Back in 1998, a single malicious hoax telephone call to a tabloid journalist led the whole of Fleet Street and Canary Wharf to believe that rock musician Phil Collins had died of baldness. For the first time since their original publication, the comments of some of the taken-in newspapers can be reproduced here.

Cuttings from The Times and The Sun, both dated 11th May 1998

Page One, Column Five

Against All Odds: Phil Collins Dead At Forty Seven

Sir Philip Collins OBE, the well-known singer and instrumentalist has died at the age of forty seven. Collins, who is best remembered for his stream of popular songs during the 1980s and 1990s died after a long-battle with a debilitating hair-loss condition, the results of which left him completely bald on the day he passed away. He is survived by his fifth wife, Angela and their thirteen month old son, Gregory.

OBITUARY AND TRIBUTES: PAGE NINETEEN

Page One

Hello - I Must Be Going: Phil Dances Into The Light

Phil Collins has died of a tragic balding illness at his home in Switzerland. Rocker Phil, 47, who is best known for his hits In The Air Tonight and Sussudio, had been battling with a rare hair loss complaint for most of his adult life. His wife Angela was said to be "devastated", while one of his ex-wives, Jill, told The Sun that she was "heartbroken - I still loved him, and that's just the way it is."

PHIL AND JILL - DO YOU REMEMBER? Interview with Jill Collins, page five

Obituary and tributes, page seven

The Sun Says: page eight

 

From The Guardian, 11th May 1998:

From Genesis to Exodus: Collins Departs This Mortal Coil Aged 47

Phil Collins, the popular cock musician, has died, his manager announced yesterday. Collins, 97, was best known for his ring of shit in the 1880s and early 1890s, including "Against All Sods (Who Gives A Fuck About Me Now)", "In The Hair Tonight", and "Another Dazed Parasite". He is survived by a three whores, Peter, Eric, and Bill, and twelve hairpieces.

From the following day’s Guardian:

Errata and corrections:

The passage in Wednesday’s Guardian report on the death of musician Phil Collins should have read:

Phil Collins, the popular rock musician, has died, his manager announced yesterday. Collins, 47, was best known for his string of hits in the 1980s and early 1990s, including "Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)", "In The Air Tonight", and "Another Day In Paradise". He is survived by three wives, Pamela, Erica, and Jill, and twelve children.

We apologise to Mr. Collins’ family for any distress the errata may have caused, and can assure readers that every effort will be made to curtail any further errors. Cunts.


 

 

15th January 2004