I listened to an episode of "This American Life" a couple of years ago where a young woman realized that all of Phil Collins songs are basically breakup songs. Being that she had just broken up with her boyfriend, she needed to write a breakup song of her own.
Being a fan, and in radio, she found a way to contact him for advice. So she got him on the phone and talked with him, all of this on tape and played on the program. From that advice, she wrote the lyrics, found a couple of musicians, and she recorded this single. It wasn't bad at all. Had some good lines, and a good presentation. She calls Phil Collins again and plays it for him and he gave some insight and encouragement to her.
What struck me about all this is how gentlemanly Phil Collins behaved with this. Stranger calls. He takes the call, he behaves as a total non-douche, gives her some legitimate assistance, and to my ear, came off as a complete class act.
So, even with all the fame and money, he's just a good bloke.
I wish him well in his retirement.