Zoe Ball is presenting a new series of the award-winning podcast Eras for Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, focusing on the life and career of Phil Collins, who turns 75 on 30 January.
The five-part series explores Phil’s journey from a West London stage school to global superstardom, with new interviews and archive contributions highlighting his enduring influence.
Episodes one to four are available now on BBC Sounds and globally on all major podcast platforms and will also air on Radio 2 on Sunday 25 January 12am – 2:00am).
Contributors include Sir Bob Geldof, Craig David, Izzy Lamberti, Sir Richard Branson, Robert Plant, Steve Hackett, and Phil’s son Nic Collins, alongside archive contributions from Alicia Keys and Julie Walters.
Each episode examines a different chapter of Phil’s career, from his early drumming and audition for Genesis to his solo success and iconic songs such as In the Air Tonight.
Zoe, who last interviewed Phil in 2020 for the Genesis reunion tour announcement, said: “Phil Collins’ music is woven into all our lives, those songs are time machines, full of heart, drama and joy.
“I’ve been lucky enough to chat with Phil a few times over the years, but to dive into his extraordinary story for Eras and sit down with him again for such a special, intimate conversation about music, family and everything in between is an absolute dream.”
Episode four features Garon Michael, the actor behind the iconic Cadbury gorilla in the In the Air Tonight advert. Garon discusses the audition process in Los Angeles, five and a half months of intensive training, learning to play the drums, and the intensity of performing entirely in character.
The fifth and final episode, launching visually on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer on Monday 26 January at 6am, features a world-exclusive interview with Phil Collins himself.
It will also broadcast on Radio 2 on Sunday 1 February (12am – 12.30am). Phil reflects on touring with his son Nic, personal and professional challenges, and his plans for the future, offering listeners a candid insight into his life and legacy.
