Phil Collins shares thoughts on his music’s role in ‘American Psycho’

Bret Easton's anti-hero Patrick Bateman is a big fan of Collins' music

Phil Collins has shared his thoughts on his music being referenced in American Psycho.

The anti-hero of Bret Easton Ellis’s 1991 novel, serial killer Patrick Bateman, is a big fan of the Genesis star’s solo career. Collins’ hit ‘Sussudio’ features prominently in the 2000 film adaptation starring Christian Bale.

Asked how he feels about his music’s role in American Psycho during a Guardian webchat, Collins replied: “Flattered! I’m easily flattered. I went to see the musical. First of all I was very surprised they made one. It was ok… If I was honest, if my music is being held as representative of an era, then that’s more than I thought would happen to me when I was 13 or 14.”

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“I thought the movie of American Psycho was quite funny – I don’t know if it was meant to be,” he added. “I don’t think him being a psychopath and liking my music is linked – my music was just omnipresent in that era.”

READ MORE: Let’s All Hug Phil Collins – Why We Should Welcome Back The Blue-Eyed Soul Man

Speaking at this Monday’s press conference announcing his comeback tour, Collins discussed the mysterious affliction which has stopped him from playing drums.

“I’ll never play the way I used to,” he said. “Something happened on the Genesis reunion tour. At the end of each show, I had a drumming duel with Chester Thompson, and one night something happened. It just went. I tried everything – bigger drumsticks and so on, but it just never came back. ”

He added: “It’s a mystery what happened, I just couldn’t get it back. But I’m 65 and I played drums since I was five. I’d like to have the choice about being able to play, but I’m not going to cry myself to sleep about it.”

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Collins also explained that his son Nicholas will be taking over drum duties on the upcoming tour. “He’s learned from watching John Bonham, Chad Smith and me, so he’s got some balls when he plays,” Collins said. “He takes notes very well. It can obviously be awkward when it’s family, they might not take criticism, but Nick is great at taking advice.”

“We’ve played three short charity shows in Europe together, seven-song things, and the band have been very impressed with him,” Collins added.

Phil Collins’ upcoming ‘Not Dead Yet’ tour dates are below. Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday (October 21).

London, Royal Albert Hall (June 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)
Cologne, Lanxess Arena (11, 12)
Paris, Accors Hotel Arena (18, 19)

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