Phil Collins pens online letter to clear up why he's walking away from music
Phil Collins fully intends to quit music –- just not for the reasons people may think.
After a barrage of headlines reporting his motivations for quitting -- some said it was the result of bad reviews, feeling unloved by fans and poor treatment by the press -- the British singer, drummer and actor took to his official website to clear the air.
Writing that he felt the media were painting "a picture of me that is more than a little distorted," the 60-year-old said he was most confused that his retirement was such a major story, since he hadn’t “spoken to anybody in the press for a few months.”
Collins broke down his reasons for walking away from his more than four decade career, which includes multiplatinum success both as a solo artist and with Genesis, Grammy awards and an Academy Award for his music in the film "Tarzan."
“I'm not stopping because of dodgy reviews or bad treatment in the press. I'm not stopping because I don't feel loved; I know I still have a very large fan base that loves what I do. Thank you,” he listed in his letter. “I'm not stopping because I don't fit in, this was proved with "Going Back" reaching No. 1 in the U.K., and doing incredibly well worldwide. I'm not stopping so I can dive full time into my interest for the Alamo.”
His main intention for hanging it all up? To be full-time father to his two young sons on a daily basis.
Whether or not Collins ever sets foot onstage again is to be determined -- he's certainly not the first artist to announce his retirement, and nothing gets the public's attenion like a well-timed comeback. But in case he is serious, we salute him, and offer up this writer's favorite Collins track of all time.
-- Gerrick D. Kennedy
Photo: Phil Collins performs at the Hollywood Bowl. Credit: Los Angeles Times
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Posted by: Virtuefilmsltd | March 08, 2011 at 12:47 PM
We love you Phil !!!
Posted by: Bernard Klock | March 08, 2011 at 03:56 PM
Finally, I thought this guy would never quit!
Posted by: truth to power | March 08, 2011 at 04:50 PM
I am definitely one of your long time fans! You were incredible to watch on the drums and you have such an incredible voice! You will be missed!
Posted by: Tina H | March 08, 2011 at 05:47 PM
I believe when his children are old enough, he will come back to his musical career.
Posted by: Kittybarfola | March 08, 2011 at 09:23 PM
What a dufus. You're 'quitting' to raise 2 young sons? "Oh, great, dad's sitting around all the time, raising us?" Come on Phil, music is the best unifier a family can ever have. Involve your sons in music, yeah don't take them on road trips yet. Show them computers through music, show them friendship through music, compromise, team-work, appreciation of art, listening skills, physical endurance, my god the list goes on and on. What better way to raise your kids than 'raise' them up through the beauty and commitment that 'music' is...
Posted by: eltalon | March 09, 2011 at 02:17 PM
How exactly does one "quit music"? He's not going to sing ever again? Doubt it. Isn't it more accurate to say he's retiring from his recording career? Doubt that, too.
Posted by: laffnmyazzoff | March 09, 2011 at 02:25 PM
Phil Collins is one of the few legitimate torchbearers for the Beatles' legacy. Where the Beatles ended Genesis took over and Phil ended his career where The Beatles began - covering the American early rock & roll songbook. Even for the first few Genesis albums he deserves to be on the honour role in the Rock & Roll pantheon. His exquisite drumming inspired thousands of drummers and won him respect among the best. His 7/8 time drumming groove throughout the Genesis discography still gives me shivers. Thank you Phil for decades of great music (especially Genesis).
Posted by: Fred Cory | March 09, 2011 at 07:58 PM
I gotta quit reading people's stoopid comments. He can do whatever he wants and owes nothing to anybody. I respect his decision to dedicate himself to fatherhood.
Posted by: Big Cadillac | March 09, 2011 at 09:14 PM
Phil, I've been a follower of yours for as long as I can remember. You will be greatly missed by me personally. I've always loved music and you're one of the reasons why. I don't have much, but I'll always have the music you've given me. Thank you very much!!!!!!
Posted by: Nora | March 10, 2011 at 01:14 PM
As reported elsewhere, he's quitting because of hearing loss.
Posted by: GB | March 31, 2011 at 10:11 AM