Not Dead Yet: The Memoir by Phil Collins (2016)

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.

The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir by Mike Rutherford (2015)

The story of Genesis is the rock legend of how a humble schoolboy band grew into a group of global superstars. At its center stood Mike Rutherford, driving the music from pioneering prog rock to chart-topping hits. Now for the first time, he tells the remarkable inside story of Genesis and his own band, Mike + The Mechanics.

Against the rhythm of drink, drugs, and lineup changes, Mike's father, a World War II naval officer, always stood in the background. He would watch Genesis grow, supporting them from the very beginning when they toured Britain in the back of a bread van. Through extreme highs and lows, loyal Captain Rutherford was always there, earplugs at the ready.

But when his father suddenly died, Mike was forced to reexamine their relationship and only then began to understand how much their lives had overlapped. The Living Years is a revealing memoir of the relationship between father and son and the story of how music, families, and friendship combine.

Interesting stuff. I have always liked Phil Collins and Genesis. He got a little bit of a bad wrap when he went solo, but I always liked his songs and the group's work too.

Missmusicluver72 said:

I have always liked Phil Collins and Genesis.

You might be interested in Genesis' 2007 book. It has participation from many people involved with the band, including original member Anthony Phillips and touring drummer Chester Thompson. Even some of their roadies have written parts. It also has many photos. The book is similar to the Beatles Anthology book, sort of a band autobiography.

Thanks for the info, will have to check this out. I love the picture books of these artists.

MickyDolenz said:

Missmusicluver72 said:

I have always liked Phil Collins and Genesis.

You might be interested in Genesis' 2007 book. It has participation from many people involved with the band, including original member Anthony Phillips and touring drummer Chester Thompson. Even some of their roadies have written parts. It also has many photos. The book is similar to the Beatles Anthology book, sort of a band autobiography.