Phil Collins Captured the Spirit of Post-Wall Berlin with a Historic “Another Day in Paradise” Performance

At Berlin’s Waldbühne, Phil Collins performed “Another Day in Paradise” during a summer marked by profound change in the city. The post-Wall setting became part of the performance’s historical context, while Collins appeared with his touring band. The concert was preserved on video and, decades afterward, found a large digital audience.

The song considers homelessness, particularly how those in more fortunate circumstances can overlook people who are suffering. At the 1991 Grammy Awards, Record of the Year went to Collins alongside Hugh Padgham, who co-produced the recording. “Another Day in Paradise” was also nominated in several additional categories.

The Berlin show initially reached home-video viewers in 1990, with its name determined by the market. It appeared as either Seriously Live in Berlin or Seriously Live. A subsequent DVD release used the official title Serious Hits… Live!, and later DVD versions offered Dolby Digital 5.1 as an audio option.

A similarly named live album was issued in 1990, although its contents were not limited to the Waldbühne appearance. Instead, the record assembled performances captured at multiple stops on the tour. The home-video release presented the Berlin concert itself, distinguishing it from the broader selection used for the album.

Watch the full performance on page two