The story so far… or ramblings of the producer!
Back in 2007 I got together a bunch of friends, who are all established and experienced musicians, to explore the possibility of recreating Phil Collins’ First Final Farewell Tour, inspired by the DVD he had released of the tour in 2004.
A big ask! Phil has over 30 years experience of putting this kind of mega show together. He’s a highly professional and talented performer and he sets the bar at the highest level.
Phil’s 16 piece band, having musicians at the top of the profession, together with a no expense spared stage show would be no mean feat to achieve and I certainly did not want to sell it short musically.
The project got off the ground warily in September 2007 with a small house rehearsal, bass, 2 guitars, keyboards and myself on drums. The aim was to map out a couple of songs to see if it was possible to attempt the project.
From the moment we struck up the first few chords of ‘Another Day In Paradise’ goose bumps appeared and we all knew this was going to be a special show.
Energised by this basic get together I set out a 12 month rehearsal regime and started the process of pulling together all of the musicians we needed. By arranging an opening night for September 2008 a target was set for us to complete all of the necessary preparation for the start of touring. As the band grew in size rehearsals became more challenging but equally rewarding. There were quite a few emotional moments as we crafted harmonies and the Collins sound came together I can tell you!
I guess the icing on the cake was the formation of the Horns section. A really great bunch of musicians, full of energy and adding such authenticity to the musical performance as well as great visuals throughout the show.
I must at this point mention a very special member of the band, our bass player Tom Damen-Lane. When we started this project Tom’s Dad, who I have known and played in bands with for many years, asked if Tom could ‘jam along’ for the initial rehearsals as he was learning bass and needed a challenge. At this time Tom was 14 years old! Phil’s bassist, Leyland Sklar, is renowned as one of the world’s finest players and Tom would have his work cut out to fill those shoes.
Tragically Tom was diagnosed with Leukaemia just days after our first rehearsal, we were all devastated. However the show proved to be the focus Tom needed to fight this beast and, for those of you who have seen the show you will know, Tom plays the part equally as well as the man himself and with such consummate professionalism. We are truly fortunate to have him, what a star!
It was obvious from the outset this show could only express itself properly within a theatre environment and it has been really rewarding to feel the warmth of audiences shown for Mr Collin’s music. Even with the current economic crisis audiences’ travel far and wide to join with us to celebrate the songs of this amazing man.
The band has undergone a few line up changes but the original core musicians remain and are even more determined to develop the show. Let’s face it the songs available make the potential limitless for us!
The latest addition to the family is front man Pete Bultitude. A chance find from Face Book! Pete was a grand finalist on ITV’s ‘Stars In Your Eyes’ as a solo Phil Collins performer. He subsequently toured as a solo act but always wished he could do it with a big band. Pete is also an amazing drummer, inspired by the man himself and has been playing from the age of 14. Guess what he has a Gretch kit, how dedicated is that! Pete is a true Collins fan with an uncanny likeness and spot on vocal representation.
From 2011 we are expanding out tour dates/venues and we will be venturing into Europe with, we hope shows booked for France, where Phil has always had a terrific following.
Next year’s show will be a representation of Phil’s ‘Serious Hits’ tour from 1990, the following years will cover the ‘Both Sides’ and ‘Live And Loose’ tours. By the time we have completed these tours I hope we will have covered a majority of Phil’s work.
Keep an eye on our web site for information and updates!
For those of you who have supported us over the last two years I can only thank you on behalf of the band and myself. You make the blood, sweat and tears all worthwhile. I do hope we continue to deliver a show that is worthy of Mr Phil Collins.
Tim Harper
Show Producer