout so much passion, even after all these years of playing these kind of songs over and over again. Magical.

[@amyloo1977]

Leland Sklar, Steve Harris and Nathan Watts: the 3 reasons why I'm a bassist. thank you for all the inspiration you brought me

[@Eddie_Barzoon]

I agree with you but I'd add Tony Levin to this list.

[@HENJAM48]

Not an ounce of ego... Just a desire to make the perfect collaboration. So Much love for this man.

[@irrsinnrainer]

I always loved how this song builds towards the climax when the full band enters with probably the most famous drumfill of all time. And I think in the live versions it's even better than on the record.

[@artheriford]

Lee is the real deal. Love his stories and of course watching/listening to him play.

[@Samantha-vlly]

Just a music guy who played with some of the best bands and singers(-songwriters) out there sharing his greatest moments in life. What a legend

[@Stringman1950]

Leland is a national treasure. Played on my favorite albums as long as I remember. Early 70s, at least. Rock on ... as they say.

[@TheAlja]

"This is the definition of tension" - yes exactly! Oh god, i have tears in my eyes. This song is such a masterpiece. And it happens so often that when i bring this up, even to fellow musicians, that they kind of shrug it off. Because there is not much happening for a long part in the song. But yes exactly thats why, building the tension, creating so much emotion with only a few sounds, the distorted guitar, a single bass note, the subtle keyboards. Phil Collins voice so calm but powerful, threatening. And then exploding into the thunder like drums with that deep, pushing bass line and then the drums hitting you once more. This song is like sex with a demon or something. A total masterpiece.

[@tony69em]

I totally understand and agree

[@dos-fslady3140]

Fridolin, I just had to reply to your post, as your description of the emotional buildup of this song is better than any other I have ever read, and truly I have been studying this song even though I have no musical talent whatsoever. I am an EXTREME appreciator of music of almost all kinds (full disclosure: I can't stand opera). And yes, the calm but powerful voice -- not to mention the few camera shots of his face that had such depth of expression. AND ... the fact that he walked slowly to his drum set that had just risen from the stage, and had barely a split second before he started playing. One of my favorite performances of all time. I lived in Berlin for 6 months. Brilliant city, spectacular museums -- and a lively arts scene. DELICIOUS FOOD! (I'm German & Swedish, from Wisconsin). Again, thank you so much for your post. All the best, Lynn in Albuquerque

[@missbelled6700]

It's also a testament to the power of treating each 'first time' with a song as something special, and give it full attention if possible. Once you're "spoiled" on the release of the tension it's a whole different experience and completely changes the pace that you feel it.

[@MulaBatiswaHutagaol]

Fridolin Freundlich I couldn't agree more with you totally. Especially the about buliding the tension. That was way Michael Mann put this song in Miami Vice: after arresting his ex-partner, Sonny drove with his soon to be partner, Rico, in the night through the city to catch the bad guy. The tension was really real in that scene. And it is, till now, the legendary scene of Miami Vice.

[@GoDamnWeird]

It makes me happy when people appreciate the composition. A song isn't just lyrics and a riff. Well...not a good song.

[@turmat01]

I LOVE this bass line! Thank you a lot for that video mr, Sklar! You're a legend!

[@bolleke140997]

Leland Sklar, an unusual star who combines his immense talent with a true sense of outspoken humanistic involvement. You just cannot but love this guy!

[@PsoxDaddy]

I'm a little late to the party ... Just found out about this! Listening to Leland is like watching Bob Ross. It's soothing, relaxing and blows my mind all at the same time . The Joy of bassing!

[@gerriejennings2148]

So absolutely is like watching Bob Ross and that’s a good thing 😁

[@alexr4151]

I'm working from home and, when you hit your first note, my subwoofer just shook the floor by my feet. I live for this stuff! Thank you for a daily lift, Lee.

[@stevealfred3951]

You can thank the Dingwall for that tactile low end presence. 37 inch scale length on that low B string. Its something you dont know you're missing until you experience it.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@stevealfred3951 yeah those dingwall's are awesome!! got a friend that has one he just loves the hell out of it. little more costly than he wanted at the time but he's got a layaway and finance that it took him about a year to pay for it but boy he's happier than a pig in shit when he plays it.

[@gadget183]

That was great Santa, I can hear the spirit of Christmas in the air tonight!, 👍

[@Stereotype5346]

Leland, your personality and demeanor somewhat hide the incredible intellect behind your idle chatter and insightful stories. For all of us, Please CARRY ON !! Due Respects,

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

You can just see how much he misses playing live. I feel so bad.

[@kevinanderson4804]

Absolute Absurd after this pandemic hopefully something happene

[@mondgalaxy9522]

I feel it..

[@samday2585]

No need to apologise for anything, Leland. Loving the emotion you're clearly putting into these.

[@MrCabimero]

Is there any musician more prolific than Mr. Sklar? I can't imagine there is. Love him and his humble nature. He seems unaffected by his success. Many lessons to be learned from him. Thank you sir.

[@SISTE12]

Thanks to Sklar who in this clip lets us take part in his passionate sensitivity and genuine enjoyment of music. Music is a transcendental force that unites people across cultures and borders. Music gives us hope.

[@anliag8055]

A música é a linguagem universal. Todos somos tocados por ela de alguma forma. Ela nos uni. Ela nos torna um.

[@bobxoneill]

lee: sorry about that mistake. me: there was a mistake?

[@rafaaudi28]

Same here! lol

[@MulaBatiswaHutagaol]

Mistake? What mistake??

[@JeffRemasPhotography]

Oh what a blessing it is to have a humble, musical icon share his craft with the world. Thank you Leland!!

[@Mark13091961]

Gandalf plays the bass. I love the insight on this so much. A joy, thank you sir

[@webbsamples]

I had to go back after I watched this video and see the live version that I've watched many times before. My favorite Phil Collins song. Seeing the bass player who also has tons of stage presence made it even better!

[@Talkingskins21]

People don't ask who Leland has played with, they ask, who hasn't he played with.

[@garyjohnson4988]

Talkingskins21 Chuck Norris is his bass tech! Lol!

[@akiraakai3316]

@@garyjohnson4988 THAT is the best comment ever. It's saying Lee is the only one Chuck bows to.

[@ADHD_Dad]

This video serves as proof that it is absolutely impossible to sit through that drum intro without air drumming it.

[@chezzyb9144]

Can't stop smiling, it just makes me cry with happiness I can't explain how much I love you guys #philcollins #lelandsklar ❤️❤️❤️😭❤️❤️❤️

[@lucasjesusandrada9210]

oh my god. Its amazing. Hello from Argentina

[@BrettTracyRealtor]

I'm almost 40, I can remember sitting with my dad watching Miami Vice, this episode, and this song came on!!! Gives me chills!! Man!!! Michael Mann could really direct and produce!! That scene was the best 4 minutes EVER to have appeared on cable TV!!! I cant name another show!! This episode, this song, changed the way people dressed, carried themselves!! Isn't it amazing how music can bring you back to a moment in time!!! Looks like Leland is reminiscing as well!!! Leland you are the man!!!

[@thecollective1584]

I am totally digging this: You are sitting in front of a csmera; however, it's very obvious, in your head, you are on stage in front of 30,000 people bathed in the light show, experiencing it all again.

[@cejames]

Try over 100,000 :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5WQqINueMh6iNE

[@jorgelopez9569]

watching you is a joyful privilege sir, thanks for posting!! Much love and respect from Chile!

[@santosakowski9846]

Really fascinating to listen to and watch. Thanks!

[@jasonpierson9829]

Virtuosity + Humility = Mr. Leland Sklar

[@dcfromthev]

11:23 is ridiculous. Listen to how smooth those notes flow in time.

[@mikesilcock6296]

The difference between a pro and a semi pro

[@TheImageDoctor]

Watching you think back and see the music in your mind's eye was worth the entire video

[@academiabeatmaster9642]

listening to you play makes my soul soar, total respect I have for your work and the songs you play, they are daily inspirations for me... God bless you and your family

[@chazfaz3595]

Wow... I was directed here by Rick Beato. I so-o-o loved your musicianship and chops - your masterful contribution to this sonic drama. And I love the insight you afforded us into this stellar creation! ! Thanks Leland, and God bless...

[@pankajjaiswal6498]

Rick beato directed me toooooooooo

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

I never realized how many hundreds and hundreds of songs Through The Years I've heard Lee play on...I'm glad you started this KZbin channel I know he's had a lot of Facebook interaction for quite a while but this is really cool for the set of headphones on you could hear his bass so good..and going back and watching all the video since he started I'll be caught up in no time cuz he only just recently started this channel but was really cool are the stories..

[@loquillopanama9017]

One of the most epic moments of the concert down here in Río de Janeiro. Thanks you so much for sharing this wonderful video from the comfort of your house .

[@steveullrich7737]

Rick directed me here too!

[@DrummerGuidoLozano]

Hello! I’m a Drummer, and you are my hero Leland, I watched you in Argentina with Phill... there is my dream come true... thanks for the Music! You are amazing!

[@mirrortime]

Guido: That's so cool you saw him with Phil. I bow to you. I missed every show because I had to work when he was in town. I missed Genesis also! :)

[@DrummerGuidoLozano]

Génesis! 🥰❤️ Miss them too!!!

[@DenisOlivier]

Bass wall after 10:58, incredible! Fascinating Leland, I love how you tell music history, thank you!

[@izregistered]

Leland! My man! Thanks for taking us along on this songs journey!!!

[@StevenPMacKay]

I have been playing this song off the E string throughout and wondering how you got the lines to come together so smoothly. Watching this just flicked the switch for me. You are a true genius and master of your craft. It never dawned on me that you played it that way. Thank you for not only the music that has inspired me my whole life but also for making these videos now when they are needed most by those of us who love the music you have blessed us with. THANK YOU SIR, AND GOD BLESS!

[@sebastianhope1107]

I'm a guitar player myself, but honestly, watching Mr. Sklar playing with such elegance (and making it look so easy) makes me wanna send the guitar to hell, grab a bass and practice all day! What a humble and talented musician... cheers from Chile!

[@23centsolution]

Whenever I go see a band it’s not just the singer I pay attention to it’s also the drummer, bass, guitar, and whatever else is playing, everyone on stage deserves recognition. You sir are a great bassist, btw, EPIC beard!

[@paulcoverdale8312]

Every video I’ve seen from different stadia etc, I watch you, head tilts back an, it’s like you go off on a meditation within the muzic. Magical to see you do this an see the whole track from a different perspective. Many thanks from UK

[@matt12251975]

Leland, you are one of the best musicians in the world. It's amazing how humble you are. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. Phil Collins is one of my favorite artists ever.

[@Steady47]

Your daily posts are greatly appreciated. They bring a smile to face, and song insights are very cool. Thank you! :)

[@russellzauner]

Yes, thank you! So much content. I feel more love from the world than I have in a long time. And I've seen a lot of guitar and other collections, and cribs, and etc. lol Be well, help if you can, be safe in any case.

[@christophvanbracht2729]

Fantastic to watch one of the most heard musicians on this planet commenting and admiring all the work around him, enjoying the music and playing the sounds we are so familiar to. Thank you Mr Leland Sklar for everything you gave us!

[@miguelq3295]

Excelente trayectoria , muy buena salud y feliz navidad

[@roderick617]

Just thank you, Sir! I was 7 when I first heard this song. I'm not a musician, but the way I hear music makes it the most pleasurable thing in the world. You, Sir, are why I LOVE the bass guitar. I've heard of the drums being referred to as a heartbeat, but to me, the bass is what flows through the body and gives it life.

[@shad7832]

Phil Collins + Leland Sklar = Magic

[@Major_Huey]

Please don't forget Daryl Stuermer !

[@carlubambi5541]

Amazing !

[@cstromsoy]

Privilege listening to you talk about this epic song. Thank you so much. What a wonderful and humble man. You’ve been part of music that will give people pleasure forever ❤

[@CREOLETROY]

I too, was directed here by Rick Beato. I was a fan of the musician before KZbin, but now I admire the MAN for being a real down to earth, positive participant in HUMANITY.

[@greenjjr1962]

This song still blows my mind after all these years! some songs just have a personality all their own and they are able to stand on their own no matter the passage of time! Kudos to Phil bringing all this together...much love!

[@davidjack9217]

Wonderful !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@wagnercmmachado]

Amazing 👏 performance Mr Sklar

[@pewheretic7967]

In times like these...more men like you. Positive, strong, skilled, stalwart.

[@1989Goodspeed]

Coming home from work to find this… Simply brilliant.

[@smokeylovesfire1589]

Amazing interview! On KZbin there is a concert video of this song with Leland on bass. This band was on fire that night and I know Phil is a legend on drums. But what got me mesmerized, during this one song from KZbin, was the bass and the Stratocaster. It was like both of them were talking to each other! I like others probably first heard this song on Miami Vice. It would have been cool to show that clip in sync on the screen behind the stage during the concert. Thank you Leland for helping to create music we will never forget!

[@mrmoo1480]

Part of something very special. So enjoyed you guys a multiple gigs I was lucky enough to attend!

[@toddwalkerdrumstudio]

......Love the "play by play" by you Leland on this classic/iconic tune!!!!

[@davenelson-xk6oc]

i remember when we first met back in the 90s in Cleveland forget witch tour it was but always like talking to you after sound checks this was always my favorite phil solo song and always stand with the front of house mixer and closed my eyes and sing with phil thanks for bring back my youth and the memories

[@johnritchie6838]

Love you Leland. There is nothing like your playing.

[@dmtripreport8542]

What a fascinating way to hear the songs, this is very cool.

[@alekseistrelkov3085]

My dear Mr. Sklar, your bass guitar turned my whole world upside down. Thank you so much!

[@5chevin5]

watching you close your eyes and sink into the music is amazing, and so is that bass line, I had no idea that much was going on.

[@Jdonam]

Wow, thank you Mr. Sklar for letting us have a peak in teh kitchen of someone who has contributed to much of the soundtrack of our lives for decades!

[@keithpither9893]

what comes across to me in the stuff that I've read and the interviews I've seen of this man is how much of a decent guy he is. thank you for sharing your fantastic talent, you sir are a true shining star.

[@marymcdonald3778]

I saw you with Phil! You're a memorable bassist. I'm a true fan. Thanks for sharing your talent 💗

[@rohmadabdulmaseh6845]

i admire you sir, I know you back in the 80s , Phil Collins live and yet today, you are as strong not getting any older, not a bit! Love to see your insights on things, stay amazing!

[@petehernandez1476]

In our musical world, you're a treasure - Leland. Thank you for sharing your incalculable wealth of knowledge, experience, and experiences. Best. -p

[@ofdlttwo]

What a blessing to discover your channel. I'm 57 and have watched sooooooo many videos and been to at least 2 dozen concerts that you have been on stage. Thank You, Thank you! You are appreciated and valued. You are great!

[@agnaldomauricio6082]

Eu sou de São Paulo e tive a felicidade de assistir 2 shows com esse ferra fera no baixo! Vida longa ao REI! Tanks.

[@neilbassgroover1451]

OMG 😮 there is just no words , never really looked into this bass line ,

[@Oneness100]

The original studio recording is John Giblin on bass.

[@MrFreevo]

He is living it again... Amazing! Music has the time travelling power!

[@KS-po3lg]

You are my legend.. Thank you for your love of music and sharing it.. From New Zealand 🙏 🙏🤙🤙🎶

[@jwgolding]

When Leland goes into "squint-mode" all is right in the Universe

[@jackharriet4814]

This is now my favourite version of this song, with Lee conducting, then coming in with his super bassline. Thanks Lee. Greetings from England.

[@preparacaoetecnologia]

I love this song! Tank you Mr Sklar!

[@kevinstone9638]

I am a new bassist and learning and you have inspired me to continue, I am a musician of several years, some drums, but mostly tenor sax, trombone, euphonium etc. I want to thank you for showing me that it is ok to develop your own flavor while practicing and playing. I was always so regimented in my playing making sure to play the exact notes written on the page every time no ability to make a change or to develop your own style. It is a learning experience, and I am enjoying the hell out of it. Thank you.

[@labgnat]

This is unreal learning from this Legend.

[@zukipower9960]

Absolutely amazing and inspirational bass lines in a very intimate setting from the true legend himself. Thank you for sharing Leland!

[@barrygardner67]

Oh My God, Leland! I've just recently found your channel and you are truly awesome! Legendary! I saw Phil during the "No Jacket Required" tour in Toronto. I distinctly remember you, your look, Phil's introductions of the band... I love how you're air drumming in this video just before you have to begin to play! I Love This!! 😁😎🎸🎶

[@stevecanyon23]

Leland, you're a legend! Love your stories of how these songs emerged that you participated in. Keep them videos coming!