Not Dead Yet
The Memoir
-
-
4.5 • 261 Ratings
-
-
- $1.99
-
- $1.99
Publisher Description
Phil Collins pulls no punches—about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that’s inspired his music.
In his much-awaited memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the story of his epic career, with an auspicious debut at age 11 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 he’s 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 animated Tarzan, Collins’s 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’s candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, 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 at crafting songs from the heart that touch listeners around the globe. That same touch is on magnificent display here, especially as he unfolds 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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Fans of pop star Collins will relish the friendly sound of his voice as he revisits his childhood and his early career as a child actor, his eventual ascent into music fame, and his most recent return from retirement. He opens up about his personal problems, including alcohol and drug abuse and failed marriages, providing context but not necessarily excusing his actions or shortcomings. He is the ideal narrator for his tale and keeps the flow of the narration highly conversational and intimate, so that listeners feel as if he is right there with him. His emotional projection perfectly aligns with the narrative as he recounts the highs and lows of his life: listeners can feel the happiness, sorrow, and anxiety in his tone and energy as he moves through his life story. A Crown Archetype hardcover.
Customer Reviews
Great Book
Very good book from one of the strangest figures in rock... totally normal Brit, a rather ordinary life outside of stardom. He was loathed and loved (but mostly loved) by fans, had huge crossover appeal with black audiences, but seemed criticized by rock music critics. For no reason other than his success and venturing into pop and soul music, which he was great at.
His turn to alcoholism in late-middle age shows the perils of addiction.
The book seemed sincere and very much like what you’d hear when Phil gives an interview: many times, memoirs don’t seem authentic. That is not the case here... I don’t think Phil embellishes or holds back details.
A great read if you are a fan of his work and career.
Great, Honest Read
I’m a Phil Collins fan and Genesis fan from the Phil Collins era and really loved this biography. It set the record straight on things the press hadn’t shared and offered a great deal of bio from beginning to today, both personally and professionally. Loved reading his stories, his friends and bandmates, family and career. There should be a movie made on his life so far. Thoroughly loved it all!
Honest.
What an amazing career. An endless stream of amazing songs that definitely were the soundtrack to so many lives. And in the midst of all that, Mr. Collins dealt with so many personal frailties and imperfections. He reveals all of this and makes the reader realize that unparalleled success does not insulate us from underlying vulnerabilities. This takes a lot more work than making records.