Not Dead Yet

The Memoir

By: Phil Collins

Narrated by: Phil Collins

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Phil Collins pulls no punches—about himself, his life, or the ecstasy and heartbreak that’s inspired his music.

In his much-awaited memoir, Not Dead Yet, he tells the story of his epic career, with an auspicious debut at age 11 in a crowd shot from the Beatles’ legendary film A Hard Day’s Night. A drummer since almost before he could walk, Collins received on the job training in the seedy, thrilling bars and clubs of 1960s swinging London before finally landing the drum seat in Genesis.

Soon, he would step into the spotlight on vocals after the departure of Peter Gabriel and begin to stockpile the songs that would rocket him to international fame with the release of Face Value and “In the Air Tonight.” Whether he’s recalling jamming with Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, pulling together a big band fronted by Tony Bennett, or writing the music for Disney’s smash-hit animated Tarzan, Collins’s storytelling chops never waver. And of course he answers the pressing question on everyone’s mind: just what does “Sussudio” mean?

Not Dead Yet is Phil Collins’s candid, witty, unvarnished story of the songs and shows, the hits and pans, his marriages and divorces, the ascents to the top of the charts and into the tabloid headlines. As one of only three musicians to sell 100 million records both in a group and as a solo artist, Collins breathes rare air, but has never lost his touch at crafting songs from the heart that touch listeners around the globe. That same touch is on magnificent display here, especially as he unfolds his harrowing descent into darkness after his “official” retirement in 2007, and the profound, enduring love that helped save him.

This is Phil Collins as you’ve always known him, but also as you’ve never heard him before.

Critic reviews

“Clever, unblinking . . . the best thing [Collins] has produced in many years.”—The New York Times Book Review

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.

But Seriously it's great

i've always been a major fan of Phillip first and foremost as a drummer. He's easily overlooked in my opinion as the Genesis material has not always highlighted his talents, easily on par with rockers Bonham, Moon and Baker. His Gen X work evokes Buddy for sure. Of course i am a fan of his vocal work both in Genesis and solo. When i saw he had released his Bio and narrated it i was apprehensive in listening to it. Sometimes I just don't really want to see behind the curtain as it can ruin your ability to like the artist. But i really felt I owed it a listen as so much of his music has accepted and accompanied my life. This bio does not disappoint. He puts his life out there and tells his story without holding punches. It's brutally honest, self effacing yet poignant. Surprisingly the non music parts about his life, family and healing are really quite great. He really is a fine writer and proves he really is a talent.

Like Having Coffee With Phil

Like many 52-year-old American women, I grew up with Genesis and love Peter Gabriel, but it was the heartbeat of those drums that first grabbed my attention, and when Phil Collins finally began to sing, I was hooked for life. I've not followed his life story - only his music. What an absolute delight to listen to him tell it with such honesty. My only regret is that I never saw him on tour, so I really do hope he has more in store for us in Texas.

Great!

What did you love best about Not Dead Yet?

This was terrific! I've listened to it twice. Full of information about what goes into making recordings and touring. A whole different look at what really is involved.
Also a wonderful look into the life and mind of a gifted entertainer and musician. Always loved Phil...now more so.

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

The back story of "In The Air Tonight"..of course!

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

It felt like he was sitting in the car with me, telling me his story. The happy times and the not happy times.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh out loud several times. And I felt sadness as well.

Any additional comments?

I seriously encourage any Phil Collins fan to listen to this book.

great book by a great artist.

It was a fantastic listen all the way through. I love stories behind the songs. This offered so much more. It was not only a glimpse at the life of an extremely accomplished musician. It was a new found respect for the craft of being an artist, writer and human being.