Phil Collins' Not Dead Yet Tour: A Night of Genesis Hits and Vocal Vulnerability

Last night, Phil Collins brought his Not Dead Yet tour to RAC Arena in Perth, delivering a setlist that spanned his iconic solo career and Genesis hits. The show was a testament to the enduring appeal of Collins' music, with fans singing along to every word.

The evening kicked off with a series of tracksuits-clad Collins larking about on stage, sporting impressive facial hair and showcasing his signature awkward charm. It's hard not to laugh at the image of the former Genesis frontman in a bright yellow suit, but it was a stark reminder that he was never as cool as contemporaries like Bowie or Jagger.

However, when Collins settled into the piano for You Know What I Mean, a gentle ballad from his 1981 solo debut Face Value, his reduced range actually worked to his advantage. The song showcased the vulnerability in his weathered voice, and it was a welcome respite from the bombast of some of his more well-known hits.

One highlight of the evening was Genesis' iconic hit Invisible Touch, which featured archival footage of the British supergroup on screen behind Collins. It's hard not to be swept up in the nostalgia of hearing those songs again, but it also served as a reminder that Collins is now an older man, and his voice has taken its toll.

That being said, when Collins joined forces with backing singers for Easy Lover, his hit duet with Philip Bailey from 1984, the song came alive. The Vine Street Horns added a welcome layer of depth to the performance, and it was clear that Collins still has the ability to bring people together through his music.

Throughout the evening, Collins' band – including long-time bassist Leland Sklar and Genesis touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer – proved themselves to be impressively polished, and it's clear that they've been touring together for a while. The addition of Collins' 17-year-old son Nicholas on drums also brought a welcome injection of youthful energy to the performance.

As the evening drew to a close with a rendition of Against All Odds, Collins reminded us all that he may not be as cool as he used to be, but he's still got it where it counts. And who knows – maybe one day we'll see him rocking up to the pokies in his swivel chair.

For now, though, Phil Collins is happy to have some fun on stage, and that's exactly what he did last night. The Not Dead Yet tour may be a nostalgia trip for some, but it's also a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together and create new memories.

Phill collins invisible touch