Collins coming 'against all odds'

Although the singer's Prague concerts were postponed due to illness, it seems Collins will keep his gig date in Tel Aviv.

By RUTH EGLASH
phil collins 88 (photo credit: )
phil collins 88
(photo credit: )
Even after canceling two of his world tour concerts in Prague last week, it seems that British pop superstar Phil Collins will keep his gig date in Tel Aviv next week. The former Genesis drummer and front man is expected to play at the city's Bloomfield stadium on November 7, according to the show's promoter. Collins, whose solo career is equally successful as his time spent with the legendary band Genesis, is known for hits such as "In the Air Tonight," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Groovy Kind of Love," "Against All Odds," and "Another Day in Paradise." His more recent work has included a well-received jazz compilation, as well as a range of Disney soundtracks. The music for the animated feature Tarzan even won him an Oscar in 1999. This is the star's first visit to Israel. This visit and a letter published in 2003 on the Phil Collins' official website should put an end to persistent rumors of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment. On his website, Collins wrote: "I have no idea how these rumors start but there is absolutely no truth in what you've heard at all. I have never been asked what I feel about the problems that exist, so have never voiced any opinion. The fact that Jewish people refuse to listen to my music because of this is very sad. Altogether, a bleak picture really. My beliefs cover only what I believe to be right or wrong, I have no blanket belief that could be interpreted in a way that you express in your letter. "A rumor similar to this, and possibly the origin of this one, I heard in NY in the 80's. Someone said that they'd read in a Jewish magazine that I was an anti-Semite and I could not work out how that one started. However, the same person then went on to tell a similar story to yours...wouldn't mention my name, play the music, etc...I was then married to a lady whose father was Jewish...so the story was even more farcical." Collins' Prague concerts were postponed until later in the month due to illness that left the singer with no voice. Tickets for the concert are available from ticket agencies.