Not Dead Yet: The Memoir

Phil Collins pulls no punchesabout himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak thats 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 Days 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 hes recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disneys smash-hit animated Tarzan, Collinss storytelling chops never waver. And of course he answers the pressing question on everyones mind: just what does Sussudio mean? Not Dead Yet is Phil Collinss 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 youve always known him, but also as youve never heard him before.