Phil Collins at Live Aid 1985 - Vocal Analysis and Reaction to "Against All Odds"

[@Gary_M]

He handled that small flub with grace. Younger people might not even realize what a huge deal Live Aid was. It was an international audience, literally one of the most-watched things ever.

[@Jedi_Jeff]

1.9 billion people in 150 nations watched it.. live

[@ericbrouet]

Of course he did, he's Phil Collins after all

[@chamisi]

that was so awesome

[@brett2015]

I don’t know why but that little slip up makes it even better 😂

[@frankswaim]

@@Jedi_Jeff2 arenas. Wembly in UK and Philly. He was the only one to play both. He hopped on the concord and played a set at each and drummed for Clapton Knopfler, and Plant I believe.

[@david8157]

Phil Collins is the full package... writing, singing, playing... all first rate

[@hakany12]

but he can't dance

[@david8157]

@@hakany12 Lol... good point

[@tomseitz]

Hello! Love this. He actually flew in on the Concorde... crossing the Atlantic in 3-1/2 hours after playing at London's Wembley Stadium and then Philadelphia the same day, thanks to the Concorde.

[@jackarmstrong1838]

That voice OOZES emotion. SHEESH.

[@dingbat19]

No auto-tune, just pure talent

[@hugosbeerspirits4871]

His mistake is my favorite part. What a pro.

[@Kholdaimon]

One of my childhood memories is going to a Phil Collins concert with my mom in Ahoy, Rotterdam. We had the cheapest tickets, but the teenage son of one of the ushers saw me and convinced his dad to let us into the front section because otherwise I wouldn't be able to see (I was 6 at the time). And when I was standing there some random tall guy put me on his shoulders and I spend the entire concert sitting there, singing along (or at least make the noises, since I didn't speak English)... I remember Phil starting the concert with a big drum-solo, it was amazing... Just an amazing artist.

[@dost328]

That missed note will make this presentation unique. Phil Collins and Genesis will always be one of my top best singers and bands ❤

[@blakerh]

Yeah, love PC!

[@happyguy61]

He’s the complete package, isn’t he? Brilliant songwriter, musician and vocalist. Your analysis served to highlight his distinctive vocal ability and quality. And the fluffed note he did was a great reminder that the musicians we idolise are in fact human and can make mistakes. That humanity actually makes them more credible. Great reaction Beth❤

[@sethcashman1011]

"That humanity actually makes them more credible." Totally agree.

[@jerryharris7065]

I've always been a metalhead. But when you're at the school dance and you have that girl in your arms there's no one better than Phil collins. Have I mentioned Killswitch engage

[@FirstNameLastName-tb3rm]

😂😂…🤘🏻

[@--Spooky--]

No shame in that. I'm 41 so obviously grew up with genesis and Phil's solo albums. That being said I listen to mostly deathcore and it will never stop me from showing love to phil. Amazing singer songwriter and musician.

[@brett2015]

I’ll bet my life the members of Killswitch F’ing love Phil Collins. Everyone loves Phil 🔥🔥🔥

[@davidkettell5726]

Brilliant ,flawless live vocal,not easy to do and not a bad piano player for a drummer.

[@lnautomobile3248]

Love it. Having grown up in the 70s and 80s, there’s so much music I didn’t fully appreciate until I got much older. This is one of those.

[@RakMontreal]

He played both London and Philly live aid in the same day.

[@darkpitcher5242]

Because we had the world's fastest passenger airliner at the time. Being back Concord

[@iceelf-gs1492]

Bethany, I agree with you 100%, his song writing every bit equals his vocal and musicial abilities. And there’s a mini life lesson in that brief missed note - we all mess-up from time to time, but the important thing is to keep going. Great song, great vocals, great analysis! Thanks…

[@OlettaLiano]

Personally, I kind of like when there's a clinker note or two. It's just proof they are playing live! LOL.

[@DennisTedder-wj5ln]

I know Phil. He's exactly as you think he would be. I first met him in '90 across from the Museum of Nat History in NYC. Many times after that. Whatever you can imagine, he is. I love him.

[@BigRedSpear]

One of my favorite voices. so unique. The tone is bright but also strong and thick

[@sethcashman1011]

My gosh is this performance magical. I vividly recall watching it live and being utterly transfixed. Glad you mentioned that infamous "note." It jumps out at me every single time, but, in a funny way, it adds charm, and a sense of immediacy and humanity, to this rendition and I actually welcome it now. And yes, he handled it beautifully. A friend of mine played in PC's band (and on all of the recordings) from 1984 - 2019 and, to this day, has nothing but wonderful things to say about his former boss. It's always nice to know that one of your heroes happens to be a great human being, as well. That isn't always the case. Thanks so much for reacting to - and analyzing - this one!

[@Mr.Ekshin]

Every performer at Live Aid had to have been literally quaking in their boots as they took the stage. More people watched this than watched the moon landings... in fact more than double. The Apollo 11 landing had previously been the single most watched television event in world history with some 600 million people viewing. But this was being watched by at least 1.5 BILLION people around the world... about a third of the entire world's population at the time.

[@pnwflyfisher7699]

This song still breaks my heart. I sat in an empty home after my wife left me. I played this song as I sat in my chair. Then I went on a 5 year bender..... Still miss her

[@matts9]

Genesis, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks, love them all - great music from great musicians! So much goodness! Thanks for highlighting Phil!

[@TheRKae]

Check out Anthony Phillips (the original guitarist for Genesis). His music is elegant and beautiful. His album “The Geese & The Ghost” features Mike Rutherford on guitar and has a couple of tracks sung by Phil. There’s a multi-disc box of it that is WELL WORTH the price. It includes a mid-‘70s single called “Silver Song” and “Only Your Love” sung by Phil.

[@SonofHendrik]

You miss the most important one in the Genesis line up: Steve Hackett. Still plays the music and better than in the old days. Have a listen.

[@coyotecreekband236]

To me one of the greatest love songs written. Never is the word love or heart sung; but it drips of love and pain; such brilliance. Of course his vocal performance is off the charts. So many other examples of great Phil songs. I can hardly wait for the next one! Thanks Brittany.

[@dietrichkuhlgatz3753]

Dear Bethany, what day for gifted Phil Collins. He played drums for Eric Clapton in London, performed his songs in London, took the Concorde to JFK, played with Led Zeppelin, and then performed his songs again approximately at the same local time as he played in London. Having said that: I’m a great fan of your KZbin channel, thank you for all the good moments and insights into the secrets of the human voice.

[@chamisi]

I remember him flying the concord, but damn I didn't know he did all that (I just remember the live aid thing)

[@jgamez5023]

I don't know why, but Phil always reminded me of Robin Williams

[@PaulSmith-mh2yq]

So many of you who weren't alive for Live Aid, you missed out. Wembley was a day I'll never forget. So many good musicians singing great songs whose lyrics WE COULD UNDERSTAND !

[@kozmosis3486]

I cannot listen to him sing this song without breaking down. The lyrics describe an early chapter of my own life, and when he sings those words with such emotion my heart breaks all over again.

[@johnkase6285]

Right there with you, hits like a ton of bricks ❤

[@sharinglungs3226]

Probably one of the greatest songs ever written and it was for a movie of all things. It’s amazing how captivating a piano and singing can be.

[@ZenyattaFan1]

The guy is such an amazing musician/singer/songwriter. It's just incredible! What an artist!

[@ivans8543]

So bloody talented, so bloody underestimated !

[@andersgranstrom7128]

What a fantastic song, really!! A lot of it ´cos of Phil´s singing!! 😍The song reaches through, makes a difference to a lot of people... If you don´t happen to be emotionally dead.... The error in the beginning!! Gosh, imagine doing that in front of a couple of billion people!? 😲 He shakes it off, moves on - because he is one of the best.

[@GregMcNeish]

This is actually one of TWO performances Phil Collins did of this song at that concert. This was him at Wembley Stadium in London, and then he hopped on the Concord jet to play the second half of the concert taking place in Philadelphia. He played this song again, and I find it particularly fascinating to hear the differences in performances. In Philadelphia, he doesn't have the little piano flub, but I find there's a bit less life in his voice, too. You can HEAR the jetlag in his singing.

[@algomaone121]

I lived in Philadelphia at the time of Live Aid. I didn’t go, but I lived near the subway terminal and I remember that weekend seeing hundreds and hundreds of concert goers walk by my house coming and going. The city was electric that day, and I knew that it was a historic occasion in music history!

[@reinholdmessner1703]

I have heard this song countless times but it's probably the first time I really listened to the lyrics. I'm currently living those lyrics.

[@kevinkaurin8383]

Chill after chill! So many core memories... His voice, songs carried me through many hard nights and miles.

[@jamesrobert4106]

For someone just starting to learn this masterpiece, when you mentioned "nasal resonance" it put into words something I couldn't quite articulate. Thank you 🙂 Phil Collins has received endless mockery over the years, and yet nobody denies the man is a musical genius.

[@paulhaigh7017]

Phil is one of the greatest musicians of all time. Drummer, keyboard Player, Singer, Songwriter, Producer. And all of the musical differences that he performed in. Progressive rock with Genesis. The hugely successful pop solo stuff that he did. The fusion music that he wrote and played with Brand X. And the film soundtrack work that he did. Also his production work for other artists, he was one of the most sought after producers in the 80's and 90's. A musical genius as far as l'm concerned. But as most gifted musicians were, he was very modest. He was nocked and ridiculed by some people, but those that mocked him. We're lucky to have a maximum of 5% of Phil's talent. I saw Genesis live twice. And they were brilliant. Absolute masters of playing progressive rock and and pop music. He is and will always be one of the most talented musicians that have ever lived.

[@sugarman4354]

What was incredible about this performance was the fact he played both London & Philadelphia on the same day while both concerts were still playing simultaneously. Imagine running for helicopters & planes to perform to full stadiums on both sides of the Atlantic.

[@jeffreyhawk1080]

Live aid was on my 21st birthday. I saw Phil Collins performance from Wembley and in Philadelphia. Great memories, watched from early to very late from many locations. The look on his face when he flubbed was priceless.

[@genegiusti6239]

This was his performance in Wembley Stadium, he performed it again flawlessly about five hours later in Philadelphia. Check out that version also.

[@SonyStudioPro]

Don’t exaggerate… London (England) to Philly in the USA is a 9,5hrs flight… So unless Superman gave him a ride to Philadelphia what you said is impossible. And yes i was present at the Live Aid concert at Wembley.

[@genegiusti6239]

Actually it's not. Phil flew the Concorde from London to JFK which only took around 3 hours. He then took a helicopter from JFK to Philly. Phil took the stage around 3:20pm EST in London and finished around a half hour later. He took the stage in Philly at around 8pm EST. It's cool you got to be there. I watched it live on MTV from the beginning. The benefit of watching on TV they were showing Phil's take offs and landings because of the historic nature of what he was doing. I actually recorded the entire concert on VHS tapes. Well almost all of it, I missed some because I was switching tapes. So the main point it my statement was accurate. Just an FYI, I actually researched it before I posted to ensure accuracy.

[@bigphilnyc]

I, too, love the "back" portion. A lot of it is SEEING him do it. His face shows exertion and emotion. He's giving it his all. It's similar to what I see Dave Matthews do a lot.

[@minty_Joe]

At 7:08, the guy sitting in the middle with the bass guitar is Sting (The Police) aka Gordon Sumner. The microphone Phil sings into is a Beyerdynamic [pronounced buy-er] M88 N(C). Phil endorsed their products and used the M88 both in the recording studio and live at the time.

[@dinoc734]

One of the greatest prog rock drummers slinging keys and melodies while displaying one the greatest voices. Talk about talent.

[@rk41gator]

I've been amazed at the consistency of Collin's voice. His breath control is stellar. I find it difficult to see/hear him breathe, but the support is always there and so solid.

[@aldona9988]

I now realize why I’ve always been a huge fan of his music. He expresses the key words with so much meaning. Like for instance (In The Air Tonight) so expressive!!!

[@annstevens6223]

I read somewhere this song was written only for a movie, Phil thought it wasn’t good enough for an album or something like that. Wow it’s his greatest hit next to In the Air.

[@L3x4Pr0ne]

That little flub is so iconic from this show and somehow makes him and this song more endearing. Only this guy could pull that off.

[@defariase]

Love Phil Collins... love this video. Thank you!

[@benhouisraouf9703]

This song is the story of every one

[@tomseitz]

Your passion makes me cry. 😢🙌💜🙏

[@heavin6586]

This song will forever by at the top of my playlist.. "That's All" is another masterpiece in my mind too. Very underrated

[@lancerx1759]

Phil Collins is a Legend dudes been crushing for decades

[@dystar112]

1985 Live Aud what a time. Phil Collins - legendary💥

[@shanomac69]

Another great performance from Phil, such a talented man, sings, plays piano and drums, just AMAZING. I really loved his live performance of In The Air Tonight in 1990 when he comes in on the drums halfway through the song.

[@paul_domici]

My 17 year old ass was there 😂❤❤❤ It was an amazing day!!!

[@frk75]

lucky you, i was only 10 and have hazy memory of it, bits of it on tv is all i remember, i was so young

[@helenamolero]

My first cassette tape I ever got back as a kid was by Phil Collins. Back in the 80’s, I think I was 7 ❤ love him

[@allengray5748]

Good show Bethany.Wasn't a big enough fan to buy one of those vinyl album things but he has some gems for sure. TAKE ME HOME, I WISH IT WOULD RAIN DOWN and his cover of YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE, Hmmm 🤔 A Best Of is starting to sound good decades later. Take Care and Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎

[@mc0334]

A great great drummer, singer, songwrirter, a lovely and funny man with a big hart and nice soul. Loved by many people all around the world. His kids are talented too, Nic the young drummer, and Lily Collins, the actrice for exemple... Nice reaction

[@sacks7544]

i showed my 11yr old daughter this video as she recently did a play where she got her lines wrong and didnt handle it at all well, I wanted to show her how a guy in front of 70k + 3 billion watching around the world handled busting a note, his smile and composure, completely agree about your comment of a teaching moment. And yes Phil is a legend and I want to see a film about him, like bohemian rapsody or rocketman.....

[@susanmarks2382]

❤ He got on Concorde and flew to Philadelphia and play there too on the same day....

[@jenniferh2633]

Phil is one of the few artists when I go on a trip with my mom and Gma that we can all agree on. He’s timeless. And my Gma cringes when my mom and I air drum to in the air tonight.

[@peat_dont_repeat]

His performance on I don't care anymore is a perfect way to deal with anger

[@aceball7076]

Phil Collins at his best!

[@G.M.1944]

Sublime ! Goosebumps !

[@charbeen6976]

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[@charbeen6976]

‘BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER’ (SO HYANG VERSION) 4TH IMPACT Link.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZfHqp5uiMaSj9U

[@maxmeier532]

not interested. this isnt about childhood careers.

[@paulsandford3345]

I can remember that he performed in London live aid then flew by Concorde, to perform in the US live aid! Was just awesome!

[@westonweigand1228]

Phil is chameleon like with his talent from musician to entertainer to writer, singer etc... Great channel you have Bethany,your love for music shows in your art. Blessings to you.

[@marc_leblanc]

Phil Collins wss one of my favorite artists growing up in the 80s.

[@blastingweevil2968]

considering the era that this was performed and the fact it was LIVE he sounded amazing even though he hit that 1 wrong note :) gave himself a little smile !!! everyone knows him for playing the drums but his vocals are also world class..

[@christopherplasse5101]

An incredibly sad song about his divorce; brilliant songwriter, musician.

[@rk41gator]

Actually it was re-written for a movie score.

[@europa_bambaataa]

Pretty cool to realize here how much goes into vocal composition as a part of overall composition... Because of everything she's saying about vowel and consonant choices on the high notes ... Wow 👍👍🎵💕

[@danielbrown4133]

One thing I have found in my lifetime is when the songwriter writes a song they know exactly how they want the finished product to sound. David Gates of Bread is one of those singer/songwriters, he mostly sings his own compositions to perfection, the same can be said for Phil Collins and consequently you can't really see anyone else singing their song.

[@kevin7151]

One thing people often forget is that he became the lead singer in Genesis when Peter Gabriel departed from the band. If I recall, they looked for a replacement singer for some time and ultimately settled on Phil. That would ultimately turn out to be a stroke of genius.

[@Kingfisher1215]

People who were alive then and following rock don’t forget. In fact this was widely known by most people who listened to the radio because they spoke of it often when playing Genesis or Peter Gabriel songs back then.

[@sethcashman1011]

I don't know many who've forgotten that, but it's still an amazing turn of events.

[@kevin7151]

@@Kingfisher1215 I actually thing Genesis and Peter Gabriel had better trajectories in their careers after he departed. It wound up being a win-win for all.

[@inlakesh555]

Respect to this man. He also played with Led Zeppelin on that event.... I read he learned the whole stuff on the flight.

[@malguskerensky]

Thrilled to see Phil Collins in the mix, thank you! If you do any more of his songs please consider "I Don't Care Anymore" - Official Video 1983 may be a good performance. Also a Genesis song like Mama would be interesting to hear a breakdown of.

[@neferkare100]

he only needs his voice and a piano, that's it.. ❤

[@user-Vegas1]

It was interesting to watch you. “listen“ to his singing. I could see that you were breaking it down, listening for certain things with in his voice based on your profession it was a pleasure to watch you.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Straight after performing this he flew on Concorde and performed in Philadelphia the same day

[@FionaEm]

Gotta love 80s excess 😅❤

[@bukeksiansu2112]

From monster prog rock drummer to Disney hits OST, only Phil can do that.

[@FionaEm]

This song takes me back to my teenage years. I prefer another of his ballads, Do You Remember?, but he's written so many good tracks over the years, it's easy to forget how multi-talented he is. Songwriter, singer, drummer, pianist. Not bad! Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@Steve-bo6ht]

Incredible artist really appreciate the reaction, really loved you're concentration from 8:45 onwards the words have such a deep meaning to me from a past relationship

[@banbros1996]

One of the best live performance

[@andyMSH700]

words sometimes cannot describe genius

[@Kingfisher1215]

Phil played in both concert locations, he flew the Concorde from London back to the US. We watched that concert on TV, with the basic speakers unfortunately. Imagine it today being broadcast in HD with surround sound.

[@arissarox]

This gd song lol. It shreds me every time. Even as a little girl, when I couldn't possibly understand the complex emotions in his songs, I knew this song made you feel big things.

[@safespacebear]

It's weirdly lovely when a musician makes a mistake. You are immediately a tiny bit crestfallen for them out of empathy. Then they recover and move on and you almost feel pride for them in moving past it. Then before you realize you are totally invested in the performance.

[@brunoibanez2578]

Great artist phill, and this theme is very romantic.

[@carlossalazar3917]

My song, My first love, My first tears

[@marcomazotti]

One of the greatest musicians of the last decades. And also, drummer! Nice video, i also like the slightly gray curley hair ;)

[@Starlesslight]

That's the thing isn't it? A lot of people can sing, but not all of them are famous. Aside from finding the right song which seems to be becoming harder and harder to do, they have to have that "it" factor as well. So somebody like Phil or Sting are unicorns, who can write songs, lyrics, sing, and bring them to life successfully. Even more amazing is how they came out around at the same time, and mirrored each other being successful in bands and then solo as well.

[@tomcruze1936]

you have an incredible smile

[@TheSSMusicChannel]

I was there and he put in a good days work that day. Even when he did hit the wrong key. For me he cant do wrong.

[@alexthorpe6583]

I was a huge fan of Phil Collins and Genesis, in the late 80's and early 90's. I could sing along with a LOT of their songs; his range was a comfortable fit for my own. I'm sure I still could, if I wasn't battling fall allergies so hard right now.

[@wesbaumguardner8829]

Why did you stop being a fan of Phil Collins and Genesis?

[@alexthorpe6583]

@@wesbaumguardner8829 Eh, I listened to a wider array of music, and my tastes got heavier with time.

[@wesbaumguardner8829]

@alexthorpe6583 I listen to a wide array of music including a lot of heavy stuff, but I'm still a fan of Phil Collins and Genesis. I don't think it's mutually exclusive.

[@roberta7727]

❤ Thank you for jamming Phil Collins. Can you please play Genesis misunderstanding?😂 Love your show Rock On.😊

[@kevinaustin0369]

Sophomore year of HS. None of us will ever forget this performance. One of which Queen famously dominated with a 20 minute performance. Anyway, Phil’s flub was understandable. The night before he had performed in London I believe. Got off stage, got on a plane and flew half way around the world, and arrived shortly before he got on stage and performed this now famous memory. The entire day was incredible and truly was unforgettable.

[@frk75]

that was his peak period not only in popularity but, i think , his voice, mid eighties, before 40yo, maturity, more control, still plenty of power. vocally its my favourite period of his carreer, though musically im more into the mid 70s genesis stuff and his first solo record

[@isthiswherewecamein6130]

He said when he messed up that part, he felt 80,000 people collectively gasp!!!

[@carolcraine5129]

Invisible Touch Tour 10-1986 Oakland, fantastic concert.

[@mick-i3y]

I hope you don't mind, but it is also a very happy time just looking at your beautiful face and your lovely expressions. Thank you.

[@TomUlcak]

I don't want to imagine a world without you in it. LOVE your channel. Your enthusiasm. And, you have a cute nose. Don't worry, you are much too young for me. grandpa signing off....

[@HughJaxident67]

Best track he ever wrote, period

[@wg7644]

Without the right singer - YES - Look for how few can "cover" this type of song.

[@patcow9999]

Thank you for this reaction. Phil of course famously attended London and Philadelphia Live Aid concerts via a Concorde flight! I'm a huge Genesis fan, enjoying both the Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins lead singer eras. IMO Phil sung some great songs on Wind and Wuthering but nothing beats his singing on the track Undertow.