Edwyn Collins

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Edwyn Collins (born August 23, 1959) is a Scottish musician, born in Edinburgh.

He formed the musical group Nu-Sonics in 1976, which became Orange Juice in 1979. Critically admired within independent rock circles, Orange Juice is perhaps best known for the #8 hit "Rip It Up", their only major UK Top 40 single and biggest commercial success. In 1985, Orange Juice disbanded, and Collins has since then pursued a solo career.

Collins is best known for his 1994 hit single, "A Girl Like You", which was featured in the films Empire Records and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, and "Magic Piper of Love", a 1997 single which featured on the soundtrack of Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

Collins's music is mostly electric guitar-driven pop, and his songwriting and vocal delivery range from the acerbically satirical to the soulfully tender, although he is probably better known for the former. He built his own studio in 1994 and produced his own third solo album, Gorgeous George. He has also worked extensively as a producer with other artists, including The Proclaimers, A House, The Cribs, and Little Barrie.

Collins also produced and starred in the Channel 4 sitcom West Heath Yard.

[edit] Personal life

Collins lives with his long term girlfriend, Grace Maxwell, who is also his manager. The couple, who live in London, have one son.

In a BBC 6 Music radio interview on February 18, 2005, Collins had said he felt unwell, but ascribed the nausea and vertigo to food poisoning. Two days later he was admitted to intensive care in London's Royal Free Hospital after apparently suffering a major cerebral haemorrhage. On February 25, he underwent an operation, reportedly after suffering a second haemorrhage. The procedure was successful, and Collins is currently working on a lengthy programme of neurological rehabilitation.