Phil Collins, the legendary lead singer and drummer of Genesis, has enjoyed tremendous success in the music industry throughout his remarkable career. He is honored to be included in the select group of musicians, including Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, who have each sold over 100 million records both as solo artists and as part of a group. Born in London, England on January 30, 1951, to parents passionate about the arts, Collins was surrounded by music from a young age.
At the age of five, Collins’s uncle gave him a homemade drum kit. This kit, which included miniature drums, triangles, cymbals, and tambourines, would shape his unique sound and set the path for his musical career.
As a child, Collins was captivated by the burgeoning English beat culture, led by bands like The Shadows. He often played at parties thrown by his parents’ boating club, embracing the vibrant musical scene that was developing. His interest in rock and roll was piqued further when, at fourteen, he bought a record player and The Beatles’ “Please Please Me” album. He practiced drumming in front of a mirror, turning up the sound so he could play along without having to look away.
Determined to master his craft, Collins began tutoring students and learning to read drum sheet music. Although he understood the value of written music for playing in orchestras or dance bands, he soon realized that playing intuitively resonated more with him.
In the 1970s, Collins’s life took an unexpected turn when he responded to an ad seeking a drummer for the band Genesis. Taking a chance, he contacted them and was accepted, ushering in his remarkable musical career.
Collins played a crucial role in Genesis, eventually becoming the lead vocalist when no other suitable options emerged. Despite the challenges of balancing his dual roles as drummer and vocalist, he became one of the best musicians in the business.
Collins achieved enormous success both as a solo artist and as a member of Genesis. He produced unforgettable singles such as “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.” After 25 years with Genesis, he chose to pursue other musical endeavors, focusing on solo work, film music, and jazz ventures. However, he reunited with his bandmates in 2017 for the Last Domino world tour.
Unfortunately, the tour had to be postponed due to the pandemic. Concerns about Collins’s health surfaced during an interview with BBC Breakfast just before the tour was set to start. With Collins returning to vocals and his son Nicholas Collins taking up the drums, the band remains optimistic about future shows. Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks acknowledged that while Nicholas is a superb drummer, Phil’s absence from the drum kit adds a unique force to the early Phil Collins catalog. Phil remarked, “I’d like to, but I can scarcely grip a stick with this hand,” highlighting his physical limitations.
Despite his challenges, Collins remains committed to his musical dreams, willing to overcome any barriers that stand in his way. In a recent interview, he spoke openly about his physical struggles and the deep sense of loss he feels, lamenting his inability to travel or share experiences with his son. Faced with the tough choice of whether to continue his musical career, Collins recognized that he would have to let go of something important due to his physical constraints or deliberate decisions. He worried about missing out on life’s opportunities as circumstances rapidly changed.
Nevertheless, Phil Collins continues to be an inspiration, exhibiting fortitude and a strong love of music despite adversity. His story stands as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams in the face of obstacles. As we reflect on his incredible career, we celebrate the lasting impact he has made on the music industry and look forward to his potential future musical endeavors.
