For a moment Perth Arena‘s name change to RAC Arena this coming September 1 was the venue’s biggest news for the week. That’s all changed this morning, with the announcement that former Genesis member and world conquering solo artist Phil Collins will be playing the venue on Monday, January 28 next year.
His Not Dead Yet: Live! tour, christened for the 2016 memoir of the same name, kicks off on Saturday 19 January at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium before heading to Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. Tickets go on sale Wednesday 5 September, from 9.30am (AEST) at ticketek.com.au.
The comeback tour began in the UK and Europe last June, with his five-night show at Royal Albert Hall in London selling out in 15 seconds. He also sold out all 5 arena shows in Germany and 5 arena shows in France, along with successfully headlining a 65,000-capacity show at Hyde Park. With his South and Central America tour just completed and a North American tour scheduled for October 2018, Not Dead Yet: Live! has received both fan and critical acclaim, with The Guardian raving, “Collins’ voice slips into gear, and a run of great songs sets the hall alight with excitement”, while Sheffield Star reported, “…he started with a standing ovation and finished with one that almost brought the house down.”
The hit-maker’s backing band will feature longtime touring members – guitarist Daryl Stuermer (his former touring mate in Genesis), keyboardist Brad Cole, bassist Leland Sklar and percussionist Luis Conte, along with a horn section and backup vocalists. Phil Collins’ 16-year old son, Nicolas, rounds up the band on drums, walking in his father’s footsteps.
“I thought I would retire quietly,” says Collins of his return, “But thanks to the fans, my family and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing. It’s time to do it all again and I’m excited. It just feels right.”
Starting out as a drummer-turned-reluctant-frontman in the 1970s, Phil Collins took Genesis from beloved rock group to one of the biggest bands in the world. He made his smashing global solo debut with 1981’s Face Value and the album’s hit single In The Air Tonight, both of which topped the charts around the world and went multi-platinum in Australia. He followed this with multiple chart-topping hits and seven Top 10 Australian singles including You Can’t Hurry Love, Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), One More Night, Another Day In Paradise and A Groovy Kind Of Love.
Phil Collins plays RAC Arena on Monday, January 28, 2019. Tickets go on sale Wednesday 5 September, from 9.30am (AEST) at ticketek.com.au.
