MUSIC fans are in for a cracking night when the catchy tunes, punchy brass and big, big sound of Phil Collins comes to the Palace Theatre, Redditch on Thursday, March 24.
‘And finally….Phil Collins’ 2016 Tour’ features all the multi-million album selling singer and drummer’s solo hits plus a hearty helping of songs from his Genesis era, all played by an 11-piece band.
Taking the Collins role is Tim Harper, who started playing drums aged 14, and who spent two years perfecting the act and the songs before daring to take the show on the road.
That was 12 years ago and now he feels that with his current line-up they’re are near to the real thing as it’s possible to be.
“I’d always been a fan of bands like Argent, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Deep Purple and Yes then in 2004 a DVD Phil Collins put out and I was just amazed at how much went into his shows,” said Tim, who now lives in Dorset but is originally from Wolverhampton.
“The man is a true entertainer who knows how to put on a real performance for the audience – I was blown away.”
Tim, who had dabbled in writing his own music, was inspired and it set him on a path which has culminated in this 70-date tour with many venues already sold out.
“We had to rehearse for two years before we could do justice to the music and put it on the road.
“His songs sound simple but there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye – it’s about the strength of the songwriting and arrangements, his attention to detail and quality.”
And with two drummers, a percussionist, a three-strong brass section, backing singers (including Tim’s wife Edwina) guitars and keyboard player, fans are in for a treat.
“His drumming is very distinctive, very dynamic, so there is not only a visual impact but it’s worked so you get this stereo effect and it really lifts it to a different level,” said Tim.
The gig is on Thursday, March 24 and tickets are £20 on 01527 65203 or online at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk .
To hear the band in action, check out https://youtu.be/QAxDWEroT6g
