Concert review: Phil Collins, RAC Arena. Rating: 2.5 stars

No jacket was required on a balmy evening. However, at English music legend Phil Collins’ first Perth show since 1995 on Monday night, a walking cane and chair were necessary.

The Genesis drummer turned solo star — arguably the Ed Sheeran of the 80s — retired in 2002 due to chronic back injuries and other ailments, but announced a comeback four years ago.

“I’m going to be sitting down,” Collins told the sold-out RAC Arena at the first of two big gigs. “I had a back operation a couple of years ago, foot’s f...ed ... not dead yet.

Camera Icon Phil Collins plays RAC Arena for Not Dead Yet Tour on January 28. Credit: Duncan Barnes

“That won’t stop us from having some fun.”

Not Dead Yet is the cheeky title of the global comeback tour, which kicked off in mid-2017 and has travelled through Europe and the Americas.

Collins, who turns 68 on January 30, spluttered into 1984 power ballad Against All Odds on a swivel chair resembling one on which someone of his vintage might perch at the pokies.

The bald, bespectacled singer benefited greatly from his backing singers, and the impressively polished band of grizzled campaigners, including long-time bassist and Gandalf look-a-like Leland Sklar and Genesis touring guitarist Daryl Stuermer.

Collins’ 17-year-old son Nicholas — a chip off the old block on drums — significantly lowered the average age of the band, which swelled to 14 with the addition of the Vine Street Horns.

Camera Icon Phil Collins on the big screen and big band at RAC Arena on January 28. Credit: Duncan Barnes

“It’s a good band, innit,” the superstar quipped, and he was right.

The issue was that on big numbers, such as Something Happened on the Way to Heaven and I Missed Again, the guy with his name on the ticket was often lost among the bombast.

On late set highlight Easy Lover, Collins’ hit 1984 duet with Earth, Wind and Fire’s Philip Bailey, the backing singers carried the song.

In particular, the Biblical voice of Arnold McCuller — a Cleveland-born vocalist who has toured extensively with James Taylor — made the star fade by comparison.

I’m going to be sitting down ... That won’t stop us from having some fun.

The best setting for Collins’ reduced range came when he joined Nicholas on piano for You Know What I Mean, a gentle piano ballad from 1981 solo debut Face Value that on Monday night showcased the vulnerability in his weathered voice.

Other highlights included Genesis hits Throwing It All Away, Invisible Touch and especially Follow You Follow Me, which was accompanied by archival footage of the British supergroup.

Images of Collins larking about in a series of tracksuits and ill-fitting suits, often sporting impressive facial hair, was a stark reminder that he was never as cool as contemporaries such as Bowie or Jagger.

Signature song In the Air Tonight brewed like a storm, with the drum machine, vocoded vocals and rumbling riffs building until the drum break released the tension.

Camera Icon Phil Collins plays RAC Arena for Not Dead Yet Tour on January 28. Credit: Duncan Barnes

Following this with naff Supremes cover You Can’t Hurry Love created an odd dichotomy. Tepid bathwater has more soul.

American Psycho villain Patrick Bateman’s favourite song Sussudio was the obvious closer, with streamers and confetti raining on delighted fans, who were finally up and dancing.

Collins left some big hits in the bag, including his highest charting Aussie singles One More Night and, thankfully, A Groovy Kind of Love.

The final track on No Jacket Required, Take Me Home was an apt sentiment for an otherwise dull finale.

Lucky Phil is not dead yet, but someone might want to check for a pulse.

Phil Collins plays RAC Arena again on January 29.

SET LIST

Against All Odds

Another Day in Paradise

I Missed Again

Hang in Long Enough

Throwing It All Away

Follow You Follow Me

Can’t Turn Back the Years

Inside Out

Who Said I Would

Separate Lives

Something Happened on the Way to Heaven

You Know What I Mean

In the Air Tonight

You Can’t Hurry Love

Dance Into the Light

Invisible Touch

Easy Lover

Sussudio

ENCORE