The meaning of In the Air Tonight has been hotly debated ever since it debuted. The song was born out of Collins’ grief after divorce. He and his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, had finalized their divorce the year prior. Collins would say, years later, that he had written the lyrics spontaneously without knowing what the song was about. His anger, despair, and frustration permeate the track in an emotional avalanche that is simply mesmerizing. Collins also later explained that his divorce from Bertorelli was the cause of his hiatus from the band Genesis for part of 1979.
You put it so well … I also remember him on Top of the Pops tv show in the UK , bringing on a tin of paint and putting it down right in front of the camera .. we knew it was to signify his wife’s affair with the decorator …. also I don’t Care Anymore is another song that he wrote about the same divorce … boy the anger pours out of every word!!!!
@@SebsDuran you should read his book Not Dead Yet it's an autobiography an explains a whole lot about this song and other songs he has written it's really a good book
Phil Collins is primarily a worldfamous Drummer. In Genesis the Singer left and the best Singer after him was show up to be Phil. The Drums were elevated up just before he reached them. At one consert it didnt happen and he jumped down to them lol. He is still alive 72 but not able to perform. His son is an excellent Drummer. Thank you for playing This. That performance and Chris Stapleton are my all time favorites.
I no I wish I was born in to that generation. I’m a 90s baby . But I love 80s music especially this song in the air tonight. That is 1 hell of a song a great tune x
To play drums full-on is a ridiculously demanding thing...To sing at the same time AND hit these notes he's hitting... This is legendary stuff happening here.
THANK YOU! I play piano and have competing beats to what I'm singing and it's not easy. FOR DRUMS??!!!! What singer do you know that can sing with the background drummer being HIM?
He did one album where he played every instrument! He recorded each Indians then merged them. I don’t know the technical term for it, but that shows how he was even more talented than what we already knew at the time.
I'm so glad to be a baby Boomer... Growing up when all these musicians & bands were in their glory & peaking. There's a huge difference of pure music, musicians and performance. Not the stuff of entertainment with all the glitz, dancers etc. These were the glory days!!
Me too,we grew up during a time when singers could sing without auto tuners..Those were the days my friend ( a song sung by Mary Hopkins back in the day ).
@@radicalreactions1633 1964 is the last year that boomers were born. Some born in 1964 would turn 16 in 1980. So boomers _did_ grow up with some phenomenal music…and many, many different styles of music. Music changed a _lot_ starting in the 50s so we boomers have been extremely lucky to have lived _while_ the changes were happening. There is still a lot of good music coming out, but there is no mistaking that music changed …a lot…back then.
One of the best drummers ever. My generation was blessed to have so many artists with GOD GIVEN TALENT, unlike today's music, ours were TRUE MUSICIANS.
Can't rush an epic song. The intro build up is everything. You know what's coming and it's just the best feeling. I've seen him play this live twice and it is everything you think it would be and more live. Full body chills and yes...you do lose your mind in the music. There is a reason this song is legendary and to this day when people hear this in public, everyone air drums the solo!😂 Forever a fan of Phil Collins❤
That drum solo is probably THE most famous of all time. We first heard this song in the show "Miami Vice", when songs sometimes premiered in tv shows. Please keep this music alive for us through your kids and their generations!
Actually, this song was released on his first solo album, Face Value, in 1981, and its first significant appearance in other media was in the Tom Cruise movie Risky Business in 1983. But, yes, it had another huge resurgence in the fall of 1984 when it was used several times in the pilot episode of Miami Vice, and in a number of episodes afterwards. Phil Collins actually had a guest-starring role in a Miami Vice episode as well. The drum beat that opens the song and runs throughout is actually a preset, running at a slow tempo and with a couple of drum sounds turned down, from a Roland "Compu-Rhythm" CR-78 - the first commercial "drum machine" that allowed a bit of user alterations of the beats. The same machine is used at the beginning of Blondie's Heart Of Glass and on several songs by Hall & Oates, particularly Kiss On My List - they'd used the CR-78 to record demos of their songs, intending to use a real drummer for the "real" recording, but they liked the demos so much they released them as-is, with the "fake" CR-78 drums. The keyboard pads are coming from a Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, which was one of the top synths of the early 80s.
@@JulesfromHouston Yes, right at the beginning of the "train scene". LOL. It then transitions to a song by Tangerine Dream, who composed much of the score outside the few rock songs. That's definitely a "special" scene...
I was a huge Genesis/phil Collins fan. When his album Face Value dropped and I had to get it right away. I remember hearing this in my apt for the first time losing my mind. When I finally heard it on Miami Vice, I was like ‘oh good, this song is finally going to get the attention and appreciation it deserves”. I had it on repeat for two years, have never tired of it. And turned the volume up when it was on the radio 2 days ago. The very definition of a true classic.
When he sits down, the most iconic drum line of the 20th century is about to follow. The whole song is a build up to that exact moment. Purely *EPIC* People will still love this masterpiece in 500 years.
Phil is a legend for a reason. He is one of three artists who have sold 100 million albums as part of a group (Genesis) and as a solo artist. The other two are Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. That’s some rarified company to be involved n.
I had forgotten about Michael. And I really enjoyed the Jackson 5 as a child. MJ and I were pretty close to the same age, as was Donny. I remember hearing this about Paul.
I wish Peter Gabriel was in those ranks. He was Genesis' first vocalist, and then went solo. Then again, just like his music, he's kind of better kept as a secret.
@@aarteestmj4958 hey, Gabriel is really good! They just did some of him over on other reaction channel (within the last 5-6 weeks) I follow. Sometimes I forget how great his voice is.
Orgasmic!!! Baby boomer here! We did have THE BEST music of the 20th century! This song got immensely popular on the tv show ‘Miami Vice’ when played on one of the episodes. Collins made a couple cameos during the shows run!
Phil Collins/Genesis has been a part of my life for more than 40 years and knowing that now he can't even hold his sticks is heartbreaking. Prayers for Phil Collins please.
As stated, Phil gave his ALL to the music for the people❤ Sending Healing prayers to you Phil and thanks for the magnificent performances and memories 🙏 😂
... & almost everyone does it wrong! 1) Phil is a lefthanded drummer (check out his kit in the video) - so all air drummers should play it "right to left" not "left to right" 2) even his own son Nick, who now covers for him, thought he had it sussed until Phil told him he had the bass kicks wrong.
Phil never had the "look" people expected of rocker but his talent was never in question. His look was his own, his style was his own, his presence was his own. Once you have heard that drop and the haunting lyrics leading to it you will never forget it. The song touches your soul and moves you...as music should when it is real and not engineered to the point where the feeling is sterile.
That drum beat is the most known in 80 s music. Phil is one of the best drummers in music history. He is musician, singer, songwriter and actor. One of the best.
It's amazing how that happens sometimes. I always felt that the most emotionally wrought section of my book on Alexander the Great, the Sack of Cleitus the Black, was born largely out of emotional torment suffered after divorce, separation from my family, sickness, and constant job loss. I got better but that poetry really only improved in lyric and cadence...the heart and emotions that went into it could not be reproduced in happy times.
Phil Collins used a bunch of filters on his voice at all times (recording and live) to be fair. He’s amazing, but it is what it is and lots of artists in the 80s used filters - including auto tune which Cher was probably the first to use
And I’m not just talking the metallic reverb/distortion parts - there are filters at all times during this performance, it isn’t his raw voice at any time.
@@kennethhamilton7440 Penultimate means “next to last.” Sometimes it is used erroneously as if it referred to something beyond ultimate, meaning “the very best,” but the prefix pen- means “almost.” Penultimate can seem like a superlative version of ultimate, but it isn't.
u will never find better....he is a national treasure here in the uk.....i love watching the reactions to my all time favourite song.....thanx for doin this video
A Legend and Master at work! Phil is a world class drummer with an outstanding voice. A true musical ICON. I am the only 1 who gets massive chills at the drum drop? Phil and this song are IMMORTAL one of the greatest performance ever given.
Amen to this. Loved Phil Collins. I’m 55. Grew up to him, Genesis and Peter Gabriel and all good music from that time. I still have the vinyl records from that time.
The perfect timing of his walk up to the drums, that come up from under the stage, gives me chills everytime. Phil suffers a lot of health issues now. When he does perform he's sitting now. His son is his drummer. He has some amazing songs that are def worth checking out...
When he finally sat down behind the drum set, he lit into one of the most famous drum fills in history, and often rated the greatest. Every drummer since then knows that piece.
The most replayed drum solo in the history of rock. Watch a group of people when this song played and we ALL pretend we are playing those drums too! We do it at work when the song comes on!
Elite level drummer without even considering his singing. That drum fill is legendary!! He’s up there with the greatest drummers of all time in the drumming community. Just an incredible talent.
He really is. I went to an Eric Clapton concert (widely considered the best guitarist) in the early 90's or late 80's and was shocked that it was Phil Collins playing drums for him that night! I knew it would be something special, and it so WAS.
@@chud1858 I think it was a couple years before that, like '86 or 87. I remember Eric Clapton had some mega hit songs like Forever Man and It's in the Way that you Use it, so I think it was that time frame. I wish though because Rain Down is my FAVE song by Phil Collins (with Eric Clapton)
"Wait . . . Run it back." 🤣 We knew it was coming. It's sooo cool seeing your amazement and joy at the suspense and tension building - then he just punishes those drums. What a release. It feels like the first time everytime. I just love seeing how much enjoyment you're getting out of the music that defined my youth into my adulthood and stays alive in my playlists.
This is the perfect description of this song. I don't know how many times I've watched this particular clip, but every time I go through the same set of emotions, even though I know exactly where it's headed.
The funniest thing ever is the opera singer reacting to the same performance (clearly not knowing either Phil or the song), who as he finished climbing the steps and walked across the top paused and talked about how much his enunciation was "in the pocket .. like a drummer". And then he sat down and walloped the 'kit and she orgasmed on the spot.
I’ve always loved this track! But more fun was watching you appreciating it for the first time! I’m 73 years young and seeing you “youngens “ appreciate the music I’ve lived is such a pleasure. THANKS SEBS!
In 1981 as a 1st year in a university hostel, Kevin two rooms down from me played In The AIr Tonight on high volume repeat seemingly half of every day. Had a damned good sound system too. The guy between us, but the other side of the corridor, Chris, competed with (mostly) side 1 of Deep Purple in Rock (Speed King, Child in Time...). Or maybe it was Made in Japan, as I remember Smoke on the Water too.
I am a 63 year old woman and it is so great to see and hear your enthusiasm for "boomer" music!!! We had the best music, none of the fake stuff that all singers and musicians use now. Our music was real without computer help... and if they screwed up it was real and lord have mercy it made us real!! Thank you for your enthusiasm!!
So glad you can appreciate Phil Collins skills on the drums. Sadly, he damaged a vertabrae in his neck in 2007, which caused pressure on the nerves in his spine. He can no longer drum and has trouble walking. His son took over the drums for him, on tour, and Phil would sit down to sing. His health went down hill fast and he retired in 2022. We have his music to hang onto and that will remain for years to come.
One of the many things I LOVE about this video is seeing the crowd immersed 100% into enjoying their once in a lifetime experience without cell phones. Ahhhh the good ole days!!!
I'm so old I saw Phil when he was still the drummer in Genesis and Peter Gabriel was lead singer, he was brilliant even then!...you need to check out the Cadbury choc advert! Good to see you appreciating so much of our iconic British music 🎶🇬🇧
So many of the British bands and musicians gave us so many great artists! Til today, even though the bands may no longer be a group. There are individuals that struck out on solo careers writing music and playing on their own. Thank you GB/UK!! After all the list of fantastic bands is endless! Beatles were the OG.... Like Elvis in the US. 🙏🙏💜
I loved this song in the 80's. - I was a teenager taking the field And about to play football on a Friday night. This pumped me up before the smack down began... gives me the chills just thinking about it. .Loved that song by Phil Collins.
Iconic song written by a broken hearted Phil Collins. Nothing will ever top this. All these years on. My son heard this on a game he was playing he loves this. It’s timeless classic. The build up to it is amazing. Phil is one of the best drummers, songwriters, singers plus he plays so many instruments. Such a talented man. Great reaction, he drew you in like he draws everyone in.
The white-bearded god playing bass was the legendary Leland Sklar, who has graced the recordings of pretty much every artist you've ever loved. I've seen him live once -- backing James Taylor, of all people.
While Lee is a big-time studio musician, he's primarily associated with Phil Collins and James Taylor, as beyond recording, he's been both of their touring bassist on nearly all of their tours for 40 years - FAR FAR more than he's worked with any other musicians. So it's not so surprising that you saw him with James Taylor. But he's fantastic to see no matter who he's with, for sure.
I was in HS when Phil Collins released "Face Value" and we all just lost our minds at how good every song is on that album. Even people who don't especially listen to rock, know this iconic drum fill...and it's so simple yet it just fits
Phil Collins said he never wanted to be a singer, he always considered himself a drummer first! And what a drummer he is! As we'll as a singer songwriter! He's so talented! I hate that he's gone through such devastating health problems and it must absolutely be awful not to be able to play his beloved drums! It's a fact of life that age catches up with us sooner or later and to think playing his drums is what started the health problems and messed him up in his spine and neck to render him unable to play ever again! God bless you Phil❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Crazy, that you never heard about Phil Collins! He is one of the greatest ever! And this is one of the few unique epic songs ever created... like Purple Rain from Prince or Bohemian Rhapsody from Queen... and sure some other tunes... but there are not many! The anticipation here... the climax... E P I C
For those of us that knows what’s coming the intro is so suspenseful and the when the moment comes makes everything worth it . And you can tell how many times he’s done it simply by his pace around the stage perfect timing
Hiya dude, this guy phil Collins played at the Live Aid concert in 1985 at Wembley stadium, the one you reacted to with Queen. When Phil finished his gig of 20 minutes at Wembley, he jumped onto Concorde and flew to Phillidelphia and played at Live Aid concert there in the USA, he was the only person who actually played at both concerts while both concerts were being aired Live 😊
This song became famous back out in the day when “Miami Vice“ was famous. It has one of the most popular scenes driving over a bridge in Florida. Some form of this music video has been used in so many movies, TV shows and videos. It’s a classic! I hope you enjoyed doing the reaction as much as I enjoyed watching you give the reaction!
We are talking about Phil Collins, one of the greatest artists of the music scene ever. And this is one of the most beautiful songs in his repertoire. The covers are remarkable but sung by him is something of a higher level. 😎
Love Daryl Sturmer's guitar in this one. That haunting tone fits the mood. This is a dark ,angry song. The lead feels like a cry from the pain of heartbreak. And of course the icon, the legend Lee Sklar on bass.
This grips us all viscerally in various ways. The lyrics, the drums, the lead-up, the lights, the singing. It all mixes together perfectly. We all think of moments in our lives when we've just HAD ENOUGH. And this is the release.
@@lorisgerber yes thank you. Roger does so much that people don't realize how talented he is. Understandable seeing how Freddie had everyone in a trance with his vocals.
This song came out in 1981 and I was 27 years old and 68 almost 69 now and I still love this song as much today as I did then and I absolutely love this live version above all else it is unbelievable!!! I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I watched you enjoying it with the same kind of excitement that I feel every time I watch it as well!! And I love the way you had to take your hat off and wipe your head as if to get yourself together before you could speak! Great reaction!!!❤️❤️❤️
So lucky to be in college in the BEST time ever! Got to see this in con cert when it first was released! Nowadays when it comes on the radio I have to pull over so I can play the drums on my steering wheel!🤣
My generation! I grew up listening to all the greats and Phil was one of the greatest!!! Sebs, loving your reaction and a pair of headphones would bring you a whole new respect for our generation’s musicality. You’d understand the lyrics of this song so much better. ( it’s not an uplifting song but one of betrayal, anger, pain and loss ).
mine too and i prefer the studio recorded version due to Phil's passion and intensity - unfortunately haven't found a live version that compares. Whereas, this version of In the air tonight is my fave for the ambiance, tension and atmosphere... goose bumps every darn time lol.
Agreed. The whole song is great but the sound of those drums coming in and staying in until the unorthodox outro with toms and crash cymbals… I mean , who does that!!??
They do a cover of “Against All Odds” on the show Glee & do a terrific job with it btw. I highly recommend checking it out if you all love the song. I hope this kind of music keeps being heard by the younger generations! I’m 35 so it’s not like I’m “old” yet, but I’m afraid some of the truly great & timeless music is going to get lost with these younger gens. I have a very broad range of musical taste personally: heavy metal, rock, pop, rap, country, indie, alternative, R&B, etc. There’s so much good music out there in multiple genres. 😊
One of the greatest live performances I've ever seen. I love watching people see it for the first time. Iconic drum beat. Amazing singer and drummer. And you are right, very satisfying.
I think you're required to play the air drums when Phil finally picks up the sticks and hammers the toms. Great reaction to a great live performance of this song.
I was born in the early 70s, educational years were in the 80s and early 90s! So many phenomenal artists, groups and soloists came from these eras, I tip my hat to all of you for your untouchable talents!
Proud to say I’m from an era when real artists like this existed. Unlike today. There not many who really stand out and make you feel every lyric and instrument.
After Hotel California I was waiting for your reaction to this one. You didn't disappoint! Best reaction I've seen. I've watched this 30 times and still get goosebumps!
To hear great music you have to go back in time, some of the music today doesn't hold a candle to what we had in the 70's and 80's , I am actually crying now, my husband who is Greek hasn't a clue what I am talking about. Phil Collins is a legend and a special soul, I lovehim ❤❤❤
70s 80s 90s we who grew up in those years were blessed! I am 67 and still listening to all the music from those eras...so many concerts I went to...so much talent, I would not have wanted it any other way...so lucky I was!!😢❤
I attended this concert in Canada, it was the final because he started to develop hearing loss and wanted to have one last tour. He was amazing in person. Also this song was in Risky Business with Tom Cruise,the scene where the song is played in the movie was so powerful totally worth watching
Great reaction. Phil Collins is histories most talented musician. He has helped many people with their solo careers and the man could play the drums like no one else.
I attended an Eric Clapton concert, 1986 or so, in Indianapolis. Much to my surprise, Phil Collins was his drummer. Although it was a Clapton concert, they played 3 Collins' songs, including this one. That concert was second only to Pink Floyd for me. A great song, and great reaction Sebs. Thank you.
The first time I heard this song was on the show Miami Vice it played at the end of the show just the music. Then it was released on MTV. THIS IS TOP OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE S! Thank you!
As a former gigging drummer and a life long Phil Collin’s fan it fills me up with pure joy watching you discover this amazing song. My smile got bigger and bigger with each step he took toward the drum kit knowing what was coming. Another incredible drum moment is Neil Peart’s fill in Tom Sawyer. It’s Also ICONIC. I enjoy your channel. Keep digging for gold!
The meaning of In the Air Tonight has been hotly debated ever since it debuted. The song was born out of Collins’ grief after divorce. He and his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, had finalized their divorce the year prior. Collins would say, years later, that he had written the lyrics spontaneously without knowing what the song was about. His anger, despair, and frustration permeate the track in an emotional avalanche that is simply mesmerizing.
Collins also later explained that his divorce from Bertorelli was the cause of his hiatus from the band Genesis for part of 1979.
This song is Bad A, then! So epic.
You put it so well … I also remember him on Top of the Pops tv show in the UK , bringing on a tin of paint and putting it down right in front of the camera .. we knew it was to signify his wife’s affair with the decorator …. also I don’t Care Anymore is another song that he wrote about the same divorce … boy the anger pours out of every word!!!!
@@SebsDuran you should read his book Not Dead Yet it's an autobiography an explains a whole lot about this song and other songs he has written it's really a good book
Phil Collins is primarily a worldfamous Drummer.
In Genesis the Singer left and the best Singer after him was show up to be Phil.
The Drums were elevated up just before he reached them. At one consert it didnt happen and he jumped down to them lol.
He is still alive 72 but not able to perform.
His son is an excellent Drummer.
Thank you for playing This.
That performance and Chris Stapleton are my all time favorites.
@@SebsDuranI knew you would love this song! I have heard it 1000s of times and still get chills when I hear it!
My generation had the absolute best real musicians and music, ever.
Yes!!!! We did!!!!!
Yes ❤
I no I wish I was born in to that generation. I’m a 90s baby . But I love 80s music especially this song in the air tonight. That is 1 hell of a song a great tune x
Definitely!
Yeah we did!! 80’s baybee!!
To play drums full-on is a ridiculously demanding thing...To sing at the same time AND hit these notes he's hitting...
This is legendary stuff happening here.
❤
Absolutely
Already was legendary before this performance.
THANK YOU! I play piano and have competing beats to what I'm singing and it's not easy. FOR DRUMS??!!!! What singer do you know that can sing with the background drummer being HIM?
@@Fersch13 Eagles, Queen
Phil is that rare bird, world class drummer, singer & songwriter! ❤
He did one album where he played every instrument! He recorded each Indians then merged them. I don’t know the technical term for it, but that shows how he was even more talented than what we already knew at the time.
Rocks the piano too
I'm so glad to be a baby Boomer... Growing up when all these musicians & bands were in their glory & peaking. There's a huge difference of pure music, musicians and performance. Not the stuff of entertainment with all the glitz, dancers etc. These were the glory days!!
Me too,we grew up during a time when singers could sing without auto tuners..Those were the days my friend ( a song sung by Mary Hopkins back in the day ).
WTF are you talking about? This song came out in the 80s, boomers ends in 64. You boomers really believe you own everything, don't ya?
Me also. These songs bring me right back to my teens through my 20’s.
@@radicalreactions1633 1964 is the last year that boomers were born. Some born in 1964 would turn 16 in 1980. So boomers _did_ grow up with some phenomenal music…and many, many different styles of music. Music changed a _lot_ starting in the 50s so we boomers have been extremely lucky to have lived _while_ the changes were happening. There is still a lot of good music coming out, but there is no mistaking that music changed …a lot…back then.
@@radicalreactions1633Phil is a Boomer!!!
The physical power to sing and drum at this level is something that should never be forgotten
I've been listening to this song for 40 years and that drum drop always gives me goose bumps, it never fails to move me.
I'm 70 and this still gives me chills ! We had the best of the best!!
Best LIVE performance !!!🥁🎤🎹😘
He was 52 years old when this concert took place !!!!!!!! Dammmmm
One of the best drummers ever. My generation was blessed to have so many artists with GOD GIVEN TALENT, unlike today's music, ours were TRUE MUSICIANS.
We were very blessed to have very talented musicians in our generation. Today, artists are faked, too much technology, & they cannot perform with it.
Can't rush an epic song. The intro build up is everything. You know what's coming and it's just the best feeling. I've seen him play this live twice and it is everything you think it would be and more live. Full body chills and yes...you do lose your mind in the music. There is a reason this song is legendary and to this day when people hear this in public, everyone air drums the solo!😂 Forever a fan of Phil Collins❤
60 years old and don’t care what people think of my air drums. lol. Can’t listen without them.
That drum solo is probably THE most famous of all time. We first heard this song in the show "Miami Vice", when songs sometimes premiered in tv shows. Please keep this music alive for us through your kids and their generations!
Actually, this song was released on his first solo album, Face Value, in 1981, and its first significant appearance in other media was in the Tom Cruise movie Risky Business in 1983. But, yes, it had another huge resurgence in the fall of 1984 when it was used several times in the pilot episode of Miami Vice, and in a number of episodes afterwards. Phil Collins actually had a guest-starring role in a Miami Vice episode as well.
The drum beat that opens the song and runs throughout is actually a preset, running at a slow tempo and with a couple of drum sounds turned down, from a Roland "Compu-Rhythm" CR-78 - the first commercial "drum machine" that allowed a bit of user alterations of the beats. The same machine is used at the beginning of Blondie's Heart Of Glass and on several songs by Hall & Oates, particularly Kiss On My List - they'd used the CR-78 to record demos of their songs, intending to use a real drummer for the "real" recording, but they liked the demos so much they released them as-is, with the "fake" CR-78 drums.
The keyboard pads are coming from a Sequential Circuits Prophet-5, which was one of the top synths of the early 80s.
Thinking the same thing, Miami Vice was when I heard it first. Saw Genesis in Cleveland at the stadium..........AH MAZING.
I remember first hearing it in Risky Business, soooooo sexy!🤠
@@JulesfromHouston Yes, right at the beginning of the "train scene". LOL. It then transitions to a song by Tangerine Dream, who composed much of the score outside the few rock songs. That's definitely a "special" scene...
I was a huge Genesis/phil Collins fan. When his album Face Value dropped and I had to get it right away. I remember hearing this in my apt for the first time losing my mind. When I finally heard it on Miami Vice, I was like ‘oh good, this song is finally going to get the attention and appreciation it deserves”. I had it on repeat for two years, have never tired of it. And turned the volume up when it was on the radio 2 days ago. The very definition of a true classic.
When he sits down, the most iconic drum line of the 20th century is about to follow.
The whole song is a build up to that exact moment. Purely *EPIC*
People will still love this masterpiece in 500 years.
Phil is a legend for a reason. He is one of three artists who have sold 100 million albums as part of a group (Genesis) and as a solo artist. The other two are Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. That’s some rarified company to be involved n.
I had forgotten about Michael. And I really enjoyed the Jackson 5 as a child. MJ and I were pretty close to the same age, as was Donny.
I remember hearing this about Paul.
I wish Peter Gabriel was in those ranks. He was Genesis' first vocalist, and then went solo.
Then again, just like his music, he's kind of better kept as a secret.
@@aarteestmj4958 hey, Gabriel is really good! They just did some of him over on other reaction channel (within the last 5-6 weeks) I follow. Sometimes I forget how great his voice is.
don't forget to add Freddie
What about Billy Joel 250 million records sold, still sells out stadiums at 74, wrote every song on all his studio albums
Orgasmic!!! Baby boomer here! We did have THE BEST music of the 20th century! This song got immensely popular on the tv show ‘Miami Vice’ when played on one of the episodes. Collins made a couple cameos during the shows run!
That's the first time I heard it. Nearly crawled into the tv with massive goose bumps!
Phil Collins/Genesis has been a part of my life for more than 40 years and knowing that now he can't even hold his sticks is heartbreaking. Prayers for Phil Collins please.
I know. So sad. He gave his all for all those years and is so debilitated now.
As stated, Phil gave his ALL to the music for the people❤ Sending Healing prayers to you Phil and thanks for the magnificent performances and memories 🙏 😂
THE BEST Air Drummer moments....EVERYONE does the air drum when that part of the song hits.
Every time😅
It's a requirement. We don't make the rules.
Some of us play it for real. 😏😁
... & almost everyone does it wrong!
1) Phil is a lefthanded drummer (check out his kit in the video) - so all air drummers should play it "right to left" not "left to right"
2) even his own son Nick, who now covers for him, thought he had it sussed until Phil told him he had the bass kicks wrong.
Every. Damn Time.
Phil never had the "look" people expected of rocker but his talent was never in question. His look was his own, his style was his own, his presence was his own. Once you have heard that drop and the haunting lyrics leading to it you will never forget it. The song touches your soul and moves you...as music should when it is real and not engineered to the point where the feeling is sterile.
One of the most dramatic live performances, from one of the greatest drummers EVER.
That drum beat is the most known in 80 s music. Phil is one of the best drummers in music history. He is musician, singer, songwriter and actor. One of the best.
OUT OF HIS HEARTACHE EMERGED A SHEER WORK OF ART! Its Musicality is Infectious! I❤ I can listen to it over n over....😊
It's amazing how that happens sometimes. I always felt that the most emotionally wrought section of my book on Alexander the Great, the Sack of Cleitus the Black, was born largely out of emotional torment suffered after divorce, separation from my family, sickness, and constant job loss. I got better but that poetry really only improved in lyric and cadence...the heart and emotions that went into it could not be reproduced in happy times.
The artists of my day didn’t never auto-tune. True talent, authentic voice!
Phil Collins used a bunch of filters on his voice at all times (recording and live) to be fair. He’s amazing, but it is what it is and lots of artists in the 80s used filters - including auto tune which Cher was probably the first to use
And I’m not just talking the metallic reverb/distortion parts - there are filters at all times during this performance, it isn’t his raw voice at any time.
Can literally hear the effects in this vid 🤨
Cher was the first artist to ever issue a commercially popularized album featuring autotune, in 1998. And then there's Phil. Choices...🤔😅
Filters and auto tune are two different things😉
Saw him in concert in the mid 90s. This song was the encore. Mind blowing. Sadly he can no longer play. But make no mistake, Phil Collins is a GOAT.
Same, right after I can't dance came out
No one ever gets tired of this song. It is so intense and exciting. Love watching the crowd. They know what is coming and they anxiously await it.
Ohh yes agree 100% been listening to it since I was 19, I'm now 61 and it never gets old Dx
Before Taylor Swift ever wrote her first break up song, there was Phil writing the penultimate break-up/revenge song.
word of advice don't use words unless you know what they mean . penultimate makes no sense in your comment. Just advice, not judging🙂
@@kennethhamilton7440Yes, I'm sure he meant ultimate.
@@kennethhamilton7440 Penultimate means “next to last.” Sometimes it is used erroneously as if it referred to something beyond ultimate, meaning “the very best,” but the prefix pen- means “almost.” Penultimate can seem like a superlative version of ultimate, but it isn't.
Of course, Taylor gives the milk away each time. Not too bright
u will never find better....he is a national treasure here in the uk.....i love watching the reactions to my all time favourite song.....thanx for doin this video
Doesnt matter how many time i hear this song live or not you cant help but get so excited when the drums are about to hit
A Legend and Master at work! Phil is a world class drummer with an outstanding voice. A true musical ICON. I am the only 1 who gets massive chills at the drum drop? Phil and this song are IMMORTAL one of the greatest performance ever given.
At 68 I still get chills!! Been listening for years and it never gets old!!💖🤟🏻
My generation knew it was greatness as we grew up on songs like this Thanx Phil❤The 80s early 90s such great music
you should try 70's genesis even better
The 60s & 70s were the best!!!! And mYbe 80s.
Amen to this. Loved Phil Collins. I’m 55. Grew up to him, Genesis and Peter Gabriel and all good music from that time. I still have the vinyl records from that time.
Greatness was common in the 80s.
The perfect timing of his walk up to the drums, that come up from under the stage, gives me chills everytime. Phil suffers a lot of health issues now. When he does perform he's sitting now. His son is his drummer. He has some amazing songs that are def worth checking out...
When he finally sat down behind the drum set, he lit into one of the most famous drum fills in history, and often rated the greatest. Every drummer since then knows that piece.
He had to wait for it to come up out of the floor.
Was heartbroken when he couldnt play the drums anymore. He was a drummer before anything else. His son is a great drummer too.
The most replayed drum solo in the history of rock. Watch a group of people when this song played and we ALL pretend we are playing those drums too! We do it at work when the song comes on!
Most of the people doesn't play it correct, they mostly miss the ghost notes Phil plays while singing
Elite level drummer without even considering his singing. That drum fill is legendary!! He’s up there with the greatest drummers of all time in the drumming community. Just an incredible talent.
He really is. I went to an Eric Clapton concert (widely considered the best guitarist) in the early 90's or late 80's and was shocked that it was Phil Collins playing drums for him that night! I knew it would be something special, and it so WAS.
@@vaskylark Was that around the "I Wish It Would Rain Down" timeframe?
@@chud1858 I think it was a couple years before that, like '86 or 87. I remember Eric Clapton had some mega hit songs like Forever Man and It's in the Way that you Use it, so I think it was that time frame. I wish though because Rain Down is my FAVE song by Phil Collins (with Eric Clapton)
"Wait . . . Run it back." 🤣 We knew it was coming. It's sooo cool seeing your amazement and joy at the suspense and tension building - then he just punishes those drums. What a release. It feels like the first time everytime. I just love seeing how much enjoyment you're getting out of the music that defined my youth into my adulthood and stays alive in my playlists.
This is the perfect description of this song. I don't know how many times I've watched this particular clip, but every time I go through the same set of emotions, even though I know exactly where it's headed.
I’ve watched this I don’t know how many times and I sweat that every single time I’m not sure he’s gonna make it to that drum kit in time…. Lol!!
He doesn't look like a 'rock star'.
@@1838isfake Phil Collins is a Legend!!!
The funniest thing ever is the opera singer reacting to the same performance (clearly not knowing either Phil or the song), who as he finished climbing the steps and walked across the top paused and talked about how much his enunciation was "in the pocket .. like a drummer". And then he sat down and walloped the 'kit and she orgasmed on the spot.
I’ve always loved this track! But more fun was watching you appreciating it for the first time! I’m 73 years young and seeing you “youngens “ appreciate the music I’ve lived is such a pleasure. THANKS SEBS!
In 1981 as a 1st year in a university hostel, Kevin two rooms down from me played In The AIr Tonight on high volume repeat seemingly half of every day. Had a damned good sound system too. The guy between us, but the other side of the corridor, Chris, competed with (mostly) side 1 of Deep Purple in Rock (Speed King, Child in Time...). Or maybe it was Made in Japan, as I remember Smoke on the Water too.
@@BruceHoult I always competed with Nazareth's Hair of the Dog just to let them know who they were messing with.
I'm 63 and I so enjoy reliving the music from my youth.
I'm with you spot on.
I’m 71 … yes! Great to see young people finding “our” music and realizing how great it was and still is!
I am a 63 year old woman and it is so great to see and hear your enthusiasm for "boomer" music!!! We had the best music, none of the fake stuff that all singers and musicians use now. Our music was real without computer help... and if they screwed up it was real and lord have mercy it made us real!!
Thank you for your enthusiasm!!
Phil is one of kind looks like any uncle only that he writes plays piano and drums AND his voice live was almost better than studio 👏👏
So glad you can appreciate Phil Collins skills on the drums. Sadly, he damaged a vertabrae in his neck in 2007, which caused pressure on the nerves in his spine. He can no longer drum and has trouble walking. His son took over the drums for him, on tour, and Phil would sit down to sing. His health went down hill fast and he retired in 2022. We have his music to hang onto and that will remain for years to come.
I used to get goosebumps. Now I get tears. All these musicians from that generation are my parents! They mean so much to me!
I heard this on Miami Vice for the first time back in the day. Was friggin' crazy watching it as a backdrop song for that.
Phil was not retiring without going out on top. The man was at his peak, talentwise. THIS is how a star does a farewell tour.
One of the many things I LOVE about this video is seeing the crowd immersed 100% into enjoying their once in a lifetime experience without cell phones. Ahhhh the good ole days!!!
Yes
How could they not be!
The whole performance gives you chills
Agree 1000%.
Also. Love the Astros logo!
@@margmoe thanks!
I agree 100% ……. I listen to this
Almost every day !! PHENOMENAL
I'm so old I saw Phil when he was still the drummer in Genesis and Peter Gabriel was lead singer, he was brilliant even then!...you need to check out the Cadbury choc advert! Good to see you appreciating so much of our iconic British music 🎶🇬🇧
Me too! Twice
So many of the British bands and musicians gave us so many great artists! Til today, even though the bands may no longer be a group. There are individuals that struck out on solo careers writing music and playing on their own. Thank you GB/UK!! After all the list of fantastic bands is endless! Beatles were the OG.... Like Elvis in the US. 🙏🙏💜
"Good music is such a powerful thing." Yes it is.
I loved this song in the 80's. - I was a teenager taking the field And about to play football on a Friday night. This pumped me up before the smack down began... gives me the chills just thinking about it. .Loved that song by Phil Collins.
I am 69 and only listened to this about a year ago. It is just stunning!!
Iconic song written by a broken hearted Phil Collins. Nothing will ever top this. All these years on. My son heard this on a game he was playing he loves this. It’s timeless classic. The build up to it is amazing. Phil is one of the best drummers, songwriters, singers plus he plays so many instruments. Such a talented man. Great reaction, he drew you in like he draws everyone in.
The white-bearded god playing bass was the legendary Leland Sklar, who has graced the recordings of pretty much every artist you've ever loved. I've seen him live once -- backing James Taylor, of all people.
While Lee is a big-time studio musician, he's primarily associated with Phil Collins and James Taylor, as beyond recording, he's been both of their touring bassist on nearly all of their tours for 40 years - FAR FAR more than he's worked with any other musicians. So it's not so surprising that you saw him with James Taylor. But he's fantastic to see no matter who he's with, for sure.
Leland is genius and such a cool person.
I love how he does absolutely nothing until he Phil is at the drums.
I've listened to this hundreds of times - the music of my youth!
I was in HS when Phil Collins released "Face Value" and we all just lost our minds at how good every song is on that album. Even people who don't especially listen to rock, know this iconic drum fill...and it's so simple yet it just fits
Phil Collins said he never wanted to be a singer, he always considered himself a drummer first! And what a drummer he is! As we'll as a singer songwriter! He's so talented! I hate that he's gone through such devastating health problems and it must absolutely be awful not to be able to play his beloved drums! It's a fact of life that age catches up with us sooner or later and to think playing his drums is what started the health problems and messed him up in his spine and neck to render him unable to play ever again! God bless you Phil❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Crazy, that you never heard about Phil Collins! He is one of the greatest ever! And this is one of the few unique epic songs ever created... like Purple Rain from Prince or Bohemian Rhapsody from Queen... and sure some other tunes... but there are not many! The anticipation here... the climax... E P I C
Everyone in their car listening to this song becomes a drummer. Cannot get out of the car til the song is over!!
For those of us that knows what’s coming the intro is so suspenseful and the when the moment comes makes everything worth it . And you can tell how many times he’s done it simply by his pace around the stage perfect timing
Hiya dude, this guy phil Collins played at the Live Aid concert in 1985 at Wembley stadium, the one you reacted to with Queen. When Phil finished his gig of 20 minutes at Wembley, he jumped onto Concorde and flew to Phillidelphia and played at Live Aid concert there in the USA, he was the only person who actually played at both concerts while both concerts were being aired Live 😊
OMG, I forgot about that! And the Concorde...what a bummer!
This song became famous back out in the day when “Miami Vice“ was famous. It has one of the most popular scenes driving over a bridge in Florida. Some form of this music video has been used in so many movies, TV shows and videos. It’s a classic! I hope you enjoyed doing the reaction as much as I enjoyed watching you give the reaction!
And then made a comeback, because of the Cadbury's Gorilla.
The tight shot of the front wheel of Sunny's Jaguar is so beautiful.
The Gunshots turning into Drums was Great.......
1985!!
He also has his own episode on Miami Vice called 'Phil the Shill' and it is very entertaining.
Trivia: Same bass player on this recent Phil Collins concert as played in Jackson Browne “Doctor My Eyes” way back when. (Leland Skylar)
Phil Collins is amazing! Brings me right back to my youth, Love him and his talent
We are talking about Phil Collins, one of the greatest artists of the music scene ever. And this is one of the most beautiful songs in his repertoire. The covers are remarkable but sung by him is something of a higher level. 😎
I'm glad you are appreciating our music! Keep listening! Phil Collins is AWESOME !!
Love Daryl Sturmer's guitar in this one. That haunting tone fits the mood. This is a dark ,angry song. The lead feels like a cry from the pain of heartbreak. And of course the icon, the legend Lee Sklar on bass.
Lee has literally recorded 1000s of songs with a lot of famous artists.
This grips us all viscerally in various ways. The lyrics, the drums, the lead-up, the lights, the singing. It all mixes together perfectly. We all think of moments in our lives when we've just HAD ENOUGH. And this is the release.
To be able to sing and hit the drums at same time, is why Phil is a legend
Roger Taylor sung all the high notes for Freddie Mercury on live performances... just saying...
@@lorisgerber yes thank you. Roger does so much that people don't realize how talented he is. Understandable seeing how Freddie had everyone in a trance with his vocals.
This is one of the four best live performances I've found on UA-cam. It captures not just the anger of the song, but the raw menace.
This song came out in 1981 and I was 27 years old and 68 almost 69 now and I still love this song as much today as I did then and I absolutely love this live version above all else it is unbelievable!!! I found myself grinning from ear to ear as I watched you enjoying it with the same kind of excitement that I feel every time I watch it as well!! And I love the way you had to take your hat off and wipe your head as if to get yourself together before you could speak! Great reaction!!!❤️❤️❤️
Me too.
The only thing I can say about our music back in the day,the music was just as important as the song 🥰
When this song would come on the radio, I would crank it all the way up and sing at the top of my lungs! Memories!
As one ALWAYS should!!! No other way, & if I ever pull up next to you, drop them windows because we are duetting!!!!
Me too! You know about radios? Thank goodness. I thought it was only me. 😁
@@The1Mommalau hahahaha
So lucky to be in college in the BEST time ever! Got to see this in con cert when it first was released! Nowadays when it comes on the radio I have to pull over so I can play the drums on my steering wheel!🤣
THIS MY SWEET SON, THIS SONG WILL NEVER DIE!
My generation! I grew up listening to all the greats and Phil was one of the greatest!!! Sebs, loving your reaction and a pair of headphones would bring you a whole new respect for our generation’s musicality. You’d understand the lyrics of this song so much better. ( it’s not an uplifting song but one of betrayal, anger, pain and loss ).
Absolutely NEED a headset on BLAST! Only way to do it.
Phil was a drummer long before anything else. He loved it and missed it so much when he couldn't be able to play anymore.
I love this song! Phil Collins is a great artist! Against All Odds is probably my personal favorite song of his! 😊
It’s my favorite too!
mine too and i prefer the studio recorded version due to Phil's passion and intensity - unfortunately haven't found a live version that compares. Whereas, this version of In the air tonight is my fave for the ambiance, tension and atmosphere... goose bumps every darn time lol.
Agreed. The whole song is great but the sound of those drums coming in and staying in until the unorthodox outro with toms and crash cymbals… I mean , who does that!!??
Agree! That's a great song!
They do a cover of “Against All Odds” on the show Glee & do a terrific job with it btw. I highly recommend checking it out if you all love the song. I hope this kind of music keeps being heard by the younger generations! I’m 35 so it’s not like I’m “old” yet, but I’m afraid some of the truly great & timeless music is going to get lost with these younger gens. I have a very broad range of musical taste personally: heavy metal, rock, pop, rap, country, indie, alternative, R&B, etc. There’s so much good music out there in multiple genres. 😊
One of the best live performances of all time. The build up. The lighting. All of it!
When the drummer writes the song, he can come in wherever likes.
One of the greatest live performances I've ever seen. I love watching people see it for the first time. Iconic drum beat. Amazing singer and drummer. And you are right, very satisfying.
THE greatest video live performance I have seen in over 50 years of being a music fan, IMO! It's chilling every time I hear it.
The 2nd greatest would be Pink Floyd Comfortably Numb live pulse concert.
@@kens32052 No doubt!
I'd suggest nitewish live at wacken
I think you're required to play the air drums when Phil finally picks up the sticks and hammers the toms. Great reaction to a great live performance of this song.
I was born in the early 70s, educational years were in the 80s and early 90s!
So many phenomenal artists, groups and soloists came from these eras, I tip my hat to all of you for your untouchable talents!
Yes! I was born 1967
I’m with you sister! ❤
Phil Collins was the best performer I’ve ever seen live, just amazing to be there in that audience it was incredible.
Proud to say I’m from an era when real artists like this existed. Unlike today. There not many who really stand out and make you feel every lyric and instrument.
More can put on a show like this that’s truly epic.
I enjoy watching your appreciation for the music of my younger years. I call it, when music was real and natural. Glad I found your Channel.
After Hotel California I was waiting for your reaction to this one. You didn't disappoint! Best reaction I've seen. I've watched this 30 times and still get goosebumps!
After about 40 year of hearing this song it still gives me goosebumps when Phil hits them drums. UK
Having watched hundreds and hundreds of reaction videos - your reaction to this iconic performance just became my all time favorite. Thank you!
Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing... great reaction to an incredibly awesome song and performance.
To hear great music you have to go back in time, some of the music today doesn't hold a candle to what we had in the 70's and 80's , I am actually crying now, my husband who is Greek hasn't a clue what I am talking about. Phil Collins is a legend and a special soul, I lovehim ❤❤❤
Just an amazing performance. The song is almost like a movie.
This is the most incredible live performance EVER! The original song was so great, but this live performance was spectacular!
Nothing better than driving down Biscayne Blvd in Miami at 18 Years old - Jammin this song. Miami Vice made this song for me.
Gated Drums is the sound of the 80's brought to you by the immortal Phil Collins.
This is a classic. Impossible not to love.
Phil Collins is unbelievable in concert…..and this is amazing live.
I’ve been listening to this song since I was a kid and I still get chills every time.
Me too! LOL, I'm lying. I was in college. So cool that you had great taste as a kiddo! 😎
@@The1Mommalau I was raised on Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles. My mom had great taste 😊
70s 80s 90s we who grew up in those years were blessed! I am 67 and still listening to all the music from those eras...so many concerts I went to...so much talent, I would not have wanted it any other way...so lucky I was!!😢❤
I was 14 when this came out!!
Everybody. Drum solo! Now. Hell yeah.
I attended this concert in Canada, it was the final because he started to develop hearing loss and wanted to have one last tour. He was amazing in person. Also this song was in Risky Business with Tom Cruise,the scene where the song is played in the movie was so powerful totally worth watching
Great reaction. Phil Collins is histories most talented musician. He has helped many people with their solo careers and the man could play the drums like no one else.
Freddie Mercury beats them all .
I attended an Eric Clapton concert, 1986 or so, in Indianapolis. Much to my surprise, Phil Collins was his drummer. Although it was a Clapton concert, they played 3 Collins' songs, including this one. That concert was second only to Pink Floyd for me. A great song, and great reaction Sebs. Thank you.
Phil has play drums for a lot of amazing musicians, i love it ❤️
Wow! Thats amazing! You are lucky.
The suspense he builds for this is awesome! Love this song/concert! He had this timed perfectly! Legendary!!!
The first time I heard this song was on the show Miami Vice it played at the end of the show just the music. Then it was released on MTV. THIS IS TOP OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE S! Thank you!
As a former gigging drummer and a life long Phil Collin’s fan it fills me up with pure joy watching you discover this amazing song. My smile got bigger and bigger with each step he took toward the drum kit knowing what was coming. Another incredible drum moment is Neil Peart’s fill in Tom Sawyer. It’s Also ICONIC. I enjoy your channel. Keep digging for gold!