Phil Collins is coming out of retirement for the first big stint of solo shows in ten years.
The star, whose hits include 'In The Air Tonight' and 'Against All Odds', will play a five-night residency at London's Royal Albert Hall next June.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the The Royal Albert Hall this morning where a Q and A with Jools Holland took place. The Genesis star will also play similar five-nights in Cologne and Paris.
This news follows an announcement he made last year saying he wants to return to touring. But in 2011 it was thought he would never play again with nerve damage leaving him unable to play drums. He also said “"I am stopping so I can be a full time father to my two young sons on a daily basis."
Since then Collins limited himself to a seven song benefit convert in March this year and also sang two of his hits at the opening of the US Open tennis in New York in August.
At the press conference he said he has recovered some dexterity but said he was unlikely to sit behind the kit on the new tour.
“I think I’ll be just singing. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to play the way I used to."
He said his 15 year old son would fill in for his dad on tour. "Nicholas is in the learning stage, and he's already a fantastic drummer," he said.
"I thought I would retire quietly but thanks to the fans, my family and support from some extraordinary artists I have rediscovered my passion for music and performing.
"I changed my mind. I'm living with my young kids and they want me to go out on the road, do some new things, and there's no reason why not."
Elsewhere, Collins has put together a 2-CD or 4 LP collection of the biggest tracks throughout his career with the release of The Singles Collection on 14 October.
The Singles coincides with the release of Phil Collins’ long-awaited autobiography, Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography. It's set to be published by Penguin Random Houseon October 20th.
With 100 million record sales to his name, Number one albums the world over and songs that have soundtracked millions of lives, Phil Collins is a legend whose work has received growing acclaim as a new generation of artists have discovered and been inspired by an incredible career.
Tickets go on sale 21 October at 9am.
June 2017
UK:
4 - London - Royal Albert Hall
5 - London - Royal Albert Hall
7 - London - Royal Albert Hall
8 - London - Royal Albert Hall
9 - London - Royal Albert Hall
Germany:
11 - Cologne LANXESS Arena
12 - Cologne LANXESS Arena
France:
18 - Paris Accor Hotels Arena
19 - Paris Accor Hotels Arena
