A Phil Collins tribute show is coming to Exmouth Pavilion in the new year.

Taking place on January 14. The band's frontman was given only a 30 per cent chance of survival after contracting sepsis due to pancreatitis. His story of how he became one of the country's most respected Phil Collins tribute artists is a miracle in itself.

In 2012 Chris Hayward, a singer from Wolverhampton now living in West Sussex, was taken into hospital with pancreatitis, when in hospital Chris contracted Sepsis and had to undergo two major operations, both with a 50% chance of survival. Both were a success but left him with diabetes. The road to recovery was long: Chris spent the next eight months in the hospital battling infections and various complications.

He then saw an advert from a band looking for a Phil Collins singer to front their band and as a life long fan of Phil and Genesis he replied to it. He recorded a few songs, as requested by the band, which earned him an audition with the show.  

In 2016, selling a share in a business he was involved in, he embarked on a two year, 140 date theatre tour across the UK and Europe. This tour really cemented his position as a leading tribute to his idol. Chris describes that he has never felt so at one with himself than when he is on stage and adds that performing some of the biggest songs ever written is a true honour.

When the tour ended he started his own 10-piece show, Seriously Collins, which is now in its fifth year and selling out shows for Phil Collins and Genesis fans all over the UK.

Against all the odds – Seriously Collins are at the Exmouth Pavilion for One More Night on 14th January 2023. For more information visit the Exmouth Pavillion website here -