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Phil Collins initially became fascinated with the genius of rock legend Eric Clapton after seeing him play with Cream in 1966. Phil never thought that less than twenty years later, not only would Eric play guitar on his debut solo record, but Phil would be asked to produce an album or two by Slowhand. In 1984, Roger Forrester suggested he use Phil as he was riding high at the time. Though Eric wasn't a fan of Genesis, the two of them were friends even before Clapton recorded with Collins on the track "If Leaving Me Is Easy" from Phil's 1981 debut solo album "Face Value." Collins produced and played drums on Eric's 1985 album "Behind The Sun." The collaboration between Clapton and Collins marked a significant moment in both their careers, blending Clapton's iconic guitar work with Collins' distinctive drumming style. This partnership not only showcased their individual talents but also paved the way for further musical exploration and innovation in the rock genre. Not everyone enjoyed this slick new sound at the time, and some critics even thought he was sacrificing his talent for commercial consumption for the masses, as the record contained a few ballads. However, many fans embraced the shift, appreciating the emotional depth and artistry that the ballads brought to the album. When Phil co-produced Eric's 1986 follow-up "August" with Tom Dowd as executive producer, the result was Eric's most successful record to date. After Eric's son Connor was born, he managed to get sober again, but this time, Eric surrendered to a program of recovery, and it showed in the music he ended the decade with. The maturity in his songwriting reflected a newfound clarity and purpose, resonating deeply with listeners who had followed his journey. His 1989 album called "Journeyman" only had one track with Phil Collins called "Bad Love," but this particular collaboration left fans and critics with a sense of nostalgia as Eric's guitar playing was reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, but Phil's slick drumming beautifully commiserated with the raw emotion of the lyrics. This fusion of styles not only showcased their individual talents but also highlighted the seamless blend of rock and soul that defined the era, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. Eric's also played guitar on Phil's 1989 "I Wish It Would Rain Down," from Phil's album "But Seriously," showcasing the emotional depth that both musicians brought to their collaborations. Unlike "If Leaving Me Is Easy," you can hear Eric this time.

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Prince, an American singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, released his sixth studio album, Purple Rain. Warner Bros. Records released it on June 25, 1984, as the soundtrack album for the same-titled 1984 movie. Compared to Prince's earlier albums, Purple Rain featured numerous layers of guitars, keyboards, electronic synthesizer effects, drum machines, and other instruments, as well as full band performances.

The production and performances of a large portion of the record had a grandiose, synthetic, and hallucinogenic luster. Although several aspects of Purple Rain's music hint at the more experimental albums Prince would release later, the song is generally considered to be the most pop-oriented of Prince's career. According to network executives, the music video for the album's lead song "When Doves Cry" was too explicit for television due to its sexual content. Tipper Gore and the Parents Music Resource Center voiced their disapproval of the risqué lyrics of "Darling Nikki," which helped lead to the adoption of Parental Advisory stickers and imprints on record sleeves.

Enjoy this episode with music at: https://www.mixcloud.com/veteranrockers/veteran-rockers-ep-10-the-kinks-1981-1993/. On this final chapter of my series on The Kinks, I discuss their challenges during the 1980's and subsequent breakup in the 1990's due to the toxic sibling rivalry of Dave and Ray Davies.