A reunion for Genesis? It's possible, Collins says

A reunion for Genesis?It's possible, Collins says
JERUSALEM -- Phil Collins says he's open to the idea of a Genesis reunion.
Nothing has been announced, but the 54-year-old British singer, who is touring the Middle East, says: "There's a possibility. I'm open for it."
"If it doesn't happen, it won't be because we don't want to. It will just be because there are too many things in the way," he said Sunday. "I'm happy to sit behind the drum kit and let Peter [Gabriel] be the singer, but if it happens, I'll be there."
Genesis formed in 1967, performing for more than 30 years before disbanding in 1998. Collins fronted the band after lead singer Gabriel left in 1975 to pursue a solo career.
Collins went solo in 1996.
Film will depict servicefor journalist Thompson
ASPEN, Colo. -- Hunter S. Thompson's fans will get an inside view of his elaborate memorial service in a film directed by Wayne Ewing.
"When I Die" will be shown Saturday at the Starz Denver International Film Festival. The hourlong movie depicts the creation of the 15-story tower that was used to blast Thompson's ashes into the sky at a closed memorial service on his Woody Creek property in August.
Thompson shot himself in his kitchen Feb. 20, apparently despondent over health problems. He was 67.
National and most local press were barred from the tribute to Thompson, who is credited, along with Tom Wolfe and Gay Talese, with helping pioneer New Journalism -- he dubbed his version "gonzo journalism" -- in which the writer was an essential component of the story.
Ewing, who directed 2003's "Breakfast With Hunter," also shows the planning and governmental approvals that organizers needed in order to honor Thompson's wishes for his send-off.
On tour, cellist Yo-Yo Magoes back to his roots
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Yo-Yo Ma began what he called a root-searching tour with concerts in Taiwan and his father's hometown in China and played J.S. Bach -- one of the first composers the cellist learned to play.
Ma, whose 50th birthday was last month, said he began learning cello at the age of 4 with his father in Paris by playing Bach's suites. The family later moved to New York.
"After reaching 50, I began to wonder what the root of life is," he said Sunday.
Ma said that as a child he didn't enjoy practicing the cello very much.
"I still don't like practicing so much now, but I could bear with it if music helps me find my roots," he said.
Ma played two concerts in Taiwan on Sunday and Monday, and is to play in Hong Kong, Shanghai and his father's hometown of Ningbo in eastern China.
Notable deaths
Sheree North, who aged gracefully from a platinum blond bombshell in the 1950s to older character roles in television productions including as a saloon singer on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and Kramer's mother, Babs, on "Seinfeld," died Friday of complication from surgery. She was 72.
American Indian artist Talmadge Davis, given the title Master Artist by the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, died Thursday of a heart attack. He was 43.
Today's birthdays
Actor Norman Lloyd is 91. Actress June Havoc is 89. Jazz singer Chris Connor is 78. Singer Patti Page is 78. CBS newsman Morley Safer is 74. Singer Bonnie Raitt is 56. TV personality Mary Hart is 55. Actress Alfre Woodard is 52. Singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones is 51. Singer-actor Leif Garrett is 44. Actress Parker Posey is 37. Actress Tara Reid is 30. Actress Azura Skye is 24. TV personality Jack Osbourne ("The Osbournes") is 20.