Episode 3: The Imperial Years

In 1985, after a couple of massive singles and an Oscar nomination, Phil Collins stands on the precipice of global megastardom. Then comes No Jacket Required, Live Aid, a red hot hit streak with Genesis – and he’s hurled over the edge.

From time zone defying Concorde operatics to soundtracking – and starring in – Miami Vice, Zoe Ball charts Phil’s imperial era. The critics might be giving him a hard time, but in stadiums all over the world legions of fans sing every word to his constantly expanding stable of mega hits.

But as the demands on his time and attention multiply… it’s only a matter of time before there’s a personal cost to so much success.

A Cup and Nuzzle Production for BBC Sounds
Series Producer: Frank Palmer