Letter from USA
Dear Mr Collins,
I hope this letter finds you well. I love your music and your lyrics; you are truly a musical genius. I grew up on your music. I heard some very disturbing news that I find very hard to believe, it is said that you are an anti-Semite and you wholeheartedly support the P.L.O., Palestinians, who are mass murderers and were responsible for 9/11. They kill their own; they blow themselves up and have their women and children blowing up innocent people and themselves. How could an artist with such G-d given talents, who writes and sings about love, pain, forgiveness, kindness, brotherhood, etc., support this organization and dislike Jewish people, it just does not make sense. I am sure you do not know this but many Jews will not buy your music or listen to your music. My children ask me to change the radio station when your music comes on or your name is mentioned. I just cannot believe this, it hurts me so, I guess I am writing to you to clear this up. You are entitled to your beliefs and support who you wish, it just does not fit your profile. I heard you answer your fans that take the time to write to you, even if it is only a few lines. I wait your reply, I would hate to have to stop listening to your music, it gives me such pleasure. I hope this information is incorrect, and I hope I can correct people and tell them this is false.
Sincerely,
......................
Phil's reply
December 17, 2003
Dear -------
I have only just received your letter and to say that I'm confused, angry and baffled is an understatement!
I have no idea how these rumours start but there is absolutely no truth in what you've heard at all. I have never been asked what I feel about the problems that exist so have never voiced any opinion. The fact that Jewish people refuse to listen to my music because of this is very sad. Altogether, a bleak picture really. My beliefs cover only what I believe to be right or wrong, I have no blanket belief that could be interpreted in a way that you express in your letter.
A rumour similar to this, and possibly the origin of this one, I heard in NY in the 80's. Someone said that they'd read in a Jewish magazine that I was an anti-Semite and I could not work out how that one started. However, the same person then went on to tell a similar story to yours… wouldn't mention my name, play the music, etc…
I was then married to a lady whose father was Jewish… so the story was even more farcical.
Anyway, we know there are some very strange, disturbed people out there and this must be how this has come about. On a personal note, I urge you to tell your friends, show them this letter if they don't believe you… make them see that this has no truth to it. I have always prided myself on a complete lack of racial and religious prejudice so your letter gets to me more than some other criticisms might.
As for your children, tell 'em 'Uncle' Phil's not so bad as they thought.
Yours sincerely,
Phil Collins