Not dead yet : the memoir
(Book)

The Genesis front man and successful solo artist presents a reflective memoir that shares insights into the remarkable experiences behind many of his iconic songs and performances, discussing his early years, relationships with fellow artists, and struggles with addiction.

Phil Collins pulls no punches--about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that's inspired his music. In this much-awaited memoir, he tells the story of his epic career, with an auspicious debut at age thirteen 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, 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 Collins is 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 Tarzan, his 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' candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, and 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 for crafting songs from the heart that stir listeners around the globe. That same touch is on magnificent display here, especially as he recounts 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.--From dust jacket.

A drummer almost before he could walk, Collins received on-the-job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis, and stockpiling stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame. This is his unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the drinking and the deafness, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines, and his harrowing descent into darkness after his "official" retirement in 2007.