Not Dead Yet

The Memoir

By: Phil Collins

Narrated by: Phil Collins

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's Summary

The long-awaited autobiography from Phil Collins, one of the best-selling music artists of all time. This is the roller-coaster journey from his beginnings as a child actor to his domination of the charts as both a solo artist and part of Genesis. His success is astounding, his music has global reach, and his story is legendary.

©2016 Phil Collins (P)2016 Random House Audio

Funny, moving and honest

I was a Genesis fan back in the early days and followed all the members as they did their own things. Phil was always a favourite and this auto-biography tells his whole story. Being read by Phil himself makes it so much more enjoyable. It's an easy listen. It's captivating. It's fun and it's informative, both in terms of Phil's life and astonishing career and his struggles as an ordinary, workaholic bloke who can't say no despite the effects this has on the families he's created and so obviously adores. I've always admired him and his candor, self depreciation and humour in this memoir make me like the old chap even more.

If this was the book I wouldn't have put it down. As the Audible I played it in the car, at work and at home over a two day period. A record for me. It's a "right riveting" listen!

Outstanding~ personal ~ at times tragic and funny~

PLOT:a personal look at the life of the "intense" and talented Phil Collins.

Phil Collins narrates this bio. He starts with is home life including stormy relationship with his Dad. He is talented in music and is keen on drums. He earns the part of the "artful dodger" in a musical version of Oliver until his voice breaks due to on coming manhood. He takes piano lessons from his aunt who even leaves him her cherished piano. Around age 20 Phil works to pay for his cherished Record Collection. He tells of a funny story of being in the movie "A Hard Days Night" with the Beatles which ends up on the cutting room floor. So many near misses on the climb to fame. He is in several bands but ends up with Genesis. Timid and a bit shy he expresses himself through his music. A youthful first marriage ends in a devastating divorce and two children. a second marriage which ends up his admitting an affair and also dumping Jill wife #2 by Fax......He admits it all and holds nothing back including self loathing. As his fame increases and his song writing and solo career and Genesis explodes he is one of the top singers, song writers and drum players in the 1980s and 1990s earning many Grammy and music awards including an Oscar. As marriage #3 fails ....he retires and becomes an alcoholic. He has several near fatal hospital stays with pancreatic failure. His near brushes with death only destroyed his health and his relationships. He is very candid and even humorous as he clearly says...I had "alcohol in my blood or should I say ....blood in my alcohol." ....As he recovers his health AND finally his addictions.....he makes a successful relationship with ex wife #3 with who he still resides. He also is candid about the use of steroids to help his singing voice which also deteriorates his bones and back. He admits to now walking with a cane and blames no one but himself for all his problems. His look inside the world of world of bands and music is both fascinating and revealing. At times funny like his meeting Cher on a plane. This book is excellent. His reading his own bio keeps you focused on how brilliant this man really is. The highs and lows of very talented Phil Collins ~ Best Bio I have heard. 5 STARS all the way.

What a journey through an amazing life and career

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's an amazing look at the life and career of an Icon.

What did you like best about this story?

That Phil read it. No way it could have been any other way!

What does Phil Collins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

What doesn't he bring? It's read by the man who lived it. How could it be any better?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

I have been a Phil Collins and Genesis fan since I was a teenager and I think this book could quite possibly make me appreciate the music and respect Phil even more. Being read by him made it just that much better and I'm glad he did. It was by far one of the best read Audible books I've ever listened to.Thank you Phil for sharing your life and career stories and thank you for all your contributions to music, charities and the arts.

What a huge musical legacy. What a personal life.

I'm glad he talked about his drinking. Anyone at age 50 needs to find a way to stop. not talked about enough. Overall great book.

Honest

Phil doesn't hold back and is willing to admit to his shortcomings. His performance is easy to listen to and I was interested every step of the way.

an honest story from a wonderful singer

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, for hhonesty and interesting material

What was one of the most memorable moments of Not Dead Yet?

Phil's courageous recoveries from alcoholism

Have you listened to any of Phil Collins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

his music was wonderful, but I now know the human behind it which is cool

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and it only took me two to finish it!

Any additional comments?

GET the audiobook, listen to it - and then get all of the mentioned albums!

An honest candid look at Phil Collins

I found this book to be entertaining and interesting. I also appreciate that Phil doesn't portray himself in a perfect light. He admits his faults and regrets. He also proves that he's a hard working musician, songwriter, and a very intelligent and creative man.
I like him. This is a book I will recommend to musicians I know and to anyone who wants to know what fame and fortune can do to people.

An entertaining telling of a remarkable life.

As a life long fan of Phil Collins, Phil's candid telling of his many ups and downs of an extraordinary life beyond just his amazing music. His book is a unique insight into his joy, pain and remarkable accomplishments.

Amazing career, amazing autobiography.

As a lifelong fan of Phil Collins and Genesis, this long overdue memoir provided great insight into the man behind the legend and the drum kit. Pulling no punches, Collins readily admits to his failures but also takes great pride in his accomplishments. His music has provided me with great comfort over the years and it's good to know he's now content with what he's done.

Quite a Life -

Not as familiar with Genius catalog of music & hits as some other bands of the era - but always interesting to read/hear the back story of a big time rocker growing up & paying their dues. Phil has had quite a life - an interesting story - not sure if he ever shows a tremendous amount of insight into his life - as he continues to fall in love with the next pretty thing & blow up his current marriage - but what the heck - he's a Rock Star