Phil Collins: Episode 2: Can You Feel It?

Phil Collins: Episode 2: Can You Feel It?

From Eras by BBC Radio 2

January 19, 2026 · 29 min · Season 7 · Episode 2

About this episode

The episode explores Phil Collins' transition to solo artistry amidst personal turmoil in the early 1980s.

It’s the dawn of the 1980s, and Phil’s life has been thrown into turmoil by the breakdown of his marriage – but amidst the heartbreak, he finds a new drive to create. Zoe Ball follows Phil Collins as he steps away from Genesis and makes his first, unforgettable statement as a solo artist. The album – and a certain drum fill in its opening track – propel Phil to the status of Britain’s most unassuming popstar. With it comes his first taste of both the highs and lows of so much exposure. Opportunities to work with his heroes, Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, come knocking – but then so do the bad reviews… Will the madness get to Mr. Everyman’s head? A Cup and Nuzzle Production for BBC Sounds Series Producer: Frank Palmer

People in this episode

Host: Zoe Ball

Topics covered

  • Phil Collins
  • 1980s music
  • solo artist
  • Genesis
  • marriage breakdown
  • music production
  • pop culture

Keywords

  • Phil Collins
  • Genesis
  • 1980s
  • solo album
  • Eric Clapton
  • Robert Plant
  • music history
  • popstar
  • drum fill
  • marriage breakdown

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Genesis, BBC Sounds, A Cup and Nuzzle Production

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