
Phil Collins: Episode 4: Against All Odds
From Eras by BBC Radio 2
January 19, 2026 · 29 min · Season 7 · Episode 4
About this episode
The episode explores Phil Collins' challenges in the 1990s following his second marriage's collapse and his eventual retreat from the music industry.
In the 1990s, Phil Collins’ status as rock and roll’s resident nice guy is thrown into question after the collapse of his second marriage, the leak of a certain fax, and a subsequent tabloid frenzy. Bruised by the experience, Phil begins a gradual retreat from the industry – moving to Switzerland, then quitting Genesis, and ultimately announcing his own ‘Final Farewell Tour’ in 2004. But retirement is easier said than done. Zoe Ball follows Phil Collins through an epic and emotional final act, as struggles with ill health leave him unable to play the drums. But all the while that he’s away, Phil’s music is finding its way to a new generation, and soon the cries for one final farewell get too loud to ignore… A Cup and Nuzzle Production for BBC Sounds Series Producer: Frank Palmer
People in this episode
Host: Zoe Ball
Topics covered
- Phil Collins
- music industry
- marriage
- tabloid frenzy
- retirement
- health struggles
- final tour
Keywords
- Phil Collins
- Genesis
- music
- retirement
- tabloids
- health
- final tour
- 1990s
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Genesis, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 2
More episodes of Eras
- Phil Collins: Episode 5: The Man Himself · January 26, 2026 · 29 min
- Phil Collins: Episode 3: The Imperial Years · January 19, 2026 · 29 min
- Phil Collins: Episode 2: Can You Feel It? · January 19, 2026 · 29 min
- Phil Collins: Episode 1: In the Beginning… · January 19, 2026 · 29 min
- Queen: 5. Interview with Queen icons Brian May & Roger Taylor · October 27, 2025 · 30 min
- Queen: 4. The Reign Continues · October 13, 2025 · 27 min
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