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

Best & most honest autobiography I have read.

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

Yes. I didn't expect a lot but the honesty with which Mr Collins told his story was refreshing. A great musician and an honest, fallible human being.

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

Phil talking about his battle with alcoholism and the profound affect it has on his family and friends.

Which scene was your favorite?

Heartbreaking to hear him talk about the song he wrote for Eric Claptons son and then Eric Clapton responding with the song he had written himself.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A great, dedicated musician, with too little focus on his marriages.

Any additional comments?

I didn't expect much when I listened to this but it is definitely one of the best autobiographies I have ever listened to. A very honest account IMHO.

Really enjoyable listen.

Where does Not Dead Yet rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

high

What other book might you compare Not Dead Yet to and why?

Listened to many rock autobiographies. this one and Eric Clapton's being the most enjoyable and revealing.

What about Phil Collins’s performance did you like?

I love hearing the author read their own story. Phil Collins is very easy to listen to. Love the self deprecating humour and honesty.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

We Still like you Phil

Any additional comments?

Well worth a listen to Genesis and Phil Collins fans. Lots of great stories, humour and insight read in an honest and easy going way. Loved it.

This guy is Phil of Wit!

Man... I'm a big admirer of Phil's work. The Genesis work... His solo efforts... I'm even getting a chance to listen to many of his collaborations from over the years--some notable, ie. "Easy Lover", and many, not so notable.

I'm going to keep it short here. This book makes me like the man that much more! From his sense of humor to his simplistic, yet eloquent, writing style--what's not to love about this guy? It's also great to finally hear hia version of his much publicized issues over the years.

Easy A, in my book! I will purchasing a physical copy, just to add to my personal collection.

Good listen

The entire book was interesting and fun to listen to. I listened in the car day after day until it was finished. Phil narrates his life with candor and tells an interesting story. I heard he'd written this book on a late night talk show and immediately got it. I'm not sure he tells the whole truth but it's his version and well worth taking some time out to listen to my teenage obsession in music. I saw genesis 2x in Buffalo NY, when he was still the drummer, front row center, stoned and enthralled. that was in the 1970s, so I loved this memoir!

A storyteller extraordinaire

Mr. Collins is a born performer and I can’t imagine anyone but him telling his story. He lays his heart out for all to see, warts and all, and while he may sometimes be an unreliable narrator, you end up not caring. A fantastic audiobook.