The smiles on your faces when Phil hits the drums tells you everything you need to know about this song. A classic - a song that can still make you smile even after listening to it 1000's of times.

an important fact: did you know that this song was written at a very hard moment in his life? he was going through a divorce, and he wrote this song with a lot of anger and pain. 😢

Everything was perfect for this performance, the build up, the light effects, the vocal effects and most of all the timing, just one word EPIC

Dominika I couldn't agree more!! SO SO ICONIC!

What you have to understand is obviously the whole crowd are Phil Collins fans, know his work and know he's a drummer. When he comes out there's is no drumkit. Ok, that's fair enough, 'no-one can sing and drum at the same time'. That's why when the drums rise from the stage you can hear the crowd go crazy in anticipation, they know what's coming. Got to be one of the greatest live performances of all time and apparently was at the end of the show not the beginning. Amazing.

Most iconic drum drop in music without a doubt!

Got to be one of the most epic performances of any song ever. I get chills when Phil is playing that incredible drums.

Dont think I will ever tire of hearing this song or watching youngsters hear it for the fist time and love it like we did back in the 80s

With regard to the drums, this is the 2nd song EVER to feature what Phil created for drumming called the GATED REVERB EFFECT. This song came out in 1981. Shortly before Phil wrote this song, he was drumming on Peter Gabriel's (his former Genesis lead singer predecessor in Genesis and bandmate) 3rd album known as Melt. Peter told Phil he wanted a big heavy drum sound with NO CYMBALS at all. While fooling around with the reverb sound on the drums while working on the opening track INTRUDER, Phil came up with a loud heavy reverb effect called a GATED REVERB, which made the drum sound louder, heavier and with that echo reverb that Peter was looking for. Intruder is a great song, very eerie, creepy and if you listen to it, you will immediately recognize this Gated Reverb effect. Phil then used it on In the Air Tonight, because he wanted that same sparse menacing drum sound, but instead of having the drums throughout the song, he built the tension up slowly with the "story", and then had the drums blast in for the finale with that iconic drum fill. You will also hear this huge loud gated reverb drum sound prominently on I Don't Care Anymore, a great but angry Phil solo song on his 2nd album about a year later. You will also hear it on Genesis' 1983 self titled album on the opening track MAMA,which was also a huge hit. That heavy drum sound was everywhere from then on in the 80s. Phil was asked to drum on and produce albums for Eric Clapton, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Frida from Abba (I Know Somethings Going On), and he did a duet with Philip Bailey of Earth Wind and Fire that turned into a huge hit, EASY LOVER, where you again hear Phil's heavy gated reverb drum sound, which by then was everywhere in music in the 80s. So In the Air Tonight was not only a great song and Phil's big solo breakout hit, but it literally changed the sound of music in the 80s and that drum sound was all over the place. So the song itself had a MASSIVE influence on music history.

This man is amazing. Having grown up with drama (school) he knows his way around drama. He is so smart and talented. His Miami Vice acting in the 'Phil the Shill' episode is equally amazing.

Phil's wife warned him she might not be there if he went off on a very LONG Genesis tour. And she wasn't. With his wife gone, along with the two kids and the dog, he was left alone to write music about his feelings....never intending to do an album. When a producer heard his tape, told Collins he HAD to make it into an album. BAM! Major hits ensued. Although he says he does not know what the subject is, I believe he is fantasying about meeting up with the guy and having it out. (Phil did follow his wife to her parents in Vancouver, but could not convince her to return) :(

Another good one - Thanks. As you mention, Phil Collins is an icon. Many young people recognize him from the score of Disney's animated Tarzan movie. Many older people remember him as the drummer, then lead singer and composer, for the prog band Genesis. In between those two wonderful periods that would define most performer's entire career, Phil had one of the most outstanding strings of solo productions of anyone making music at the time. You couldn't get away from him in the '80's, but it never got old....

I'm so jealous of you two! I'd love to hear this song for the first time again!

Guys, the first time i heard this song i swear i almost peed my pants. 😲. This was a surprise for me all the way through 🎶🎶🎶🎸🥁. Great song🥰

This song was a true revolution at the time, I was young, many years have passed but I remember it perfectly. They are one of those songs that, even if centuries pass, always make you vibrate. Fantastic reaction 👍

That is, hands down, the best drum drop in music.

A production and camerawork like no other…whoever thought this up is a genius.From France if I am not mistaken.

Well, a lot to say here. First, you would be AMAZED how many people don't know this song or Phil Collins. I have listened to many reactors (mostly in the US admittedly) who watch this and say "Phil Collins plays drums? I never knew rhat" and "I only know him from Tarzan". Second, there is a myth that he wrote this about his divorce. In his autobiography (recommended) he says he just wrote lyrics and had no idea what they were about. The association with his divorce is post facto and not made by him. Thirdly, that iconic drum gate, much copied since, was unique at the time - in fact pretty much an accident due to his engineer and himself playing around. Fourth you should notice that despite the energy of beating he'll out of his drum kit, his vocal line remains solid throughout, not a sign of that physical movement. That is incredible. And finally it's all enhanced by the band. Daryl Stuermer does a superb job on lead, Chester on drums until Phil joins him; and never overlook the great, great Leland Sklar.

This song is epic and I’ve been to a with Phil Collins where he did the exact same act and I was blown away. You should really listen to Mama by Genesis where you also hear these loud, clear and deep drums. Mama is definitely my favorite song!!

Try something from And Then There Were Three, when Peter Gabriel left Genesis and Phil stepped up to sing. His voice was so pure. I've been in love with him ever since.

I just can not get enough of this performance. Paris 2004. Nearly 25 years later and Phil Collins is even better! Love, love, love the little bow at the end!!! So nice to re-enact to your enthusiasm. (Phil makes it look so easy. His genius.) Check out Genesis also.....so good.

Your wife has a beautiful smile and I respect your husband for being stronger enough to show his emotions by feeling the music deep in his soul. DG

It is always amazing when an artist can deliver your favorite song in a way that blows your mind. It is worth the price of the ticket.

And this is how you start a concert!

He was 53 years old when he did this concert in Bercy, Paris in 2004. Truly an amazing performance by Brad Cole (keyboards, synthesizers, Vocoder), Daryl Stuermer (6 String Guitar), Leland Sklar (Bass Guitar), Chester Thompson ("Rhythm" Drums) and Phil himself (vocals, drums). It was performed in front of 20,000 + people at the "Palais Omnisport de Paris" and truly was, if not the greatest, close to the greatest live performance ever. It was from his "Finally... The First Farewell" Tour and this particular concert in Bercy started with an amazing "Drums, Drums & More Drums" track performed by Phil and his other drummer, the previously mentioned Mr. Thompson. Incidentally, this track ("In the Air Tonight") was the 17th in the tracklist sandwiched between Separate Lives and Dance into the Light. Phil had the energy he had in this song all the way through to the end of the concert (as did his musicians). Now that he can no longer drum, his son NIcholas plays drums almost as well as the old man did--literally--Phil is in his 70's now. His son was on the Domino tour with Genesis recently. Oh and of course, his daughter Lily is rapidly becoming a famous actress in her own right. So, he's still doing alright I suppose (tongue in cheek).

This song started of the 80ths, best decade of music history. Just imagine how cool it was watching Miami’s vice and hearing this song in the show. Best times and it got better and better that decade

I'm so happy you restarted the drum solo ❤️ so many people stop it then play it in the middle of it. You have to hear it in one shot. Great reaction guys ❤❤❤❤

This is one of my favorite song on the world, realy makes me happy all the time. ❤❤❤ send you love from Colima, México, sorry about my english.

I just listened to a countdown of the 1000 best rock songs of all time, and this was number 2! Every dude in the world would be playing air drums whenever and wherever this was played. Loved your reactions and enthusiasm to an iconic song.

Your reaction is like hearing the song for the first time again!!

I am soon 62 yrs old, I am still doing the airdrums... been following Peter, Phil and Genesis since... they aired. .. yep, a grandma still rocking on...

wow muchachos well done now i feel more old lol ,those are my times ,hahaha God Bless

This is a fabulous live performance! Phil Collins is best known as the drummer/singer of the rock band Genesis in the 70's & for his solo career. He has had so many great hits such as "Another Day In Paradise", "I Don't Care Anymore", "Against All Odds", "One More Night", "Sussudio", "Take Me Home", "Two Hearts", "A Groovy Kind Of Love", "I Wish It Would Rain Down", "You Can't Hurry Love" etc.

I love seeing your exuberant joy!!!

I have watched this video dozens of times and I still worry that Phil isn’t going to make it to the drums in time. 😂

This song shows the universal power of great music performed by gifted musicians.

Phil was one of the most successful artists of my lifetime. After he established his cred with Genesis, he became a fixture on the radio all through 80s, putting out charting pop songs tunes on a regular basis. Now that he is too old to perform, the length and breadth of his career is magical.

Music like this was all over shows like Miami Vice...1980s listening in the barrecks..good times

Fantastic reaction, love it when you both smile like that. All the best from Australia!

Loved your reaction. It's got to be the one piece classed as EPIC!!!!

I think we've just witnessed, not only the greatest moment in pop history, but also the greatest reaction to the greatest moment in pop history (10 mins in)!

U guys make me feel good with ur reactions, the way yall feel the music, the groove, the expressions and the way yall interact with each other is really good for the soul😎

When you said "...Something in the Air" I immediately thought of the Thunderclap Newman song which would be great to react to. I'm certain you both will love it!

Even though we are used to hearing this song so often, to hear this live version takes it to another level!!! Just fabulous!!! This arrangement is out of this world!

I just love listening to you two talk, feels like I could do it for hours!😍This one, a great perfomance - Phil´s voice, the build-up, the drums!! Spot on!!🤩

He was 57 when he did this concert.....He can still pack a house full...He is EPIC..........Im 62 & grew up loving his music..............AWESOME !!!!~

The joy in your faces... it brings me to tears. Like two children at Christmas.

That hit me in The feels big time...In The same way as 40 years ago..Great reaction. Thank you. Hope Phil is doing better with his health issues. ❤️

This is a hella good video when he first starts jamming on the drums wow everybody waits for that part.

Phil is genius and you two are the sweetest couple!

Great reaction. Legendary performance. In 1981, Phil Collins released Face Value as a solo album, and also released Abacab with Genesis. Both albums were great and had a lot of hits. Phil was unstoppable in the 80's. Add the fact the Peter Gabriel was doing creating revolutionary music at that time, and it was a great time to be a fan of Genesis, Phil and Peter.

This brings back so many amazing memories, I had a Record Shop and in 1981 when this single exploded it was sensational! Everybody was hooked and the Album " Face Value " was massive. I read the other day in the Ringo Starr book that Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson and Phil Collins are the only three artists to sell over 100 million Albums , being part of a band and solo artists! Great reaction.

A really fantastic version of a really fantastic track

In my opinion a great song.

Saw him and Chester Thompson perform dualing drums on this song. Brought the house down.

❤❤❤❤ says it all.

Love your reactions ✌️. Think we all have these moments thar he sings about!

Great reaction. I still get excited like a child when he brings that drum sequence in. I was lucky to see him at the Royal Albert Hall and was almost above him in my seating are. Fabulous pick!

An old favorite. Thank you!

Your reaction is priceless! I am fortunate to have seen Phil in concert and this was always the highlight! Phil is a master of his craft and such a showman! Love from Texas🤠🤠🤠

The best version and expression by Phil of the meaningful song. Glad I have the Paris Concert DVD that this track is off.

I swear I will never tire of listening to this song. Or ever tire watching other people's reaction to it. I love LOVE Phil Collins. He's just such a nice guy that went through some shitty times and wrote an iconic song about it. ❤

Yes it was a perfect track. Incidentally the group "Genesis" were deeply involved with the development of the "Varilite" system - in other words the colour changing lights used in most of their live shows. Phil Collins was a genius drummer and one of my all time favourite artists. Growing up in the 80's he was a staple of my music consumption. It still gives me chills when we get to the drum intro :) I'd be very interested in seeing your reaction to "Time" by a British choral group - or even "Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep" by the same choral group. The latter is based on a poem by Elisabeth Fry and I recently covered for my late Mother's funeral. But that aside it's a very atmospheric and angelic track. The purity of an un-vibratoed male voice is something to behold. Great channel 😎

My wife loves this song she says it gets her in the mood 😂

First timer to your channel and loved this video and your reaction to it from beginning to it`s end. This is one of the best reactions to any that I`ve seen so far. You both were very much understanding the song and felt it`s intensity which is why I loved this reaction so much. Peace and brother love to you and all.

Dominika, your reaction on the second time you played the solo, your enthusiasm brought tears to my eyes ... I don't really know why, maybe because I feel joy for the artist (here Phil Collins) and see that he is creating such an effect on you (after all I guess this is what art is about... creating effects and emotions on people). Anyway... :)

I have to say you two are a joy to watch 😁

Love you guys, keep on Rockin’

You're such warm and pleasant people. Love your vibe.

I clicked on this thinking you were covering the VoicePlay cover that just dropped a couple days ago. But I wasn't disappointed at all. I've been going back and forth between that VoicePlay version and this Phil Collins version, loving each one more and more. I love your reaction, especially loving you going back to that absolutely ICONIC drum solo. I can never get over the almost casual way he walks up the steps and over to the drum kit, before slaying everyone listening. I hope you check out VoicePlay. I see you've reacted to some Home Free and Pentatonix, please don't skip the last of the top a cappella trio. They've done several collars with Home Free, both in front of and behind the cameras.

One of the best songs and drum solos

You two are so fun to watch!

Another great reaction, my friends. I've been a fan of Phil's work for his whole career. Sadly, he got so popular that the world felt it had to bring him down a bit, and probably a few sad songs too many made it easy for them. "How can this multi-millionaire relate to the sadness of a common man?" Very sad in itself. Anyway, a brilliant rendition of a rock classic and I'm glad you enjoyed!

i really loved this whole album! "Face Value" was so good! i still have a copy!

The song was used on an episode of miami vice and was played right through and in such a tense moment in the story which heightened the drama and the two together felt like they were made before they had even been put together such was the impact of the song that it became even more popular. one of the best uses of a song in a tv series in my honest opinion. for anyone who might think he is miming to it, he is not, having seen him live with genesis he as good vocally and drumming at the same time live as he is in the studio which is rare.

He has great breath control for a singer drummer.

I agree. 😉

One of the best, if not the best debut solo single of all time!

Toda vez que assisto esse show fico sem fôlego, mesmo assistindo muitas vezes. Phil é um grande artista. Parabéns pelo bom gosto.🙏🇧🇷

Great Review and I have just Subscribed and I understand playing The Drums and Singing is the hardest Discipline of all, musically. :) I was there at his original Group(Genesis) first ever Top Of THe Bill performance in Croydon, South East London,51 years ago in 1972. It is about his Divorce.

Have seen this video many times. Singer and drummer = Cool.🤘 Tip: Heart, tribute to Led Zeppelin, Kennedy Center. Amazing.👌 Hug from Sweden.

Love your reaction! I remember the song the most when i heard it played on the Miami Vice TV show .Always brings back found memories of the 80's!

I was fortunate enough to see him on tour, also touring with Genesis, and he played drums for Eric Clapton on one of his tours. 🤘

You made my day. Awsome reaction for a Amazing performance for a great song

I've heard this song so many times, but just before the drums come in - every time - I literally lean forward into the music then give a happy groan. And I got to hear it twice tonight. Great video, yours and his. This is my favorite performance of this song.

I was never a Phil Collins fan, but I am a fan of you two. I wanted to listen to it tonight because VoicePlay is releasing a cover of it tomorrow, and when I searched, there you were! So thank you for this - and if you haven't yet discovered VoicePlay, you must check them out. They are a top notch a cappella group - 100% indie, incredible musicians, and they like reactors. Haven't heard anything from them that wasn't exceptional, so am assuming their cover of this will be too. They will respect the original - but it will be something individual, too. They will make it their own. I think you will like them. In general, they defy genre: they do everything from Disney medleys to ballads to game theme songs to metal to, well - this. You will like their artistry and integrity.

I enjoyed your reaction to this epic live performance.❤

One of the best songs ever he is a great singer

What a Fantastic Ride! Great reaction!😊🐢

love watching you two react to great music.

Love the missus. ❤

I've seen this video probably a hundred times and I still get nervous that Phil ain't going to make it to the drums in time

Absolutely loved your reaction to this performance. Phil's Genesis years were amazing also - I was lucky to see them in concert back in the day.

Love you two

Forgot.... every time... gives me goosebumps...

❤😊

Back in the late "80"s Eric Clapton asked Phil to play drums on tour with him! My girlfriend and I got to sit behind Phil for the show and it was AWESOME!!

you nailed it ❤

I really like how you GET the music and the skills of everyone concerned.

What a great open tom sound Phil has. I love his tom sound in the 80's. The drumming and sound on the Robert Plant solo stuff is fantastic too.