“I’m no longer officially retired,” Phil Collins has announced in an interview with Rolling Stone, signalling he’s ready to work on new material and possibly even looking to tour before that.
“The horse is out of the stable and I’m raring to go,” the 64 year old said, before mentioning he’d want to come out to Australia and the Far East if a tour was to happen.
“I don’t think I want a very long tour,” stated Collins. “But I would like to play the stadiums in Australia and the Far East, and that’s the only way to do that. But there’s a part of me that just wants to do theaters, so we’ll see.”
Here’s hoping the Sussudio singer makes it out this far, although with the announcement coming only days after he had undergone major back surgery after he awoke one day unable to move his right foot, he might need some time to prepare.
While that injury had taken away his ability to play drums, after this last surgery his doctor has told him he can get back behind the kit, as long as he takes it step by step. “He said to me, ‘If you want to play drums again, all you have to do is practice.’” Great news for those of us hoping to catch him delivering the earth shattering drum solo from In The Air Tonight.
His return comes after announcing his retirement in 2010 to focus on spending more time with his kids, whom his ex-wife had moved to Miami in 2008. However as the little ones are now all grown up, Collins is eager to get back in the studio and back on the road.
Plans for a return have been in the works for a while now though, as Collins had brought bassist Lelan Skar and drummer Jason Bonham to rehearse material late last year, his back issues having put a hold on everything. All better now though, he’s moved a recording studio in to his home and is preparing to begin working on a new album next month, which would be the first original material from the artist since 2002’s Testify.
Still, a tour may be on the cards before we see an album, depending on how fans react to his forthcoming reissue campaign. “I’m easily flattered,” Collins said. “If people rediscover the old stuff and show interest, it would be silly to not make more music.”
Another big question though was of course the prospect of seeing another Collins led Genesis reunion. Tentative about making any promises, Collins nevertheless told Rolling Stone that “I love the guys. I would just prefer to do this first. For now, let’s just see how this goes.”
On the topic of a Peter Gabriel fronted Genesis, Gabriel of course having led the band before Collins, originally the drummer, took over as frontman, Collins said he thought fans hadn’t thought it out. “Pete won’t sing Invisible Touch or I Can’t Dance,” said Collins. “We’d only do material like The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.”
Regardless of what happens with Genesis, Collins is excited and keen to continue work on his solo career and get back out on the road. “No matter what happens, I can go out there, play piano and sing. I’m just in a very happy place right now.”
In the meantime you can froth on this epic live video of Collin’s performing classic hit In The Air Tonight.
Watch: Phil Collins – In The Air Tonight
