 |
| Phil Collins (The One & Only) |
Solo Success
Phil Collins is an artist that is quintessentially cool and laid back, without maybe having the on-stage rip-roaring charisma or stage presence showmen such as Elton John have for instance. Although this may have (in some peoples eyes) held him back as an outstanding performer or one of the all time greats on the global stage remains open for debate. Not particularly a heartthrob for the ladies, with little dancing technique or fashion sense; Phil Collins could almost be singled out as a true musician with a more modest and original style.
One thing is for sure though, a successful career both in Genesis and as a solo artist spanning over 4 incredible and largely successful decades makes Phil Collins one of the most successful British musicians who has ever lived. In fact, Phil Collins is one of three recording artists (along with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson) who have sold over 100 million albums worldwide in a band as as a solo artist.
His unique character defines the very tone and variation within his music, from heat-break to cool, and from uplifting funky tracks back to cool again! From the tropical uplifting tones of "Paradise" to the laid back "A Groovy Kinda Love" it is hard to channel or pigeon hole Phil Collins into one particular genre or category.
Why Phil Collins and What Inspired Me To Write This?
For me, Phil Collins is one of those artists I heard repetitively around the house, in the car, and at family parties as a child. While leaving an impression and memorising many of the lyrics, I was maybe too naive in not having developed such a cultured musical taste in my younger years to not appreciate his music and talent so much!
To have stood the test of time from 1968 to performing up to last year (2011) is clearly a merit of his success, and he's still only 61 years young! Being an open minded music fan, my other tastes do span to more modern flavors including dance and R&B. Indeed both genres, and artists such as the great Mariah Carey having covered his songs in more recent years; clear testament to Collins's lasting legacy for time to come!
Furthermore, I have recently watched a full length performance of one of his last shows from his 'Farewell Tour' in 2004 from Paris. This was beyond any shadow of a doubt one of the best live performances by a solo artist and a band I have ever witnessed. I really didn't realise that there were still artists in this day and age that could be pitch perfect for over 2 hours live, including those evidently winding down their careers as Collins was 8 years ago. What a professional!
Where is he now?
Having battled many health problems, including (reportedly) losing his hearing in one ear over a decade ago, and many other aches and pains as highlighted from his Wikipedia profile, I don't feel that Phil Collins lost the love of music, but is maybe too fragile to play the drums at the insanely awesome tempo expected of him, let alone lasting a full concert! After all, having reached such a peak who wants to see a legends career decline?
It can be a sad story watching greats such as Paul McCartney (a national treasure) struggle to hit the notes in the Queen's Jubilee Concert, and even at the Olympic Ceremony.
Phil Collins when choosing to retire cited that he wanted to "focus on family life" which is a fair decision; however deep down I'm sure that we could all do with "One More Night", despite the feeling that his best days have maybe now passed. I'm sure that he's maybe in Switzerland, or at one of his many other pads around the World seeing out a peaceful life! Well I'm sure I'm not the only one that wishes him the best going forward.
Phil Collins Live in Paris 2004 (Farewell Tour)
0 comments:
Post a Comment