Phil Collins, the iconic drummer and lead singer of Genesis, has enjoyed an illustrious career, cementing his place among music’s elite.
Collins is one of only three artists to have sold over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as part of a group, joining the ranks of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. Born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, Collins was immersed in music from an early age, thanks to his artistic parents. His journey began with a handmade drum kit gifted by his uncle at the age of five, a gift that would shape his distinctive sound and set the stage for his future success.
Early Influences and Musical Beginnings
As the English beat scene emerged, with bands like The Shadows leading the charge, Collins found himself at the forefront of this musical revolution.
He regularly performed at social gatherings hosted by his parents’ boating club, honing his craft. At fourteen, Collins was inspired to dive deeper into rock and roll after purchasing a record player and The Beatles’ Please Please Me. He would play the drums in front of a mirror, turning up the volume to avoid having to watch his hands. Although he briefly took drum lessons to learn how to read music, Collins quickly realized that playing by instinct was far superior to following sheet music.
The Genesis Era and Solo Success
Collins’ life took a pivotal turn in the 1970s when he responded to an advertisement for a drummer with Genesis. His audition led to a life-changing opportunity, marking the beginning of his legendary music career. As Genesis evolved, Collins eventually became the band’s lead singer, a role he embraced despite initial challenges.
Over time, he established himself as one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation. His success extended beyond Genesis, with solo hits like “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore,” solidifying his status as a global music icon.
New Directions and a Return to Genesis
After 25 years with Genesis, Collins decided to explore new avenues, focusing on jazz projects, film scores, and his solo career. However, in 2017, he chose to reunite with Genesis for their Last Domino world tour. Unfortunately, the tour was postponed due to the pandemic, and just before it was set to begin, an interview with BBC Breakfast raised concerns about Collins’ health.
Despite these challenges, the band remains hopeful about performing together again, with Phil taking on vocals and his son, Nicholas Collins, stepping in on drums. Tony Banks, a member of Genesis, noted that Nicholas brought a fresh energy to early Phil Collins songs, making them more powerful than ever.
Facing Physical Challenges and Difficult Choices
In a candid interview, Collins spoke openly about his physical struggles, expressing a sense of loss and resignation. He lamented that he could no longer share in his son’s adventures on the road or play the drums as he once did, admitting, “I’d like to, but I can scarcely grip a stick with this hand.” These limitations have forced Collins to confront difficult decisions about his future in music.
The prospect of giving up something he loves due to his physical condition weighs heavily on him, leaving him torn between continuing his journey or stepping away from the stage.