Singer Phil Collins has opened up on Vernon Kay’s Tracks of My Years about being a fan of Taylor Swift after meeting her through his daughter Lily
Phil Collins gave a rare interview (Image: Getty Images Europe)
Taylor Swift can count legendary singer Phil Collins as one of her millions of adoring fans, after he said she “really deserves” the success she’s garnered.
Phil, 75, appeared on BBC2 for Vernon Kay’s Tracks of My Years, and recalled an occasion that he had met Taylor at an event when with his daughter, actress Lily Collins, who introduced him to her. He revealed he was blown away by her performance of her 2008 song White Horse.
He told Vernon: “I’ve always had a soft spot for this song since then and I’m so pleased that she’s the hugest thing in the world now because she kind of feels like she deserves it. I mean it’s easy to knock someone that’s got so much success, but I think she really deserves it.”
In the interview, Phil, who is soon to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, also had high praise for his five children – Joely, 53, Simon, 49, Lily, 37, Nic, 25, and Matthew Collins, 21.
“I mean, considering what I’ve put my kids through, you know, without meaning to, of course, but without all the upheavals in their lives, they’ve grown up to be such incredibly well balanced, lovely human beings, you know, as long as they’re happy. I’m happy. And as long as they’re doing something that they believe in and love, you know. And they all are and I couldn’t be more pleased for them.”
The Genesis star now lives in Switzerland, by Lake Geneva and has battled health issues in recent years, including knee problems following five surgeries. He explained earlier this year he has a live-in nurse at his Swiss mansion “to make sure I take my medication as I should do.”
But the Another Day in Paradise singer told host Vernon a comical story when he relocated to Switzerland from the States and how he transported some of his many awards to his new home – including his Oscar for Best Song from 2000.
“I bought a couple of things back with me, a couple of Golden Globes and the Oscar and one of the Grammys and just took them in my suitcase, I mean it!”
He added of his home – reported to be worth over £8million – “It’s quite modest and there’s just family photographs everywhere, whether it’s grandchildren, whether it’s childrens’ mums, my dad, my brother, sister, There’s very little of me, apart from in the studio where that’s where I put my stuff.”
You can listen exclusively to Phil Collins on Tracks Of My Years on BBC Sounds and watch on Radio 2’s YouTube channel and BBC iPlayer from 6am on Sunday 2nd August.
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