Phil Collins performed all the vocal and instrumental parts at his home studio, using rough vocal takes for the final product. The album was not as well received by radio. Its two biggest hits were "Both Sides of the Story" and "Everyday". In 1995, Collins turned down the chance to contribute to "Tower of Song", an album of covers of Leonard Cohen songs, due to his touring commitments. Collins left Genesis in March 1996 to focus on his solo career. He formed the Phil Collins Big Band with himself on drums. The band performed jazz renditions of songs from Genesis and his
Phil Collins the lesser-known London band the Action, whose drummer he would copy and whose work introduced him to the soul music of Motown and Stax Records. Collins was also influenced by the jazz and big band drummer Buddy Rich, whose opinion on the importance of the hi-hat prompted him to stop using two bass drums and start using the hi-hat. While attending Chiswick County School for Boys, Collins formed a band called the Real Thing, and later joined the Freehold, with whom he wrote his first song, "Lying Crying Dying". Collins began a career as a child actor while at the