Phil Collins' candid memoir

With songs such as "Take Me Home," Phil Collins has touched millions of fans over the years. Now, after touching bottom in his personal life, he's telling his story in a new memoir, "Not Dead Yet," a candid chronicle of his struggles with marriage, drinking and fame. He talks about the liberation of writing to correspondent Jim Axelrod.

[@JohnnyCatFitz]

Nobody can ever say he didn't play and sing and write his heart out, he's phenomenal.

[@jaiicee5270]

He has a unique voice no one sounds like him ..

[@jholtz9970]

Phil Collins OWNED the summer of 1985 - he was everywhere...on MTV, Miami Vice, multiple songs in the Top 40 charts, Live Aid, movie soundtracks, concert tours....I was 20 years old and remember that period well. Thanks for the memories, Phil.

[@Theoriginalbigbrillo]

Same here DOB January 1965 ;)

[@markandrew6972]

What a summer that was. The music was awesome 👌!

[@romanbobak4208]

I thought it was Dire Straits who owned 1985 with Brothers in Arms, Live Aid and a massive tour...

[@theancientsancients1769]

He was on the A-Team too and movies 😂✌

[@Sparker408]

He even stared in a motion picture "Buster"

[@JurassicToys2000]

The guy seriously needs a hug.

[@TravisRepine]

JurassicToys2000 yes he does and he keeps moving forward a great example to us who struggle but still keep hanging on in life..#PhilCollinsStrong

[@zyxwut321]

If anything he's probably gotten too many hugs, probably from too many women. ;)

[@coolcat6303]

zyxwut321 I doubt it. Phil isn't typical of the average musician (groupies, drugs, wild parties). Based on everything i've read & heard about him, he's always been very loyal to his wives & a real clean cut family man.

[@trysometruth]

That is so weird. I never was even much of a fan, but as I was watching the first third of this video I was thinking if I had somehow randomly bumped into him, I would've hugged him (after first asking if he wouldn't mind me hugging him, of course). I agree completely... dude needs a few hugs. He's had amazing professional success, but in his personal life it appears things have gone bad, bad, and really bad.

[@skygazer6898]

JurassicToys2000 guy needs a slap and a kick up the arse

[@kennethrussll6059]

You can tell that man's been through a lot of pain, But he always seems to have a great sense of humor.

[@ColdCanuck50]

Sometimes the pain is what drives the humor.

[@altarus]

It's what we do mate. We joke about the pain as well.

[@fksara7708]

Don't feel sad that he's old. he'll live forever through his music and there's no doubt about that

[@fastica]

...and now I'm sadder.

[@fksara7708]

Federico Astica 😭 I don’t even remember making this moment, but still I’m happy to be in a time of Phil Collins

[@kellyoradio5029]

folks live forever in Hades, as well

[@RobsEverywhere]

I don't think youre annoying at all, Phil and playing Live Aid twice is badass. Respect to you, bud.

[@stevedrums1675]

I was there in Philadelphia! :)

[@theancientsancients1769]

@@stevedrums1675 Wow how cool to be at an historic event ✌

[@stevedrums1675]

@@theancientsancients1769: i remain humbled and honored to have been there that day. It's all such a blur now at 49 than it was when I went at 15. :)

[@kathyhayward1133]

Me too I never thought Phil Collins was a show off either but a great singer n drummer

[@scottharrisohn6972]

yes and he played Against all odds very well at Live Aid.

[@eggbass]

Breaks my heart to see him like this. 65 is too young.

[@Vlasko60]

As Indiana Jones would say "It's not the years, it's the mileage".

[@rjdavies1982]

He looks fine to me

[@americanhighlander3448]

He's almost seventy now, this video was in 2016

[@bedeashby6323]

One of the best drummers ever. Not to mention a great ear for songwriting

[@JwilliamsAssociates]

And a great singer???? You forgot that.. Wrap it up to a fantastic artist.

[@thedon8594]

Ruined the Led Zeppelin reunion with his bad timing.

[@ziggybammurphy191]

Phil Collins is an amazing musician...so many hit songs...almost hard to keep track of them all......one of the greats

[@jimmysapien9961]

What a gentleman and a great entertainer long live Phil Collins

[@jessiem276]

I agree! One of the BEST voices, too!

[@cherylhall6570]

*absolutely crying* Phil, you have no idea how much you and your music is a part of my life since High School...I celebrate you and your success and your talent, I celebrate the notion of your son picking up your drumsticks at your side, and know that you mean a lot to a lot of people.

[@WeaponsEducation]

His voice on his audiobook, listen to it...AWESOME. Amazing ending. This man is so honest, we all love him.

[@Steeltoeguy]

What’s his book called?

[@WeaponsEducation]

@@Steeltoeguy Use Google! Amazon Audio Books.

[@WeaponsEducation]

@@Steeltoeguy Not dead yet

[@susieq965]

I love his voice! I’m reading his book, now... No, Phil, it was NOT you... You just married the wrong women... Same as I ALWAYS pick the wrong men!

[@william123362]

I don't know what people are talking about Phil Collins was the man we was playing his music in the black neighborhood all the time.

[@DarkEliteEric]

Yeah my aunt loves him!!!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

LOL. That's funny AH. I'm a white woman, and I sing James Brown or Bill Withers all the time.

[@AQUAPHREESH193]

LOOOLOL

[@DarkEliteEric]

Yeah my aunty from SC loves Phil. My mom loves Phil. He's a light FM staple. He makes nice pop songs. In addition He's worked with Phil from Earth, Wind, and Fire, he's covered Motown songs by the Supremes and others. He also wrote Two Hearts with the Motown writers. His songs come from R&B and prog and everything but his music, as all music really, us colourless.

[@DarkEliteEric]

Yeah my aunty from SC loves Phil. My mom loves Phil. He's a light FM staple. He makes nice pop songs. In addition He's worked with Phil from Earth, Wind, and Fire, he's covered Motown songs by the Supremes and others. He also wrote Two Hearts with the Motown writers. His songs come from R&B and prog and everything but his music, as all music really, us colourless.

[@philipcyr5192]

The tiny part where his son plays drums brought tears to my eyes. THATS accomplishment!

[@Bryan8329]

His oldest son Simon is a really good drummer/vocalist in his own right now, and has his own band Sound of Contact, which is not too far removed from Genesis.

[@JwilliamsAssociates]

Yeah man me as well.

[@TheKonga88]

Your stupidity is incomprehensible

[@chacecrowell3638]

and now Nick's playing drums for Phil's solo tour and the Genesis reunion tour. Only thing left is that new music

[@Booboonancy]

This is heartbreaking, he's too young to look so old. I love Phil Collins and wish him well.

[@gdotone1]

the most enlighten thing a person has ever said, "it can't always be somebody's else's fault."

[@jjsmith8231]

I love this man and it breaks my heart and we almost lost him.

[@jacobpatrickpoulsen6608]

I don´t care how old he is as long as he is happy. He will always be remembered as a great singer and drummer. His music will always be there for his many fans to treasure. :)

[@AnitaD28]

Phil Collins is an icon. Love him he’s amazingly talented.

[@u.s_nyc8513]

Never met someone who turns off the Radio when Phil is playing. One of my all time Top 20 Artists.

[@maurerahg]

Just saw Phil Collins live the other day... HE STILL GOT IT! Great performer and fantastic artist! Thanks, Phil, for coming back!

[@pankajjaiswal6498]

Evergreen.

[@Margar02]

I saw him last year too! It was a dream come true for me! I soooo wish I hadn't been broke as a joke in 2007 or whenever it was that Genesis toured....

[@Anima.Libera]

Idem! Exactly! 💓☀️

[@tripledubx3]

Just saw him on the 7th of October! What a great show!!

[@carlasullivan3637]

I've been a fan since I was a teen now I'm 55. Thank you Phil Collins.

[@Margar02]

Phil, you never annoyed me. I declared to my mother at age 6 that "Phil Collins is my idol," not quite knowing what that meant, but it wasn't far off.... 30 years later I finally got to see you sing live and I cried... What I wouldn't give to have seen Genesis tour in 1977 though... 😓

[@raymondvaughan6262]

Saw genesis early 70.s brilliant live still great live when they went poppy but the early years was more creative

[@donaldyoung9901]

For those who are into music..make music like phil...4 generation and his music is still strong...come back phil.

[@tinahlavac5257]

Annoying in the 80’s? Fans couldn’t get enough of you. It’s good to see your son following in your footsteps playing the drums. I hope we see more of him. You’ll be in my heart, always!❤️

[@neutral6944]

Phil Collins is 1 of the best male singers.

[@groundhog713]

And he was an absolute monster on the drums too...

[@DavidLazarus]

I'm a huge Genesis fan and also like a lot of Phil's solo material. Among a handful of others, he was the soundtrack to my life in the 80s and 90s.

[@TheMarkyMarx]

There was a reason why his music was so ubiquitous in the '80s it was because it was brilliant, particularly his passion for performing live. All I have ever heard is that he was a workaholic and nothing he did was ever done in half measures. I'm looking forward to reading the book. Thanks for all the great music, both with Genesis and the solo work and all your other amazing collaborations.

[@RB2331]

I agree ...when you look back at 67 and you were lazy in the 80s ..you would say ...'damn ... I should've produced/wrote/performed more ' but ...he did it all from 81 to 91 and he shouldn't regret anything ...lol...maybe 'Suuusidio' that was really bad ..but the man is a Legend !

[@derbystardom]

Anyone who thought Phil Collins was annoying, they were just jealous of his talent and success. I love classic Genesis, but I also love all the members and everything they have done. I don't want them to ever quit. Love you, Phil!!!

[@kosewa1]

He has brought so much joy to people. It breaks my heart to know that he’s not happy. I’m glad that he got clean and reconciled with his family. Like he said, “ he ain’t dead yet”.😂

[@thomwest8694]

I was a Genesis and a solo Phil Collins fan❤️and I never felt that he suffered from too much exposure. He was ‘on a roll’ and at the top of his game. The same can be said of Michael Jackson or Lionel Richie because of their success. I don’t fault them because they shared their talents. Their mega-stardom was a result of good timing, hard work and great showmanship. It’s hard work to get to the top and it’s even harder to stay on top. The entertainers of today are sorely lacking in those qualities. The appearance on 2 Live Aid shows was ‘flashy’😱but it was for a great cause👍🏾Hawaii 🌴🏄🏽‍♀️Loves Phil Collins🇬🇧🥁

[@JavaScriptJolt]

Thom West Amen!!!

[@redriver6541]

You can count on both hands the true icons of that era...... Phil is definitely one of those fingers. He wrote and performed an enormous part of the soundtrack to my life.....and all of his songs remember when.....and I can still sing all of them.

[@MrMichelPM]

This guy persued music to pretty much all else during his entire life. Phil Collins is an awesome drummer, musician, performer, songwriter/arranger/orchestrator. There is really not too many of this breed of musician/artist left. His music really impacted and reached a lot of people. I just wished his own music could have help himself more. His personal life seemed a very difficult one. I am glad to see father and son working together, though. Having a musical son I think is one of thr great things that came out of Phil’s life.

[@jucaguima]

I lot of respect for this artist! He’s one of my favorite

[@clarkcolt45]

PHIL COLLINS MY HERO KEEP STRONG, YOU DESERVE EVERYTHING ( you know, "normal" people and poor people been married 3 times too, and been abusing alcohol.. don't be hard on yourself you are a gift to humanity )

[@mariagarza3448]

Yes I truly love all his music....

[@carlasullivan3637]

Beautiful words my friend.

[@rhondawilson2494]

WHAT!!!!!!! YOU CAN NEVER OVER PLAY PHIL COLLIN'S!!!!!!!!!! NEVVVVVERRRRRR

[@zl7321]

Phil, I salute you, good sir!

[@philcollins4092]

Zack Scoggins thank you! You're too kind!

[@evostu7814]

Seconded

[@user-ft2vf9lk7v]

Mr. Collins music has no boundaries. He is simply a Brilliant Genious.

[@TheKonga88]

How ironic that you cannot spell the word genius..😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤔🤔🙄🎹

[@TheKonga88]

@Ana Marie 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🏃🏃🏃🏃🐍🐍🐍

[@drummist1000]

Apparently spelling has boundaries?

[@needmorezen365]

I will never forget seeing a live show of his in Las Vegas before my dad died of lung cancer. Not one person stayed in their seat during the entire show. It was amazing and was nice to see my dad enjoy himself. Thank you Phil.

[@ninalisa2303]

I saw him live with Genesis, I saw him live solo and I saw him live together with his son. Amazing shows, every time again and again and again.

[@keyrod1000]

Needmore Zen omyl

[@glynisroberts5029]

I love Phil Collins, his music is fantastic and his personality.

[@Billyboy4209]

I hope he does tour again and is around for many years to come.He could sing from a wheelchair and still pack large venues.

[@daurikretsch9448]

I saw him post Genesis in 80's playing the drums in a "basement" in Chicago...10 feet away...in a grey sweat suit...cool...

[@SmorgShow]

That’s pretty close to what he is doing today in 2019. So sad to see having seen him twice solo and twice with Genesis in his heyday.

[@JohnJJ1221]

Well you weren’t far off thank God no wheel chair.. saw him last Thursday here in Tampa! Out of the many times I have seen him still One word comes to my mind...”Amazing”

[@shashankthegamer]

You can see the pain right through his voice. Breaks my heart to see him like this, hope he doesn't suffer in his last years and has a healthy farewell...in 20-30 years may be.

[@nehsangbong7259]

Literally in tears 😭. He's worked so hard all these years to give us great music and even in his current condition he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. God bless you Phil.

[@FordFracture]

I can remember the summer of 1981 very well it was a hot afternoon in the midwest I was 15 and my friends and I nicked some beer from my frinds old mans garage fridge and headed for the river to catch a breeze and a buzz . we all sat with our backs Against the trees on the river bank drinking our beers and listening to Phil Collins( I can feel it in the air tonight) on a old portable Transistor radio and thinking life is good !

[@scottharrison3391]

one of the giants of rock/pop history.

[@nikkonordevil2882]

An amazing artist. Was shocked to learn how he now struggles with pain . . . . his music kept me going through some very tough times so in a way I owe this man everything. I wish him ALL the best for the future and hope we get more songs from the genius . . .

[@MrAGATLIN]

Nikko Nordevil HE’S BACK!!!

[@siphompofu9403]

Legend💯🎵🙌 🙏

[@westtoast74]

Absolutely love the part when he was playing with his son. Way to keep taking one step forward each day through those struggles in life.

[@weberweber2998]

Every day I listen to his songs and never get bored. i love him Phil Collins....

[@sharonleaf]

I loved Phil's music when I was going through my second divorce in the 80s ... Against All Odds ... all of them. Please come back, Phil, now that I've been happily married for 31 years!

[@Jennifer-uo8rf]

I’m crying watching this. Such amazing range of emotions in his music. The soundtrack of many memories. Can’t wait to read his book

[@peace6325]

The Plato of music. Can't imagine growing up in a world without Phil Collins.

[@paulofreire7520]

Artist, performer, singer, drummer, songwriter. We do miss you Phil! 🙏🏻

[@DebiB53]

I DO miss Phil Collins! He is amazing!! One of my all time favorites!! 🤗💗

[@karencarroll3834]

Phil may be making a comeback! I know that we all would love that!! Our generation reveres our heroes & their stories. It gives us the necessary inspiration to push through the tough times & to keep on moving forward. What a hero!

[@MrAGATLIN]

Karen Carroll HE’S BACK!!!

[@dustinnunez5077]

Karen Carroll October 1 2019 Little Caesars Arena Detroit Michigan it’s on my Bucket list I waited 25 years 😀😢

[@mewithoutyou4759]

Sending Phil a BIG HUG! loved you then and still love you now.

[@randynelson3988]

Thank you Phil Collins for all of the composition work you shared with the World. Your music will continue to touch many hearts God bless you.

[@ferrazp4538]

My hero !! He made the sound track of my life since the early genesis. I am so happy he is fine.

[@steverodgers8425]

As a Texan and long longtime Genesis fan, thank you Phil!

[@valeriebrock3151]

Phil Collins...a great man with so many demons that he fought and won..please take care...your music was always there for me when things looked it's darkest and I thank you for that.

[@RH-mw8ff]

Great Legend, One of my best singers of all time. Phill You made me very happy in my time, dating and adolescence. Love You and your beautiful songs ... God bless you and give you 32 more years of life. Why do you deserve it ... Phill C. Love you, Thank you for making me so passionate and happy for your beautiful Songs..😍 Phill You Are Amazing.😍❤️🎤🎼🎺🎵😍❤️❤️❤️

[@TravisRepine]

I can TOTALLY relate to him alcoholism working long hours no relationship with a woman so yea I can relate to his issue/relationships in life. That's why I love his music..he connects to the people who don't have everything in life..keep playing my man..I'm here for ya and keep playing your music and don't give up!

[@Anima.Libera]

I love you Phil 💓🌌✨a man one of a kind! Thank you so much for your timeless music.

[@bonzaibob2000]

When Genesis first came to the U.S. back in the early "70's, I never missed a show in San Francisco. So, I've been a FAN forever. His Drumming gave me direction in my chosen field of music, " Drums" I love him then and I love him today. Say what you will about the Man but, he did well in my book. God bless, Phil, and don't stop being the best Musician I’ve ever known.

[@pollinseclectic8254]

Collins has a real sense of humour. He is a great drummer. Already in the early seventies with Genesis he was drumming brillianly and adding substantial backing vocals to P Gabriel's massive act. A true all round entertainer

[@karenn.769]

I got tired of him in the 80’s. Now, I appreciate him and listen to him more. I do miss him.

[@kellydunn4344]

Class act for sure!!! What a gracious and humble man

[@kimme2852]

Just saw him about 3 weeks ago in DC. GO SEE HIM ! Awesome show !

[@kittyzz100]

I did too! Amazing show.. packed stadium from top to bottom, unbelievable!

[@Mrs.GarciaLPT]

You're my Papa's favorite singer! And I love you, too! ❤️🥰

[@hollycurry7389]

Phil, people tell me to slow down all the time, but I don't feel worthy if I am not learning, working hard, or helping others. YOU are amazing!!!

[@thedarci1368]

Mr. Collins it is as if you were never gone.... Still wonderful and amazing..... love you:)

[@steph01879]

Phil Collins is my favorite performer. One of the most talented artists of all time. Best concert ever 2004 Farwell tour.

[@lancheloth]

Mr Collins hope you find your happiness as we find happiness listening to your songs...

[@vais4lovers826]

OMGosh. He still sounds amazing. And his young one on drums. Really made me smile. At death's door and made a change. Wow the only time one can't is after the door closes behind them. All he did, some of us burn out at slower paces. I love this guy.

[@life5161]

One of the best and deepest things I've EVER read. We ALL make mistakes. Just hope he keeps off that booze and continues his journey in healing. And for GODSAKE Phil Give us some EARLY Genesis!! BET he would absolutely NAIL an acoustic Genesis Concert. That would be AWESOME.

[@TravisRepine]

Brian Stepp yes he would I agree with you totally he was great back then and still is now!

[@virginiataylor5593]

Glad he finally figured things out. Better late than never.

[@LexAveExp]

This makes me want to cry I love his music and his talent it's painful to see him I rough shape, God bless you Phil Collins.

[@fuchikapesta]

Sir Collins, My first music hero before I knew that existed. My first record ever of Genesis, My second a solo album. Singer and songwriter like no other, and percussionist extraordinaire! and so humble about it all! Much love!

[@ndk6139]

I do not own or have ever owned a single Phil Collin's Album. But I went to see him 10/8 in Philly and knew all twenty songs, even deep cuts that were played. Pretty amazing... says a lot about him as an artist. What a stand up guy! First class

[@L.Spencer]

I'm thinking I need to get some of his music.

[@olikat8]

My younger daughter, who has been drumming awhile now, looked at me a few months ago and said ," Maybe I'll just become the female Phil Collins." I thought that was pretty cool- she is 11 years old.

[@tylerbogan2472]

Im a guy in a wheelchair, and mostly what I would do in my life as a kid and young teen is listen to music. I wasnt born until 1985, I grew up listening to music that father grew up listening to. Bands like The Eagles,, The Beatles..but there is one artist who I discovered on my own without listening to with my father. That guy is Phil Collins. I'm 33 right now, and I absolutely love Phil Collins. I'm hoping and praying I can somehow get to Charlotte, NC on Sept 29th, 2019 to see him live

[@denisehedden13]

🥀Phil Collins has aways amazed me how he has so many talents. His passion for music with unique vocals that has entertained us for yrs also his drums is a Powerful way of showing us whom he was & still is. He's been through alot but I truly love his music and he's become a Powerful Man in the music industry🥀☝️🥀

[@annarounseville1392]

Yes!!!!! I just bought the book. I Have Always Loved Phil Collins work! Anything he puts to paper, sings, or plays will work. My 1st record ever was purchased at a garage sale, warped from the sun it only had 1/2 the songs working. For a teen it was still a revelation of sound and fury (I Don't Care Anymore was perfect for how I felt some days back then), the album was ABACAB. Saw both the Live Aid performances on TV, Witnessed the US Open Live on TV on ESPN2 w/my BFF at her house after searching for the startup time online, Originally found out about the performance from Luis Conte's website. Loved seeing him, his son, and Luis Conte perform. Such times we live in. So Glad he's pulled through & is sorting it all out. Don't need an autograph or his hat. There is always the music and the words. He will always be in our hearts, so glad the bellman got through to him. He Has been missed. Indeed. Welcome back. (Thank You CBS Sunday Morning and staff for posting this. I'm gonna pin this. You always have quality on this show). (Pinned it to here: www.pinterest.com/pin/495888608954575118/ ) Everybody share this Video, lets help add to the momentum, for Phil. Thanks!

[@dburch7894]

Love Collins. Always have, always will. Phil, you were not annoying. Great job sir, good to see you.

[@williamlobur6181]

God Bless you mr collins, thank you for all the wonderful, meaningful music, GODSPEED

[@fredlowryjr2371]

Had a VIP pass in Omaha Nebraska . Didn't get to meet him but his show was fantastic. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. Thank you 😎

[@MongoHunts]

Mr. Collins! Welcome Back! Missed you man!

[@MIACAIMAI]

40yrs a fan, was at the Echo arena Liverpool June 2nd last year and will be at La Forum 28th October for what i feel will be his last show ever, its been a great journey Phil, been everywhere to see you and Genesis over the years, me and the new generation as in my daughter Maisie will be rocking that Sunday, havn't got a clue what i'll do in the future, i reckon i could start up a Genesis museum with all the gear ive got :))))

[@cherbearzz]

JEFF JONES did you like the concert? I was there and LOVED it!

[@janeowen266]

Ahhh Memories come flooding back. Amazing!!!

[@andyengle]

Just saw him in concert last night, and wow what a fantastic show! His son Nick was on the drums sounded great. Thanks for decades of great music, Phil!

[@chrismetalhead843]

His time is winding down, I wish him well! His music has been a part of my whole life

[@TheHotshots1]

Would love to be watching him in concert just one time. In the Air tonight!!

[@nlight101]

He is a genius.. Can't slow down, My sweet dear Faster Phil.

[@kathleenlankford6027]

Always loved his music and still do. Those drums!!

[@pawelcc38]

Last night in Barclays Center had chance to see Phil and his son live - Great concert . GOD BLESS MAN

[@gasmaskdav9155]

Love phil

[@gasmaskdav9155]

Sadly. Those who always give happiness to others, are always the saddest

[@ryangettig274]

God Bless your Heart & Health Mr. Collins!I hope your son being behind the kit puts some wind in your sails!!:)......

[@philcollins4092]

Gasmask Dav Thank your! I love you too gasmask!

[@cindyellis655]

Wow! I just hang on every word of Phil Collins songs that made him Great!

[@lynnehoyt9130]

Love you Phil, many memories since way back in early Genesis days and beyond . I always loved that drumming intro piece from In the Air, when I heard it here, I was thinking wow that young kid is so lucky to have learned from one of the best drummers. Then we find out it's your son Nick. Awesome.

[@Crimsonphilosophy]

I'm down for a Phil Collins album in 2019.

[@dudeman4955]

Love his music! Spent many good times in my first car jamming to him.

[@strauqq1]

This guy's music is the sound track to my life. Thanks Phil!

[@enidmaysonet7752]

We really miss you Phil!!!❤❤❤