Phil Collins Takes the Stage Again in Miami

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Phil Collins performing at his Foundation’s event on March 11, 2016

After six years away and a “retirement” that (thankfully) didn’t quite take, the Genesis lead singer/drummer and solo artist returned to performing on Friday night (3/11) with an eight-song set at The Fillmore Miami Beach to benefit a good cause. Although health issues prevent him from playing drums – which Phil’s son Nick instead did handily – and he needs a cane for walking as he recovers from a broken foot, Collins showed himself in fine voice and spirits at the rescheduled Little Dreams Foundation’s Second Annual Dreaming On The Beach Gala Concert 2016.

After a set from former Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm, Collins opened his show with his 1990 #1 solo hit and protest song “Another Day in Paradise,” followed by another of his chart-toppers, 1984’s “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now).” Backed by a band led by Daryl Stuermer, longtime Genesis guitarist and Collins solo collaborator, the singer delivered his debut solo single “In the Air Tonight” followed by his 1984 duet song with Philip Bailey, “Easy Lover,” with bassist Nathan East (one of the tune’s co-writers) taking Bailey’s part. The set wrapped up Phil’s cover of the Temptations classic “My Girl” and a reggae-flavored take on Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

The Little Dreams Foundation was formed by Collins’ ex-wife, Orianne, to tutor young artists, athletes, and musicians by successful professionals like Collins, Tina Turner and actor Christopher Lambert. Phil was scheduled to play the benefit gala back in December but had to call off the show at the last minute due to laryngitis (see our news item here).

The performance kicks off Collins’ return to artistic action and raises hopes among fans for a possible Genesis reunion. He says he has yet to write any new songs and only intends to perform on a limited basis. But as Collins told Rolling Stone last October, “I’m no longer officially retired. The horse is out of the stable and I’m raring to go.”

As his Facebook page noted on March 15: “This year will be an exciting one for Phil, so stay tuned.”

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