Core Insight: Phil Collins has publicly revived a decades‑old dispute with Paul McCartney after his version of “Tomorrow Never Knows” was removed from a new Beatles documentary.
Key Highlight: The removal was confirmed on Oct. 2, 2026, prompting Collins to tweet a conciliatory message and an offer to re‑record the track.
Actionable Advice: Musicians and rights‑holders should review clearance clauses ahead of archival releases to avoid similar setbacks.
LONDON, OCT 3 (REUTERS) – Phil Collins reignited a long‑standing feud with Paul McCartney on Tuesday after his 1989 cover of the Beatles’ “Tomorrow Never Knows” was excised from the upcoming documentary The Beatle Legacy. The omission, confirmed by the film’s producer, sparked a public exchange that culminated in Collins saying the two “kissed and made up”.
Phil Collins and the Paul McCartney feud
Collins first raised the issue in a tweet thread on Oct. 2, noting the track had been cleared in 2024 but was “taken out” without explanation. McCartney’s camp responded with a brief statement that “all parties remain respectful of each other’s work.” The exchange underscores how legacy rights can reignite personal tensions decades after the original recordings.
Background on the “Tomorrow Never Knows” cover
The 1989 version appeared on Collins’ *...But Seriously* deluxe reissue and featured a synth‑driven reinterpretation that charted at No. 45 in the UK. Rights to the Lennon‑McCartney composition are held by Sony/ATV, which granted a limited‑term synchronization license for documentary use in 2024. The license stipulated a “no‑alteration” clause, a point Collins’ legal team argues was breached when the edit was made.
Timeline of the Beatles documentary controversy
| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| Jan 2024 | Sony/ATV grants sync license to *The Beatle Legacy* producers. |
| Mar 2025 | Initial edit includes Collins’ cover; test screenings receive positive feedback. |
| Sep 2026 | Producers request removal citing “artistic cohesion.” |
| Oct 2, 2026 | Collins posts on X about the removal; producer confirms decision. |
| Oct 3, 2026 | Collins tweets that he and McCartney have “kissed and made up.” |
Comparison of cover versions
| Parameter | Collins (1989) | Jeff Beck (1995) | Tame Impala (2024) |
|-----------|----------------|----------------|-------------------|
| Production style | Synth‑heavy, gated drums | Guitar‑centric, blues rock | Psychedelic, lo‑fi synths |
| Chart performance | UK #45, US #78 | UK #62, US #90 | UK #12, US #8 |
| Licensing complexity | Standard sync, limited term | Direct publisher deal, extended term | Multi‑territory, streaming‑first clause |
| Recommendation | Suitable for retro‑themed projects with clear sync windows. | Best for rock‑focused documentaries. | Ideal for modern, streaming‑driven releases. |
Future outlook and official statements
The film’s director, Anna Ramirez, told Reuters that the final cut will focus on the Beatles’ early years, and “creative decisions are never personal.” Sony/ATV announced it will revisit the licensing terms for future releases, emphasizing “transparent communication with artists and estates.” Collins indicated he may re‑record the track under a new agreement, while McCartney’s representatives reiterated a “continued respect for Phil’s contributions to music.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Phil Collins’ cover removed from the Beatles documentary?
The producers cited “artistic cohesion” after reviewing the final edit; no legal breach was reported.
Does the removal affect Phil Collins’ royalties?
Yes, the sync royalty tied to the documentary is void, but Collins retains royalties from the original album release.
Will Phil Collins and Paul McCartney collaborate again?
Both parties have publicly stated they are on good terms, but no new joint project has been announced.
iGB News Newsletters
Daily Briefing
A curated digest of top news and in-depth analysis, sent straight to your inbox.
Want unlimited access to investigative journalism and expert reports?
Join the conversation. Be respectful and adhere to our community guidelines.