Introduction
Phil Collins Live in Houston: A Night to Remember at the Toyota Center, September 24, 2019
When Phil Collins brought his “Not Dead Yet” tour to the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, on September 24, 2019, it was more than just another stop on the road—it was a historic evening that reminded fans why his music has touched millions for decades. For nearly two hours, the legendary singer, drummer, and songwriter guided the audience through a setlist packed with classics, heartfelt moments, and a stage presence that proved he remains one of music’s great storytellers.
A Packed Arena Filled with Anticipation
The Toyota Center was brimming with excitement from the moment doors opened. Fans of every generation, from those who grew up with Genesis to younger listeners discovering Collins through timeless hits, filled the venue. The stage setup was modest yet elegant, with screens that projected close-ups of Collins, his band, and the sea of faces singing along. Though health challenges kept him from playing the drums, Collins’ voice and charisma carried the show effortlessly.
A Setlist of Timeless Classics
From the very first notes of “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” the audience was on its feet. Collins’ voice—seasoned but still rich with emotion—brought new depth to the ballads and a fiery energy to the uptempo numbers. The night’s highlights included iconic songs like “In the Air Tonight,” where the dramatic drum break still drew a thunderous response, “Another Day in Paradise,” a song whose message remains as powerful as ever, and “Sussudio,” which had the crowd dancing and clapping along in unison.
The concert also paid tribute to his Genesis days with performances of “Follow You Follow Me” and “Invisible Touch,” stirring nostalgia among longtime fans. Every track seemed carefully chosen, balancing Collins’ solo career triumphs with nods to his work with the legendary band.
The Band and the Family Connection
Supporting Collins was a world-class group of musicians, including his 18-year-old son, Nicholas, on drums. Nicholas’ skill and energy impressed everyone in attendance, carrying forward the rhythmic power that has always been central to Phil Collins’ music. The father-son bond on stage added an emotional layer to the performance, as Collins often looked proudly toward his son during instrumental breaks.
Backing vocalists and instrumentalists filled out the sound with precision, creating the lush arrangements that fans expected from such a legendary catalog.
A Farewell, but Not an Ending
Throughout the evening, Collins joked with the audience, spoke candidly about his health, and reflected on his long journey in music. The concert felt like more than a performance—it was a chance for fans to celebrate a career that has spanned decades and continues to inspire. While some viewed the 2019 tour as a farewell, the energy in Houston proved that Collins’ music lives on, stronger than ever.
As the final chords of “Take Me Home” rang out, the Toyota Center erupted into cheers and applause that seemed to stretch endlessly. For Houston, September 24, 2019, was not just another concert—it was a once-in-a-lifetime night, a reminder of the magic Phil Collins has always brought to the stage.