Phil Collins has opened up about a feud with Paul McCartney – revealing how his encounter with The Beatles legend left a long-lasting grudge.

This week saw the former Genesis turned solo star announce his live return with the ‘Not Dead Yet’ tour of Europe and the UK – but not before he revealed why he dislikes a certain ex-Beatle so much.

“I met him when I was working at the Buckingham Palace party back in 2002,” he told The Sunday Times. “McCartney came up with Heather Mills and I had a first edition of The Beatles, by Hunter Davies, and I said, ‘Hey, Paul, do you mind signing this for me?’” he told the paper. “And he said, ‘Oh, Heather, our little Phil’s a bit of a Beatles fan.’ And I thought, ‘You fuck, you fuck.’ Never forgot it.”


Collins added: “He has this thing when he’s talking to you, where he makes you feel [like], ‘I know this must be hard for you because I’m a Beatle. I’m Paul McCartney and it must be very hard for you to actually be holding a conversation with me.’”

He also revealed that he wouldn’t be playing drums at the upcoming shows due to extensive injuries, and that he’s not entirely against the idea of a Genesis reunion.

Phil Collins’ upcoming tour dates are below. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 21 October.

Phil Collins will play the following shows: London, Royal Albert Hall (June 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)

Cologne, Lanxess Arena (11, 12)

Paris, Accors Hotel Arena (18, 19) Advertisement