Leland Sklar’s Birthday Is the Perfect Reason to Rewatch This 1990 Live Cut of “Inside Out” with Phil Collins

We’re throwing it back today in honor of Leland Sklar’s birthday, which was yesterday, with a classic live performance from Phil Collins’ Live in Berlin concert in 1990. The song is “Inside Out,” and Sklar is right at the heart of it, doing what he does best: laying down a deep, supportive groove with total finesse.

I believe he’s playing a Yamaha bass in this performance, paired with that unmistakable beard and calm focus. Sklar holds it down like only he can. The tone is rich, clean, and expressive, perfectly glued to the band while giving the track its signature feel. It’s the kind of subtle mastery that’s earned him a place on thousands of records.

This performance isn’t just a throwback. It’s a reminder of what tasteful bass playing looks and sounds like. If you want to see Sklar in his element, this one’s worth the replay.