Phil Collins: Episode 4: Against All Odds

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

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