Phil Collins pulls no punches—about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that’s inspired his music. In his much-awaited memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the story of his epic career, with an auspicious debut at age 11 in a crowd shot from the Beatles’ legendary film A Hard Day’s Night. A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on the job training in the seedy, … job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis.
Soon, he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and “In the Air Tonight.” Whether he’s recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney’s smash-hit animated Tarzan, Collins’s storytelling chops never waver. And of course he answers the pressing question on everyone’s mind: just what does “Sussudio” mean?
Not Dead Yet is Phil Collins’s candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines. As one of only three musicians to sell 100 million records both in a group and as a solo artist, Collins breathes rare air, but has never lost his touch at crafting songs from the heart that touch listeners around the globe. That same touch is on magnificent display here, especially as he unfolds his harrowing descent into darkness after his “official” retirement in 2007, and the profound, enduring love that helped save him.
This is Phil Collins as you’ve always known him, but also as you’ve never heard him before.
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Genesis were less on my radar than the author as a solo artist, nevertheless I enjoyed reading this honest and heartfelt memoir from Phil Collins who replaced Peter Gabriel as vocalist in 1975.
Phil recounts the support he always had from his mother, and siblings but less so from his father, who died when Phil was 21.
He shares the poverty and struggles of his early years, despite working hard with a number of bands and musicians. It seemed he would never find his niche until finally, he auditioned as drummer for Genesis.
However, the relentless touring and recording took its toll on his first marriage, and indeed his second and third, all told in honest fashion.
Phil finds it hard to turn down work from friends, despite being part of Genesis and beginning a very successful solo career with numerous great hits including “In the Air Tonight.”
The description of his two appearances in Live Aid – on both sides of the Atlantic are a poignant symptom of his being a workaholic.
I felt so sad when he described his descent into depression and alcoholism, which almost ended his life.
Throughout his career, he tries to maintain a close bond with all his children, and it is a testament to him that they do.
I’m not Dead Yet” ends with a reconciliation between Phil and his third wife Orianne. I wish them both health and happiness for the future.
Interesting read about Phil Collins and the music industry
Genesis and Phil Collins has always been my favorite
I really enjoyed Phil Collins’ memoirs. He led an interesting life and at his age he has some worthwhile insights into life. I refer to the audible version of this book narrated by the author himself. Collins has an engaging down to earth narration which I must applaud as it is not easy to narrate successfully. I was engaged immediately. I did not read the written text but I expect it might be a little more stilted as he recalls who, what, when and where. The narration, however, is flawless and it feels as though he is just talking to you. This book prompted me to revisit the wonderful music of Genesis and Phil Collins which was so worthwhile. Examining the lyrics more closing and knowing the backstory made these wonderful songs even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the author’s music. It’s a good read.
Interesting story of an amazingly talented man.
An interesting life!
If you love popular music and are interested in the lives of musicians, this is a good one. Not super exciting, but he has a nice sense of humor and seems to be honest and self deprecating.
I’ve always loved Phil Collins and wanted to learn more about his life and career. This is a very honest and interesting account of his journey. I enjoyed hearing the story in his words, following all the memories, ups and downs.
It was a great book that had some tragic stuff, some funny stuff and informative on things that I did not know about him both personally and professionally. Highly recommend. He is the narrator which I really enjoyed.
Love Phil Collins’ music and I love his candor in this story about his life … the good and the bad.
Interesting read. At times it was a little too name/date/place, but overall a good insight in to a talent I did not realize was so prolific. Honest with his faults and humble with his successes.
An honest and informative read. Totally recommend this for Phil Collins fans.
If you like Phil Collins, you will really enjoy this book!
Surprisingly well-written and had no idea how HARD he worked all his life… and worked & worked, & worked. Didn’t match the easy-going personality “on stage” or public “face”. Funny to read how close he became with super star rockers (that surprised him), then didn’t, as they were all friends. Highly recommend. Not the typical, sex & drugs & rock n’ roll memoir. Very shocking, harrowing description of how close he came to losing his life from a sudden change of lifestyle he acquired later on in life. Enjoy!
Nicely written.
I love Phil Collins. Very I sightful as to how hard he worked (and still works). Amazing how much colaboration there is in the music world. Wish the human race could collaborate As well!!
Candid in-depth autobiography/memoir. Absolutely honest & heartbreaking. He took ownership of his insecurities, his human-ness, his failures & accomplishments. Could not put it down. Loved his music before & now even more so. Thank you, Phillip
Great backstory of Phil Collins and the life he led while with Genesis and after. Family issues and stories were interesting, and I never knew he struggled with substance abuse.