Book

Not Dead Yet

by Phil Collins

📖 Overview

Not Dead Yet presents Phil Collins' life story from his early days as a child actor through his rise to music stardom. The autobiography covers his journey with Genesis, his solo career, and his work in musical theater and film. Collins recounts his musical development, his experiences behind the drum kit, and his transition to lead singer. The narrative includes his collaborations with other artists, his personal relationships, and the challenges of balancing fame with family life. These memoirs provide an inside view of the music industry from the 1970s through the present day, including the creative process behind many of Collins' projects. The book chronicles both professional triumphs and personal struggles with candor. The autobiography serves as both a music history document and a reflection on the costs of ambition and success. It examines themes of artistic evolution, fame's impact on relationships, and finding purpose beyond achievement.

👀 Reviews

Readers appreciate Collins' straightforward, conversational writing style and his willingness to discuss both career highs and personal struggles. Many note his self-deprecating humor and candid discussions about his marriages, health issues, and relationships with Genesis bandmates. Fans highlight the detailed stories behind hit songs and interesting music industry insights. Several reviews mention finding Collins more relatable and down-to-earth than expected. Common criticisms include: - Too much focus on failed marriages - Defensive tone when discussing certain career choices - Lack of depth on Genesis years - Repetitive sections about touring Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (2,300+ ratings) Book Depository: 4.4/5 (200+ ratings) "Honest and unflinching look at fame's impact on family life" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have used more Genesis stories and less relationship drama" - Amazon reviewer "Refreshing to read a celebrity memoir without the usual ego" - Goodreads reviewer

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🤔 Interesting facts

🎵 Phil Collins wrote "In the Air Tonight" during the painful collapse of his first marriage, channeling raw emotions into what became one of his signature songs 🥁 Before joining Genesis as their drummer, Collins appeared as an extra in the Beatles' film "A Hard Day's Night" when he was just 13 years old 📚 The book's title "Not Dead Yet" was chosen as a playful response to false internet rumors about Collins' death that circulated in the early 2000s 🎸 Despite being one of the world's best-selling musicians, Collins reveals in the book that he cannot read traditional musical notation 🏆 The memoir details how Collins achieved a rare feat in entertainment history: performing at both Live Aid concerts in London and Philadelphia on the same day in 1985, traveling by Concorde between venues