When Phil Collins said in his Wembley Stadium tour that anticipation is half the fun, nobody thought that his next release would take well over a decade.
The iconic singer-songwriter has not released an album containing new material since "Testify," which came out way back in 2002.
In a recent interview, Collins details his medical ordeal, particularly, a major back surgery, and his plans following recovery.
At the grand age of 64, most people would be looking forward to a well-plotted retirement plan, possibly involving a shanty by the beach and a Mango Planter's Punch Mocktail on the side, but not Collins.
"I'm no longer officially retired," he shares.
Since his (slightly prophetic) 2004 "First Farewell Tour" which he did in support of "Testify," the only time we've gotten a glimpse of the English musician was during the 2007 Genesis reunion tour and the 2010 Motown covers collection "Going Back."
Collins kids are now 14 and 10 years old, respectively, and are curious as to what their father does.
"They were in nappies when I was last on the road. They love my music and I'd like to take them out so they can enjoy it," Collins said.
Over 10 years ago, Collins retired from the hustle and bustle of life on the road and moved to Switzerland to be with his family. The year 2008 saw the singer's devastation as his wife left, taking the kids with her to Miami.
Things took a turn for the better this year, as he moved to a place in Miami to be closer to his sons. The house formerly belonged to Jennifer Lopez, and is, coincidentally, located right down the street from British musician Barry Gibb's home.
Just when things seemed to be going well, Collins woke up one morning and realized that he could not move his right foot.
"The doctor had to go in there, work on the sciatic nerve and take my back apart and unscramble the mess."
The medical problem can be traced back to 2000 when he almost completely lost hearing in his left ear, then in 2007 during the Genesis reunion tour when he, as the drummer, incurred a dislocated vertebra on his neck, leading to nerve damage in his hands.
Following this surgery, Collins received an affirmative note from his doctor.
"He said to me, 'If you want to play drums again, all you have to do is practice.'"
And practice he did.
Collins contacted his old band — bassist Leland Sklar, and to take the place of Chester Thompson, drummer Jason Bonham. They came together for three weeks of rehearsal last year. Collins says the recording session for his new music will begin next month. Although whether or not a tour will tie-in with the upcoming album is uncertain.
The project features solo album reissues, including never-before-heard demos and alternate versions.
While Genesis fans are hoping for Collins' return to the stage, he remains noncommittal, as he would like to focus on recovery and writing new music.
"No matter what happens, I can go out there, play piano and sing. I'm just in a very happy place right now," he says.
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