Does Phil Collins Deserve The Hate?

Before I begin, I am a big fan of Phil Collins. As with all members of Genesis, I have listened to his music for decades. The big 5 of Genesis have enjoyed long musical careers and success. Phil unfortunately is different than his bandmates, as he absorbs an unfortunate amount of criticism for his contributions to Genesis and his solo career.

Phil recently announced he is coming out of retirement. The hate of Phil almost immediately came out of retirement. Online petitions satirically asked for him to stay retired. Why is there such a reaction to Phil Collins unlike his bandmates in Genesis?

 It stems from his height of popularity. Phil was everywhere back in the 80s and early 90s. Saturated beyond belief. Hardcore Genesis fans especially found this to be disturbing and became very critical of his musical contributions.

Phil Collins does not deserve all the hate. He continued with Genesis for over 30 years. He could have just ended his tenure with the band back in 1975. Over the last 40 years, Phil even brought Genesis into his solo projects, introducing more fans to their music. For example, his Big Band Project included Genesis songs and reinvigorated interest in Genesis.

Phil encourage the band to help Peter Gabriel during his financial crisis due to WOMAD. On many projects, he included his former and current band mates as contributors to music soundtracks. (Check out Against All Odds as an example.) He played on their earlier solo projects to help their careers. Phil was always loyal to his band mates when they needed him.

Phil's solo work often gets the most criticism. Yet he was in such demand. Playing with many of his peers. Sting, Clapton, Crosby to name a few. So why the hate?

Phil has acknowledged he was partly to blame. He looks back and understands where some of the hate comes from. He also understands that the criticisms may never end. Truly sad, for Phil took a path that was always inclusive of his musical roots. Phil was loyal to his fans. Phil stayed with Genesis for over 30 years. Let's give Phil a break, and remember his contributions to music as a whole.