For a man of advancing years, Phil Collins is finding that he has increasing cachet with the young folk.

One of the biggest moments in Lorde’s set on her recent visit to Manchester was a huge rendition of Collins’ 1981 hit In The Air Tonight.

It was the first single from his debut solo album, Face Value. Lorde would be born 15 years later.

“I’ve heard it,” he says, from his Miami home, “I thought it was really good. I wrote to her because she wanted to do something, but we couldn’t make it happen. I’ve been a supporter of her since she started and its nice that young artists are interested in my music.

“I’ve had offers from rappers and hip hop artists. People are sampling my old records. It’s very satisfying.

“It’s nice to see people come out of the closet. I’ll take that.”

He also says that the live renaissance could lead to new music, or even a film score. His son, Nick, who drums with Collins’ live band, has given him a ‘youthful energy.’ A chip off the old block.

“It does make you think about writing new stuff. There are some baby steps towards some new collaborations. I’ve got studios in my home but I’ve not really used them, I knew where it would lead.

“But I do get ideas and I write them down. Movies? Yeah, if I consider myself a songwriter then nothing should be taboo. Disney? Absolutely.”

(Image: Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Collins, now a wry and wily 66, has been in and out of fashion enough times to not think about it too much. His current Not Dead Yet tour has sold out the Royal Albert Hall and is filling arenas up and down the country. There are a few tickets left for Manchester.

There are enough hits to choose from. So much, in fact, that thinning down the set list must be a trial in itself.

“There are some you have to do,” he says. “Another Day In Paradise, Against All Odds, Easy Lover. You’ve got to play the hits.”

The tour has also brought him back to the UK, which he misses ‘a bit’. Especially given the current political landscape in his new home.

“Trump is a maniac. A nightmare. He’s about to nuke North Korea. Everyone here is just glued to CNN. You can’t really believe it.

“The UK is going through a strange time, but it’s nowhere near as bad as the US.”

Collins hasn’t played in Manchester since the Genesis Revolution Tour in 2007, when the band sold out Old Trafford. He’d often visited the ground to watch the Red Devils. His kids met the players.

The last time he played the Arena was 2004, but Collins is all too aware of the May bomb attack.

“It was hard to watch. I know that it’s only just reopened and how hard that must have been.

“I’m really fond of playing that venue. Manchester has always been good to me. A few things have changed for me too. I’m less mobile.

“I’ll probably have to sit down during the gig. But hopefully I can put a few smiles on faces.”

Stage times

Doors: 6.30pm

Show start: 8.00pm

Further enhanced security checks have been put in place to provide reassurance and confidence and we advise you to arrive in plenty of time to pass through these additional security checks.

Support act

There is no support act for this show and so all ticketholders are advised to arrive at the venue as early as possible.

Set list

(based on recent set at FlyDSA Arena Sheffield)

Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)

Another Day in Paradise

One More Night

Wake Up Call

Follow You Follow Me

Can't Turn Back the Years

I Missed Again

Hang in Long Enough

Separate Lives

Only You Know and I Know

Intermission

Set 2:

Drum Duet

I Don't Care Anymore

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:

Take Me Home

Phil Collins performs at Manchester Arena on Wednesday, November 29. Tickets cost £65 - £120 from Ticketmaster .