You Can’t Hurry Love

“YOU CAN'T HURRY LOVE… BUT PHIL COLLINS & GENESIS ARE WORTH THE WAIT”

Fringe Review: Both Sides - Phil Collins & Genesis Celebrated

Venue- Mary Wirth (Gluttony) - 15/3/26

I walked into this sold-out show not as a die-hard Phil Collins or Genesis fan, but as a drummer and an unapologetic 'Easy Lover' of live music.

Like many punters at tribute shows, I had the usual questions: Will I know many of the songs? Will the singer sound like the original artist?
The simple answer… Yes and yes.

The stage went dark and the buzzing static of the Night Owl Shows promo screen created that familiar pre-gig adrenaline buzz.

Seconds later, a huge opening drum fill ignited the room and the ever-popular 'Sussudio' instantly kicked my brain into a mid-80s flashback.

What followed was a cavalcade of hits that reminded us just how extraordinary Collins was as an artist and how well his songs have stood the test of time. It was also a reminder of just how deeply his music became the soundtrack to the 1980s. Stories were shared about his remarkable transition from drummer to frontman in Genesis after the departure of Peter Gabriel, and his rapid rise to global solo star and even film actor.

The hits kept coming — 'You Can’t Hurry Love', 'Against All Odds', 'That’s All', 'Invisible Touch', 'Two Hearts' — and the list goes on.

'In the Air Tonight' was a clear crowd favourite, thanks to the slow-burn tension leading to what is arguably the most famous drum fill in music history.

UK singer and musician Angus Munro may not look like Phil Collins, but he certainly sounds like him. He has captured and polished the vocal nuances of the man while still delivering the songs in his own Munro style.

The show itself was slick and well-paced. Munro used every corner of the stage to connect with the crowd — weaving through the aisles, getting up close with fans, and at one point even ending up flat on his back for a well-earned breather.

The band was razor-sharp throughout, led by the ever-smooth and reliable musical director and bass player Noah Nelson.

It was a cracking trip down memory lane — and judging by the buzz leaving the venue, plenty of Phil Collins back catalogues will be dusted off and played on repeat in cars on the drive home.

And when the show finally wrapped up, the crowd jumped to their feet hoping there might still be 'One More Night'.