FOR some, he’s the balding balladeer who inspired a TV ad for Cadbury, about a drumming gorilla who adores chocolate.

For others, Phil Collins, the Genesis front man who enjoyed an outrageous solo career in the 1980s, is a music legend worthy of a tribute.

And in this case, fans are in luck, because the tribute show “And Finally... Phil Collins” is coming to Worcester’s Swan Theatre this September.

A spokesman said: “And Finally… Phil Collins is credited as being ‘The UK’s Top Phil Collins Tribute’. The show is fronted by singer Chris O’Connell, who brings the charisma and characteristics of the man who fronted Genesis and who sold 150 million albums in his solo career to the stage.

“Phil Collins became one of the most successful pop and adult contemporary singers of the ‘80s and beyond. Born and raised in west London, Collins played drums from the age of five and completed drama school training, which secured him various roles as a child actor. He then pursued a music career, joining Genesis in 1970 as their drummer and becoming lead singer in 1975 following the departure of Peter Gabriel. Collins also began a solo career in the 1980s. In 1996, Collins left Genesis to focus on solo work, but returned for their Turn It On Again Tour in 2007.”

The spokesman added: “In a fitting tribute to this legend, this production delivers a two hours high energy show packed full of Phil’s solo hits including In The Air Tonight, Another Day In Paradise and Sussudio, along with a sprinkling of Genesis hits for good measure.

“Not only that, but frontman Chris will be wearing the actual tie worn by Phil himself from his first solo tour in 1982. Featuring some of the country’s top touring musicians, two drums kits and the esteemed ‘And Finally Horns’, this is a great opportunity to come and celebrate the illustrious career of the one and only Phil Collins.

The date for the diary is Saturday September 14.

Box Office: 01905 611427

www.worcesterlive.co.uk