Phil Collins, the renowned drummer and lead singer of Genesis, is an icon in the music industry. With eight Grammy awards to his name, he stands tall among the greats like Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney as one of the three musicians who have sold over 100 million records both as a solo performer and as part of a band.
Born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, Collins was immersed in music from a young age. His talented parents fostered his love for the art, and at the tender age of five, his uncle crafted him a unique drum kit with tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and toy drums. Little did anyone know that this gift would ignite a lifelong passion.
Collins fondly recalls his early performances at his parents’ boating club. It was the start of something special for him as the English beat scene began to emerge in the early 1960s. He vividly remembers buying records like “Please Please Me” and finding a clever solution to enhance his drumming skills – placing his drums in front of a mirror and cranking up the volume of his record player. This enabled him to play without having to look at the drums directly.
As he grew older, Collins sought out a drum teacher to learn to read drum music. However, he soon realized that playing intuitively came more naturally to him than reading notes. This intuition would become a defining aspect of his musical prowess.
In the 1970s, Collins’ life took a dramatic turn when he responded to an advertisement seeking a drummer for the band Genesis. Having played in several bands before, he saw this as an opportunity to showcase his talent. It turned out to be a fateful decision that shaped his future. With several hit songs and five albums recorded with Genesis during his early years in the band, Collins quickly rose to prominence.
When the band’s founder and lead vocalist departed, Collins stepped up to the plate and assumed the role of both drummer and primary singer. Initially feeling uncomfortable in this new position, he accepted the challenge because the band was struggling to find a suitable replacement. With hits like “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore,” Collins solidified his position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
After an illustrious 25-year journey with Genesis, Collins decided to embark on a solo career. He believed it was time to explore new musical directions. Jazz projects, cinema music, and his solo endeavors awaited him. Despite leaving the band, he maintained strong bonds with his former bandmates, considering them his best friends.
In a surprise turn of events, Collins reunited with Genesis in 2017. The excitement shared by fans worldwide soared when “The Last Domino” global tour was announced. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced the postponement of this highly anticipated tour. Nonetheless, Collins, in an interview with BBC Breakfast, expressed his joy in reuniting with his bandmates. He mentioned that his son, Nicholas Collins, would take over the drumming duties, while he would focus on singing.
An interesting aspect of this reunion is that Collins’ son, Nic, has a remarkable ability to recreate the early Phil Collins sound, adding a nostalgic touch to the performances. With Phil assuming his role behind the drums, they can now revisit songs that haven’t been played in a while.
When questioned about his absence from the drum kit, Collins candidly revealed, “I’d love to, but you know, I can barely hold a stick with this hand.” He is faced with physical challenges that have affected his ability to play. Despite this setback, Collins still cherishes the desire to perform alongside his son but remains unsure about continuing to tour.
As Collins reflects on this chapter of his life, he acknowledges that they are all men of a certain age. In his words, “I believe it’s probably putting it to bed to some extent.” The time may have come to bid farewell to the road, as he contemplates what lies ahead.
Phil Collins’ musical journey spans decades and has left an indelible mark on the world of music. From his early beginnings as a young boy with a homemade drum kit to becoming a global sensation, his talent and passion have captivated audiences worldwide. Regardless of what the future holds for him, Phil Collins will forever be remembered as a true musical legend.
