Phil Collins, the renowned drummer and lead singer of Genesis, has captured the hearts of millions with his incredible talent. With an impressive eight Grammy awards and over 100 million albums sold, Collins has solidified his place in music history alongside icons like Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney.
Born in London on January 30, 1951, Collins was exposed to music at a young age. His uncle gifted him a homemade drum kit made of tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and toy drums when he was just five years old. Little did anyone know that this simple gift would ignite a lifelong passion for music.
In the early 1960s, as the English beat scene was thriving, Collins found himself drawn to bands like The Shadows. He vividly remembers buying The Beatles’ album, Please Please Me, and setting up his drums while facing a mirror, wholly engrossed in the music. Collins’s dedication to his craft led him to take drum lessons to learn how to read drum sheet music, ultimately realizing that his true talent lay in playing by instinct.
Collins’s life took a momentous turn in the 1970s when he responded to an ad placed by Genesis, a band looking for a drummer. His decision to join the band marked the beginning of his extraordinary musical journey. After the departure of Genesis’s founder and lead singer, Collins took on the role himself, both as a drummer and a vocalist. Despite feeling uneasy about the transition, he stepped up when the group failed to find a suitable replacement.
In addition to his tenure with Genesis, Collins enjoyed immense success as a solo artist. Hits like In The Air Tonight, You Can’t Hurry Love, and I Don’t Care Anymore propelled him to the top of the charts, solidifying his status as one of the industry’s best.
After 25 years with Genesis, Collins made the decision to leave the group and focus on his solo career. He expressed his gratitude to his former bandmates and their enduring friendship while announcing his intention to explore new musical avenues, including film scores and jazz projects.
However, in recent years, Collins’s health has deteriorated, causing concern among his fans. In an interview with BBC Breakfast, he revealed that due to physical challenges, he no longer plays the drums. Collins’s son, Nicholas, has taken on the drumming duties for the upcoming Genesis tour, allowing the band to recreate the sound and nostalgia of the earlier years.
Reflecting on his decision to step back from the drums, Collins expressed frustration, stating, “I’d love to be playing up there with my son, but I can barely hold a stick with this hand.” Despite his physical limitations, Collins remains grateful for the opportunity to continue performing as a vocalist.
The past few years have been challenging for Collins, as he has struggled with various health issues. A surgery in 2009 left him with a dislocated vertebra, nerve damage, and a fractured foot that has made walking incredibly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Collins’s spirit remains unbroken, and he continues to share his love for music with the world.
While the Genesis reunion tour, The Last Domino, was put on hold due to the pandemic, fans eagerly anticipate the day when they can witness the band’s iconic songs live once again. In uncertain times, music has the power to uplift and inspire, and Phil Collins’s enduring legacy is a testament to the transformative nature of his art.
Let us share the story of this music legend and his unwavering passion with our friends and family. Peace and love to all.
