If you thought Phil Burton was sitting around twiddling his thumbs waiting for his Las Vegas-based Human Nature mates to return, think again. While he still performs as part of Human Nature when the other lads are in Australia, Phil is also forging his own path as a solo performer. He admitted he was terrified for his Songs That Shaped My Soul shows in 2023, but he seems to have shaken off the nerves for his latest endeavour Phil x Phil. While his first solo dates offered a mix of Human Nature material and covers, Phil is more laser-focused this time around with a show celebrating the music of Phil Collins.
I was lucky enough to see Phil Collins in 2019, on what will likely be his last Australian tour. His voice was flawless, but issues with his hip and back saw him seated for most of the performance. I didn’t mind; I was just so excited to see this true legend perform. But attending Phil Burton’s show on Saturday gave me a little insight into what I might have enjoyed if I’d caught Phil Collins earlier in his career. Those Human Nature dance skills came in handy as Phil grapevined and box-stepped around the stage, performing with the kind of energy that Phil Collins just can’t muster these days. At the Phil Collins show, I also marvelled at the strength of his back catalogue. I have never owned a Phil Collins album, but his music dominated the airwaves, ensuring anyone who listened at the time knows every word. So while the Phil x Phil concept might seem a little niche, it actually works perfectly.
Phil assured us he’d keep the talking to a minimum because there was so much music to get through, and he was right. While the show stretched over more than two hours, it seemed to pass in the blink of an eye because every song was a banger. Most of the set list drew from Phil Collins’s solo era, but I was thrilled Phil reminded us of where it all began with Genesis’ “That’s All.” What a tune it is, the perfect showcase for Phil’s fantastic voice and his super-tight band.
Assembling the right musicians would always be key for these shows. When you think of Phil Collins’s music, you think about those epic drums in “In the Air Tonight,” the trumpet flourishes in “I Missed Again” and “Something Happened on the Way to Heaven,” and the saxophone solo of “One More Night.” I’ve seen the musicians Phil Collins hand-picked, and honestly I think every one of Phil Burton’s players was at least their equal. They’re also exceptional singers. While mostly they stuck to backing vocals, Phil gave them all time to shine on a beautiful ensemble rendition of “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The Voice alum Rebecca Selley was more than a backing vocalist; she was Phil’s partner in crime, matching him up front with dance moves and powerful vocals. Watching her handle Philip Bailey’s challenging parts in “Easy Lover” was an absolute joy.
Although he stayed true to his word and kept the chat to a minimum, Phil couldn’t resist asking us every now and again whether we’d heard our favourite song yet. Every time, I heard more people answering in the affirmative. I think by the time he treated us to “Sussudio” for the encore, everyone had heard that special song they were waiting for, and then some. It brought many of us to our feet, knowing that it was our last opportunity to dance and show our appreciation for this fantastic night of music.
While he’ll be back with his Human Nature mates before too long, Phil doesn’t need them to put on a show. With serious vocal chops, charm, and one of the tightest bands around, his Phil x Phil shows are a delightful celebration of Phil Collins’ legacy. Only one more is announced: EVAN Theatre in Mooroo Murak/Penrith on October 23. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek. Trust me, you do not want to miss it.
Photo credit: Lauren Katulka