Phil Collins' 75-year-old "kiss" with Paul McCartney ends 20-year feud

# Phil Collins Reconciles With Paul McCartney Over Charity Auction, Says They Kissed Phil Collins, 75, finally put an end to a two‑decade‑long feud with Sir Paul McCartney. The drummer‑songwriter says the two men “kissed and made up” after a phone call that began over a charity auction in November.

The story is a quiet, unexpected twist in a saga that began at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee concert in 2002. During the Jubilee rehearsals at Buckingham Palace, Collins was the house drummer for most of the performers, a role that left him backstage with the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Eric Clapton and Ray Davies.

When McCartney arrived with his then‑wife Heather Mills, Collins asked the Beatle to sign a rare first‑edition Hunter Davies biography. McCartney’s terse reply—“Oh yeah, yeah”—was perceived by Collins as patronising, a feeling that would echo for years.

Years later, Collins chronicled the encounter in his 2016 memoir, describing how the comment made him feel “little.” After the book’s release, McCartney’s team emailed Collins, calling the remarks “sanctimonious.” The email went unanswered, and the bitterness lingered long enough to become fodder for internet speculation and fan‑driven theories about why McCartney supposedly “hated” Collins.

Now, months after a new outreach from McCartney, Collins claims the two have mended fences. The reconciliation came when Collins sent a list of former collaborators for a King’s Trust auction, and McCartney reached out to confirm his participation.

Over the phone, the musicians apologized, laughed, and shared a brief, symbolic embrace—“they kissed and made up,” Collins told the interview host. ## Background & Context The rift’s roots trace back to 2002, a day that still echoes in both artists’ careers.

The Jubilee concert was a grand affair, with Collins performing for an audience of royalty and global viewers. Although Collins played alongside a host of stars, McCartney’s band was excluded, creating a subtle sense of distance.

In the days that followed, Collins felt slighted when McCartney’s brief confirmation of a signature on the Hunter Davies book sounded dismissive. The incident was not an isolated annoyance; it became a symbol of perceived disrespect that Collins carried into later interactions.

Collins later explored the episode in his memoir, a decision that proved to be a double‑edged sword. The narrative candidly described his feelings of patronisation and highlighted a tense moment where McCartney referred to him as a “little” Beatle fan.

In an interview promoting the book, Collins recounted the exchange, and McCartney’s office replied with an email accusing the drummer of being sanctimonious. The email, which Collins never responded to, stalled any chance of reconciliation.

The silence only grew louder as the internet spun endless speculation, with fans dissecting every nuance of their interaction. “Why does Paul McCartney hate Phil Collins?” became a viral question, amplified by user comments and viral videos.

The feud, though never formally declared, lingered in the public imagination, making the eventual “kiss” a quiet but powerful moment of closure. ## What People Are Saying Fans reacted with a mixture of relief and disbelief.

The narrative of two legends settling their score after years of silence is an alluring story for music lovers. Some commentators praised Collins for taking the high road, noting that admitting to feeling patronised and later apologizing shows a mature perspective.

Others highlighted McCartney’s initiative to reconnect, underscoring the importance of humility in the music industry. Within the industry, veteran musicians and producers reflected on the significance of the reconciliation.

“It’s a reminder that no matter how iconic you are, a genuine apology can heal deep wounds,” one longtime collaborator remarked. The charity auction, announced for November, is seen as a vehicle for healing rather than a mere fundraising event.

The auction, which will feature memorabilia from artists Collins has worked with—including the Prince’s Trust, the Beatles, and the King’s Trust—has already garnered early bids from high‑profile collectors.

The media coverage surrounding the reconciliation has focused on the human aspects of the story: the power of forgiveness, the role of charitable causes in mending relationships, and the personal toll of a prolonged feud.

Critics note that the story also underscores the complexities of aging musicians navigating their legacy while confronting past grievances.

The public is watching closely, anticipating whether the renewed friendship will translate into future collaborations or simply remain a heart‑warming footnote in both careers. ## What Happens Next Collins says the next step is the auction itself.

The event, slated for November, will benefit the King’s Trust, a charity that supports young people who are homeless or at risk.

In an interview, Collins emphasized the importance of the cause, noting that “all the proceeds will go to the King’s Trust.” He added that the auction will feature items donated by a wide array of artists, from those he’s played with to those who have expressed admiration for his work.

Beyond the auction, Collins hints at a possibility of future musical endeavors. While no official announcement has been made, he expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of collaborating with McCartney on a new project.

“I’ve always admired his work, and if the opportunity arises, I’d love to work together,” Collins said. This openness signals a new chapter where the two may blend their talents once more, perhaps for a charitable cause or a nostalgic tribute.

On a personal level, Collins remains candid about his battle with alcoholism, a struggle that nearly claimed his life in 2020 when he was placed on life support in a Swiss hospital.

He disclosed that his daughter Lily burst into tears during a recent family discussion about his health, highlighting the profound impact of his sobriety journey on his loved ones.

Despite these challenges, Collins’ commitment to the King’s Trust auction demonstrates his ongoing dedication to philanthropy and his resilience as an artist. The music community will undoubtedly watch this unfolding story with interest.

Whether the two legends will record a new track together or simply maintain a respectful friendship remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that a once‑stormy relationship has found a peaceful resolution, proving that even the most storied rivalries can end on a note of goodwill.