Against all odds, Collins not yet dead

NOT DEAD YET – THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY Phil Collins Loot.co.za (R368) Century

REVIEWER: JULIAN RICHFIELD

PHIL COLLINS is best known as the drummer and lead singer of Genesis and as a solo artist, but he is also an accomplished songwriter, actor and record producer. Some of his big hits include: Another Day in Paradise, In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), One

More Night and Sussudio. His records have sold over 150 million worldwide, and he is one of only three recording artists to sell over 100 million records worldwide both as solo artists and as a member of a band, the other two being Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson.

He has won an Academy Award, seven Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Disney Legend Award.

Not Dead Yet is his autobiography. It is an honest, unfiltered and witty account of the highs and lows of his musical career and private life. Collins’s career started with him playing the Artful Dodger in the original West End production of

Oliver, then the years with Genesis as drummer and lead vocalist followed by a highly successful solo career.

The decades playing, touring and recording played havoc on his home life with three marriages ending in divorce. One doesn’t necessarily have to be a Phil Collins fan to enjoy his autobiography. His easy-to-read style engenders respect for a man who has achieved much, but paid a price for it.

Of Not Dead Yet he says: “What you are about to read is my life, as seen through my eyes. It might not comply with the memories of others involved, but it’s the way I remember it.”

The Phil Collins of today seems to have found contentment.

Good on yer, mate!