When Phil Collins launched his First Final Farewell tour nine years ago, the name seemed to be a joke – but Collins wasn't kidding. He hasn't released an album of new music in a decade, and he's only emerged for a brief Genesis reunion tour in 2007 and a small handful of shows in 2010 to support his Motown covers LP, Going Back.

Phil Collins has sent a message of support to a central Victorian boy fighting for his life. Collins posted signed drumsticks and dedicated a photograph to four-year-old Aiden Jury, after learning of his battle with leukaemia.

"Drums and the Alamo for me have been there all my life," musician-turned-historian Phil Collins mused in front of an elite crowd gathered to hear the author of "The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector's Journey" speak at McMurry University on Friday evening.