As we’ve mentioned, Phil Collins is not only the author of the greatest drum roll in rock and roll history, he is an Alamo-obsessed history buff and one of the foremost collectors of Alamo artifacts. He also has a new book, The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey, and the rock star will be in town on May 12 to discuss that tome with he Dallas Historical Society at the Hall of State. Here are the details:
Rock Legend and Alamo Artifact Collector, Phil Collins, Returns to the Hall of State
Collins to discuss his new book, “The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey”
DALLAS (May XX, 2012) – Dallas first caught a glimpse into the passion that legendary musician, singer and songwriter, Phil Collins, holds for the Alamo in 2010. Now, Mr. Collins, who owns one of the largest collections of Alamo artifacts and memorabilia worldwide, has penned a book, “The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector’s Journey” and will return to the Hall of State at Fair Park on May 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Participating in the evening with Mr. Collins will be Bruce Winders, historian and curator of The Alamo, Don Frazier, professor of history at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas; and Stephen Hardin, professor of history at McMurry University. Together, they will hold a discussion in the Margaret and Al Hill Lecture Hall about the book and Mr. Collins’ extensive collection.
“It’s exciting to bring Phil Collins back to the Hall of State to share his enthusiasm and knowledge of the Alamo with all of Dallas,” said Max Wells, chairman of the Dallas Historical Society board of trustees. “Offering these types of unique opportunities is just one way that the Dallas Historical Society continues to share Texas’ great history.”
Mr. Collins dates his interest in the Alamo back to his childhood when he became fascinated with Fess Parker’s portrayal of Davy Crockett in the long-running TV series. Among his most prized possessions is a receipt signed by Alamo commander William Barrett Travis for 32 head of cattle to be used to feed the Alamo defenders. By his own estimates, Mr. Collins has hundreds of cannonballs, documents and other artifacts from the Alamo at his home in Switzerland.
Best known for his musical accomplishments, Mr. Collins has won seven Grammy Awards and his solo albums have sold more than 70 million copies. A member of the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, both Collins and Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. His hit songs have included “In the Air Tonight”, “One More Night”, “Take Me Home”, “Another Day in Paradise”, “Two Hearts” and “Against All Odds”.
Tickets for the program are $35 for Dallas Historical Society members, and two other ticket levels also are available. Regular admission for non-members is $50 per person and a special VIP ticket is also available for $150, offering access to an exclusive after party attended by Mr. Collins. Both unsigned and limited edition, pre-signed books will also be available, for $85 and $200, respectively.
