AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – State lawmakers have named pop star Phil Collins an honorary Texan, saluting his donation of hundreds of Alamo artifacts back to the historic outpost – while offering numerous quips referencing his song lyrics.
The former Genesis singer-drummer appeared Wednesday in the Texas Senate and House. He didn’t give a speech, but greeted lawmakers who crowded to shake hands.
The 63-year-old Briton is an Alamo buff and spent decades collecting artifacts related to the 1836 battle, where 1,500 Mexican troops laid siege to 200 Texans. Last year, he gave 200-plus pieces of his collection to the Alamo.
Collins grinned as many lawmakers took to the floor to joke about “feeling it in the air tonight,” ”one more night” and Texas having a “groovy kind of love” for its newest honorary citizen.