Tribute acts are more popular than ever. Open any festival or theatre programme and you'll find at least one on the bill. For Phil Collins, there's only one act in the Benelux: Collins Live Experience.
The 12-piece band has roots in the Dutch province of Brabant and celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Trumpeter Jeroen van Keulen has been with the band from the start. The idea came about when the founders looked for an artist with no existing tribute. "That turned out to be Phil Collins," says Jeroen.
From the Netherlands to Latvia
When Phil Collins played his final concert in 2022, international bookings started coming in. The band has already performed in Denmark and has four shows lined up in Latvia. A German tour is also in the works.
Why Collins still resonates
Phil Collins sold over 100 million records — both as a solo artist and as a member of Genesis. Along with Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, he's one of the few artists to achieve that in both capacities. Jeroen: "Beyond his voice, he's considered one of the top three drummers in the world."
Collins also stood out for always using a brass section — even when it wasn't always welcomed. At a Genesis show in the Netherlands, he brought along horn players. The Genesis catalogue rarely calls for them. "The crowd made their feelings known," Jeroen recalls.
Two drum kits on stage
Collins Live Experience performs with two drum kits. "It took a long time to get right. We haven't seen any other band do it."
Jeroen's favourite Collins track? In the Air Tonight from 1981. "That drum solo is iconic. It defined his sound for decades."
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