![Phil Collins on the cover of Live at Perkins Palace [1982]](https://genesis-band.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Phil-Collins-on-the-cover-of-Live-at-Perkins-Palace-1982.jpg)
On November 21, 1982, Phil Collins embarked on a bold new chapter in his career: his first-ever solo concert. Held in Den Haag, Netherlands, this performance marked the start of his Hello, I Must Be Going! tour, a tour that defined his journey from Genesis drummer and vocalist to a global solo star.
Collins’s solo career was already off to a flying start. His debut album, Face Value, had made him a household name, but his second effort, Hello, I Must Be Going!, took things further. Released in November 1982, the album was deeply personal, fueled by the emotions surrounding his marital struggles. Songs like “I Don’t Care Anymore” and “Do You Know, Do You Care?” showcased his raw, confessional songwriting style, while his cover of The Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love” became his first UK number one hit and cracked the US Top 10.
The tour, which ran from November 1982 to February 1983, featured a dazzling nine-piece band affectionately named “The Fabulous Jacuzzis.” This all-star lineup included Genesis touring veterans Chester Thompson on drums and Daryl Stuermer on guitar, alongside keyboardist Peter Robinson from Phil’s jazz-fusion band Brand X, bassist Mo Foster, and the Phenix Horns, famous for their work with Earth, Wind & Fire.
From Genesis to Solo Spotlight
Taking the stage solo was a daunting prospect for Collins. Despite more than a decade of touring with Genesis, he admitted to feeling nervous about stepping out on his own. In his memoir, Not Dead Yet, Collins wrote about assembling a stellar band to “stave off the anxiety of being ‘on my own.’”1 But as the tour progressed, he hit his stride, developing a unique stage presence that connected with audiences in a way distinct from his Genesis persona.
Collins avoided performing Genesis material, save for a reimagined version of “Behind the Lines” from Duke, focusing instead on tracks from his solo albums and some jazz-fusion nods to his work with Brand X. The setlist was a mix of intimate ballads and energetic anthems, showcasing his versatility as both a musician and entertainer.
Phil Collins on Stage
Collins’ shows were a blend of heartfelt music and light-hearted humor. Drawing on his comedic influences—ranging from Steve Martin to Monty Python—he added a touch of warmth and intimacy to his performances. Critics noted his ability to connect with fans on a personal level, describing him as “the man the crowd always wanted to succeed.”2
Of course, no Phil Collins concert would be complete without that drum moment. “In the Air Tonight” became the show’s centerpiece, its climactic drum break performed in breathtaking unison by Collins and Chester Thompson. The dual-drummer spectacle left audiences awestruck and solidified the song as a live classic.
A Triumphant Start
Collins’ first solo tour wasn’t just a success—it was a triumph. The run culminated with four sold-out shows at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, cementing his place as a bona fide solo star. As one review put it, Collins breezed onto the stage “like a pool hustler from an up-market speakeasy,”3 effortlessly blending charm, talent, and passion.
From the first notes in Den Haag to the final encores months later, the Hello, I Must Be Going! tour marked the beginning of a stratospheric solo career that would take Collins to new heights. For fans and critics alike, it was clear: Phil Collins wasn’t just the drummer or the frontman of Genesis anymore—he was a musical force to be reckoned with.
What are your memories of Phil Collins’ solo debut? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Title photo: Phil Collins on the cover of Live at Perkins Palace [1982]
Sources
Collins, Phil, Not Dead Yet. (Penguin, 2016).
Hewitt, Alan, A Selection Of Shows: Genesis & Solo Live Guide, 1976-2014. Wymer Publishing (2015).
Platts, Robin, Genesis. Behind the lines, 1967-2007. (Burlington, Ont., Canada: Collectors Guide Pub., 2007).
Waller, Johnny (1985): The Phil Collins story. London, Port Chester, N.Y.: Zomba Books.