Phil Collins Announces He's Coming Out Of Retirement: 'I'm Raring To Go'

He hasn't released new music since 2002's Testify and after only performing live just a handful of times in recent years since calling time on his career in 2011, iconic UK artist Phil Collins has officially announced he is coming out of retirement, with plans for a new album and comeback tour.

Speaking in an interview with Rolling Stone, the 64-year-old singer made the shocking announcement. 

"I'm no longer officially retired," Collins said. 

"The horse is out of the stable and I'm raring to go."

Collins cited his children as the catalyst for his decision to come out of retirement as they are now old enough to watch him perform. 

"My kids are now 10 and 14 and they want to see what their dad does," he explained.

"They were in nappies when I was last on the road. They love my music and I'd like to take them out so they can enjoy it."

While the Genesis drummer expressed a desire to make new music, he did admit that it will be based on the public reception of his re-mastered eight solo albums with previously unheard material due out next month. 

"If people rediscover the old stuff and show interest, it would be silly to not make more music," Collins said. 

In regards to a tour, Collins knows he wants to get back out on the road, though he is still undecided on how he would like it to run. 

"I don't think I want a very long tour," he said.

"But I would like to play the stadiums in Australia and the Far East, and that's the only way to do that. But there's a part of me that just wants to do theaters, so we'll see."

And as for a potential Genesis reunion? 

"Let's start with this [solo] bit first," he said.

"I love the guys. I would just prefer to do this first. For now, let's just see how this goes."