Introduction
Phil Collins – “That’s Just The Way It Is” (Seriously Live in Berlin 1990): A Moment of Reflection in a Monumental Show
In July 1990, Phil Collins delivered one of the most powerful live performances of his career during the Seriously Live! tour, with Berlin as one of its standout stops. Among the many highlights of the night was his emotionally charged rendition of “That’s Just The Way It Is,” a haunting ballad from his fourth solo album, …But Seriously (1989). Performed in front of a massive crowd at the Waldbühne amphitheater, the song stood out not just for its musicality, but for its message — one that still resonates today.
The Berlin concert came at a symbolic time. Just months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the city was buzzing with energy, hope, and uncertainty. Collins, always aware of the emotional and political climate around him, tapped into that atmosphere with songs that reflected the times — none more so than “That’s Just The Way It Is.”
Written as a protest against the ongoing violence in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the song is a somber reflection on the cycles of hate and conflict. In his live performance, Collins delivered the lyrics with heartfelt sincerity:
“All day long he was fighting for you / And he didn’t even know your name.”
The message was clear: blind loyalty, inherited hatred, and senseless violence can trap generations in never-ending conflict.
On stage that night, Collins was joined by longtime collaborator Leland Sklar on bass and a full backing band that included the Phoenix Horns. The arrangement was rich yet restrained, allowing the weight of the lyrics to carry the song. Backed by warm lighting and a hushed crowd, Collins’ voice carried a raw, almost weary tone, as though he was not only singing about the pain of others — but feeling it himself.
Between energetic hits like “Sussudio” and “Something Happened on the Way to Heaven,” “That’s Just The Way It Is” brought a moment of quiet reflection. It was not the flashy centerpiece of the show, but rather its emotional spine — a reminder that beneath the pop star image was an artist deeply engaged with the world around him.
The performance also featured a moving duet with backing vocalist Arnold McCuller, whose soulful voice added depth and urgency to the track. Their harmonies gave the song a gospel-like quality, turning a personal protest into something communal.
For fans in Berlin that night, and for viewers who later watched the concert on video, the performance was unforgettable. It captured the complexity of Collins’ artistry: the ability to move between fun and funk, love and loss, politics and pop — all within a single set.
In many ways, “That’s Just The Way It Is” during the 1990 Berlin concert wasn’t just a song. It was a message, a moment of stillness in a world that, even in celebration, needed to pause and listen.