2016 is not only the year of almost every single great artist releasing a new album, it also seems to be the year of resurrection for musical legends. Whispers of a Phil Collins comeback have been circling of late, along with discussing global cuisines with esteemed rappers.
Sure enough, the musical world lost their collective shite when the legendary performer announced a run of European shows earlier this month, including a five night stint at the Royal Albert Hall.
Despite the announcement of comeback shows, the question remained; would he still retain the same swagger that first made him a superstar?
Thankfully, the music gods well and truly answered our prayer this week, with the singer giving his first performance in over a decade on The Tonight Show, and fair to say, he has well and truly still got it at 65 years young.
As the studio lights dimmed and The Roots begun playing the dark, ethereal opening chords of In The Air Tonight, the now bald and wizened performer slowly stepped up to the mic, sporting a black polo shirt no doubt bestowed upon him via a family Secret Santa, to give an absolute masterclass in singing. Watch below.
After ten years away from the stage, the amount of control and clarity shown by Collins was nothing short of astounding. The singer delivered each note with the tenderness and warmth, slowly allowing the emotion of the song to take hold until Questlove smashed out that fill, prompting a cheer from both the studio audience and no doubt the millions watching and singing along at home.
Image: Esquire