‘I wish we could all move on’: Tom Bates, married to Phil Collins’ ex, holding concert
Take a look at him now: Tom Bates wants to make it on his own.
The Fort Lauderdale musician, whose wife is Phil Collins’ ex wife Orianne Cevey, is well aware that his much publicized marriage has opened doors. He’s now hoping his talent will take the couple off the covers of tabloids and bring him into his own spotlight. Literally.
Bates is taking center stage Thursday night at the Palm Court in the Design District to play tracks off his new album, which happens to be produced by Emilio Estefan. Yes, Bates readily admits he was introduced to the local mega producer through Cevey, and he’s OK with that.
“I’m not going to rely on connections for my whole career,” Bates says. “Music is my job and I take it very seriously. I work really hard and long before anyone with the last name of Collins ever entered the picture. How long can you last if you just know people? You’ve got to deliver.”
The 32-year-old South Florida native — who was born and raised in Lighthouse Point — will be delivering seven of his own rock songs to the crowd at the event raising money for Never Give Up Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping people with spinal cord injuries.
The Westminster Christian alum knows some people may come to the event out of pure curiosity. He and Cevey have made headlines for months ever since eloping in Las Vegas in August 2020 while Cevey and Collins were still living under the same roof at their North Bay Road mansion.
The rocker and his ex wife reignited their relationship back in 2016 after a mega expensive divorce settlement back in 2008, in which the British Grammy winner reportedly paid her $46.68 million. The parents of two never remarried, but moved into a $40 million mansion together on North Bay Road.
So how did Bates meet Cevey? He says he relocated back home to South Florida during the height of the pandemic from Los Angeles. He and the jewelry designer met one night at an intimate concert in Miami Beach. Cevey was still living with Collins, he said, but told him that their relationship was no longer romantic.
“I never tried to wreck his family,” Bates says.
A few weeks after dating, Bates did eventually came face to face with Collins at his and Cevey’s home. He said Collins was a “complete gentleman” and the two exchanged pleasantries, Bates says.
But despite that interaction, Collins didn’t exactly give his blessing to his ex wife’s new situation. Shortly after getting wind of her quickie Sin City marriage, the 70 year old filed an eviction lawsuit against her.
But the 47 year old Swiss native reportedly refused to vacate the premises, hired armed security guards, blocked real estate agents from showing the place and changed the security codes, the suit claimed.
The Bateses eventually moved out in early 2021 to their own $5.5 million mansion in Fort Lauderdale. Collins sold the house to billionaire businessman Orlando Bravo and is currently on tour with Genesis (son Nic has taken over drumming duties).
The North Bay Road home in question, which was once owned by Jennifer Lopez, is set to be demolished, but lawyers are still battling over Cevey’s share of the 10,000 square foot plus spread. A lawyer for Phil Collins refused to comment for this story.
As for Bates, he could not discuss the case, but did repeat he has “no ill-will” toward the legendary drummer and even viewed him an inspiration.
“He’s a huge influence on me. Who isn’t influenced by him? He’s a genius. There just happened to be a weird aligning of the stars. I think he and I are good. I just wish we could all move on.”
Tom Bates in concert
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Palm Court in the Design District, 140 NE 39th St, Miami.
Tickets: $75, www.eventbrite.com
This story was originally published November 16, 2021 at 3:25 PM.
