Phil Collins has confirmed today that he is coming out of retirement and is officially returning to music.

The announcement came curing an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. He told Rolling Stone “The horse is out of the stable and I’m raring to go” and that “I’m no longer officially retired.”

It’s been four years since he officially retired, telling the BBC in 2011 that he wanted to be “a full time father to my two young sons.” Longer still, it has been 13 years since his last album – 2002’s ‘Testify’, although in 2010 he topped the charts with a collection of Motown covers called ‘Going Back’

the 64 year old is now planning a comeback to touring, this time though he plans on bringing the kids. “My kids are now 10 and 14 and they want to see what their dad does, […] They were in nappies when I was last on the road. They love my music and I’d like to take them out so they can enjoy it.”

He also claimed to be planning on recording a new album at his home in Miami too, but is unsure whether to tour before or after an album. It depends on the reaction to a series of solo album reissues, as he reckons “I’m easily flattered. If people rediscover the old stuff and show interest, it would be silly to not make more music.”

On the chances of a Genesis reunion Collins said “Let’s start with this [solo] bit first, […] I love the guys. I would just prefer to do this first. For now, let’s just see how this goes.”