Phil Collins and Paul McCartney reconciliation

Musicians Phil Collins and Paul McCartney have reconciled following a dispute that lasted approximately 24 years. The tension originated in 2002 during rehearsals for Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace. The conflict began when Collins approached McCartney to request an autograph on a rare first edition of a Beatles biography by Hunter Davies. McCartney reportedly made a comment to Collins’s then-wife, Heather Mills, referring to Collins as ‘our little Phil.’ Collins viewed the remark as condescending, a sentiment he detailed in his 2016 memoir, ‘Not Dead Yet.’

While McCartney had previously attempted to resolve the matter via email without success, the two musicians finally ended the feud in 2026. The reconciliation was prompted by McCartney contacting Collins regarding a charity auction for The King’s Trust involving musical memorabilia. During a subsequent telephone conversation, the musicians discussed the long-standing misunderstanding.

In a recent interview on ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored,’ Collins reflected on the resolution, admitting he may have overreacted to the original remark and expressing regret for maintaining the grudge for so long. During the same interview, Collins also touched upon personal reflections regarding his past marriages and his relationship with his children.