During his illustrious career, Phil Collins, the renowned drummer and lead singer of Genesis, has achieved immense success in the music industry. He proudly stands among the elite group of artists who have sold over 100 million records in solo and collaborative endeavors, alongside the likes of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney. Born on January 30th, 1951, in London, England, to artistically inclined parents, Collins was immersed in music from an early age.
At the tender age of five, Collins received a handmade drum kit from his uncle. This kit, complete with tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and small drums, would shape his distinct sound and pave the way for his musical journey.
Growing up, Collins found himself captivated by the emerging English beat scene, with bands like The Shadows at the forefront. He frequently performed at social gatherings hosted by his parents’ boating club, embracing the exciting musical landscape that was unfolding.
When Collins was introduced to rock and roll, he found himself drawn to the genre. At the age of fourteen, he purchased a record player and The Beatles’ album “Please Please Me.” To enhance his drumming skills, he positioned his drum set in front of a mirror and turned up the volume. This way, he could play along without needing to divert his gaze.
Inspired to learn how to read drum music, Collins began taking lessons from a tutor. Although he recognized the value of sheet music for working in dance bands or orchestras, he quickly realized that playing by intuition resonated more with him.
In a fateful turn of events, Collins’ life took an astonishing twist in the 1970s when he saw an advertisement seeking a drummer for the band Genesis. Taking a chance, Collins reached out to them, and they welcomed him aboard, marking the beginning of his extraordinary music career.
During his time with Genesis, Collins played a pivotal role, eventually assuming the role of the band’s main singer due to a lack of suitable candidates. While adjusting to this dual role as both vocalist and drummer presented challenges, Collins persevered, forging his path as one of the industry’s finest musicians.
As a member of Genesis and a solo artist, Collins achieved tremendous success and delivered unforgettable hits such as “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.” After 25 years with Genesis, he decided to explore new musical directions, focusing on jazz projects, cinema music, and his solo career. However, in 2017, he reunited with his former bandmates to embark on their Last Domino global tour.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the tour had to be postponed. Just before the tour’s commencement, concerns about Collins’ health arose during an interview with BBC Breakfast. Nonetheless, the band remains hopeful about future performances, with Collins resuming his role as vocalist and his son, Nicholas Collins, taking on the drums.
While Nicholas is an exceptional drummer, Tony Banks, Genesis’ keyboardist, acknowledges that he brings a unique power to early Phil Collins songs. When questioned about his absence from behind the drum kit, Phil shared, “I’d like to, but I can scarcely grip a stick with this hand.” Despite physical limitations, Collins remains undeterred in his pursuit of music, determined to overcome the obstacles that stand in his way.
In a recent interview, the storyteller himself, a man of our age, candidly discussed his physical challenges with a profound sense of loss. He reflected on being unable to partake in his son’s adventures or join him on the road. Contemplating whether to continue his musical journey or step back, he faced a difficult decision. It became clear that he would have to sacrifice something he held dear due to physical limitations or conscious choices. The weight of missing out on life’s opportunities due to rapidly changing circumstances weighed heavily on his mind.
Through it all, Phil Collins remains an inspiration, demonstrating resilience and a deep passion for music, even in the face of adversity. His journey serves as a testament to the power of following one’s dreams, regardless of the challenges that arise. As we look back on his remarkable career, we celebrate the indelible mark he has left on the music industry and anticipate the possibility of future musical endeavors.