Phil Collins to give rare interview for new BBC podcast series
Phil Collins has given a rare interview for the new podcast Eras, which will air on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
The first four episodes of Eras: Phil Collins are now available to listen to on BBC Sounds, featuring contributions from Sir Bob Geldof, Craig David, Izzy Lamberti, Sir Richard Branson, Robert Plant, Steve Hackett and Collins’ son, Nic Collins.
They will also be played on Radio 2 between midnight and 2am on January 25th.
The fifth and final episode of the series will comprise a world-exclusive new interview with Collins, which will be made available to listen to on BBC Sounds and watch on BBC iPlayer at 6am on January 26th.
Zoe Ball said of the interview with Collins, “Phil Collins’ music is woven into all our lives, those songs are time machines, full of heart, drama and joy. I’ve been a lifelong fan ever since discovering Genesis as a young teenager, and their Wembley gig in ’87 is still one of the best nights of my life.”
The former BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter continued, “I’ve been lucky enough to chat with Phil a few times over the years, but to dive into his extraordinary story for Eras and sit down with him again for such a special, intimate conversation about music, family and everything in between is an absolute dream.”
Ball finished by saying, “I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
Notable topics of conversation during the interview promise to include his love of drums, his time with Genesis, his solo career, as well as reflecting upon the songs that he’s created that mean the most to him.
Additionally, Collins is said to discuss the personal and professional challenges he has faced, plus his plans for the future.
Collins, who is set to turn 75 on January 30th, now rarely speaks publicly. He last performed on Genesis’ farewell tour in 2022. For the shows, Collins’ son, Nic, deputised on the drums because his father could no longer play the instrument to the best of his abilities amid his ongoing health issues, and he was also aided by a walking stick across the dates.
During an interview with Mojo last year, Collins said he didn’t plan on making any new music, admitting, “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore. The thing is, I’ve been sick, I mean very sick.”
In late 2024, Collins opened up about his ongoing health struggles in a new documentary, claiming he’s “used up my air miles” as a performer.
His health problems began in 2007 when he suffered a spinal injury while touring with Genesis. He later underwent surgery in 2009 and in 2017, but his condition has still gradually worsened.
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