With eight Grammy Awards to his name, Genesis drummer and lead vocalist Phil Collins has solidified his place as one of the most renowned musicians in the world. He joins an elite group of only three artists—alongside Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney—who have sold over 100 million albums both as solo performers and as members of a band.
Born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, Collins was raised in a creatively inclined family, and it wasn’t long before he discovered his love for music. At just five years old, his uncle fashioned him a makeshift drum set from tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and toy drums, a memory Collins still cherishes.
“The cliché was, ‘At least it’ll keep him quiet,’” Collins shared in an interview with *Interview Magazine*. Before long, he was performing in shows at his parents’ boating club.
“When I got serious about drumming, the British beat craze was just starting with bands like The Shadows. It was the early ’60s,” Collins recalled. “I remember buying *Please Please Me*. I’d crank up the record player, set up my drums, and face the mirror so I didn’t watch my hands.”
By the time he turned 14, Collins decided to formally study drumming, believing he’d eventually need to read drum music for work in a dance band or orchestra. However, he soon realized that playing by instinct was his true strength.
In the 1970s, Collins’ life took a pivotal turn. Already playing with various bands, he stumbled upon an ad from a group called Genesis seeking a drummer. He reached out, and the rest became history. Over the following years, Genesis released five albums, with many singles climbing the charts.
When the band’s lead singer left, Collins reluctantly took over vocal duties while continuing to drum. Though uncomfortable with the role at first, he stepped up when the band couldn’t find a replacement.
Collins didn’t just excel with Genesis—he also launched a wildly successful solo career. With hits like “In the Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore,” he quickly became a leading figure in the music world.
After years of success, Collins eventually decided to leave Genesis to focus on his solo work. “After 25 years with Genesis, I felt it was time to explore a different musical direction,” Collins said. “I wanted to focus on movie soundtracks, jazz projects, and my solo career. I wish the Genesis guys all the best—we’re still great friends.”
In 2017, however, Collins reunited with the band, and they announced their “The Last Domino” world tour. Unfortunately, the pandemic forced them to delay their plans. During an interview with *BBC Breakfast*, Collins revealed that his son Nicholas would take over drumming duties for the tour, while Collins would focus on singing.
“Nic is a fantastic drummer who can really channel my early sound,” said Genesis band member Tony Banks. “It’s exciting for us because we can play some songs we haven’t performed with Phil as the drummer in years.”
Addressing his inability to drum, Collins explained, “I’d love to play, but I can barely hold a stick anymore due to physical limitations. It’s frustrating because I wish I could be up there playing alongside my son.”
Collins also admitted that touring might no longer be for him. “We’re all at an age where it feels like this might be the end of the road,” he said. “For me, I think it’s time to put touring to rest.”
In recent years, Collins has battled health challenges that have made performing increasingly difficult. Following a surgery in 2009, he was left with nerve damage and a dislocated vertebra. Additionally, a foot fracture has left him feeling as though he’s walking “on sticks,” adding to his physical struggles.
Despite these obstacles, Collins’ legacy as a musician and his impact on the industry remain undeniable.
