There was a time in the mid eighties through to the early nineties where Phil Collins was seen as the Mr. Nice Guy of the music business. His profile was so high that virtually everyone you met knew who he was. Alas as is always the case the backlash hit and the critics sharpened their knives. The result being that Poor old Phil came in for a severe amount of critical and personal bashing which is a little bit unfair as in terms of his output as an artist there have been far more crimes perpetrated by others who have got off Scot free.

This DVD documentary goes a long way to setting the record straight and Phil’s story is refreshingly and more importantly honestly told by Phil himself, his friends and family.

I have to admit that I actually missed the transmission of this documentary on the BBC when it was first broadcast in early November 2002 and so I was coming to it unseen as it where. If you did manage to see it however never fear there is 95 minutes of extra interview footage including interviews with Phil’s former Genesis band mates Peter Gabriel, |Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks.

The story of Phil’s life is told through a number of chapters including his childhood and first musical endeavours. For most however it will be the years when Phil was a member of Genesis and the start of his phenomenally successful solo career that will be the most interesting to watch. All the interviews are candid and above all interesting and in the case of some of the footage of Genesis and Phil’s pre Genesis band Flaming Youth very rarely seen before.

This DVD is unlikely to convert anyone to the cause of Phil Collins or even convince you to rush out and buy one of his albums, however if you are a fan or where even a fan of Genesis then there is more than enough to justify the purchase of this very watch able film on one of rock music’s immensely likeable and successful characters.

Phil Collins may well live a life less ordinary however that just makes it all the more interesting to watch.

***

Review by Jon Kirkman, Rock Ahead

© 2003 All rights reserved.

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly