Phil Collins, the renowned drummer and lead singer of Genesis, has etched his name in music history. With eight Grammy awards and over 100 million records sold, Collins stands alongside the likes of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney as one of the most successful musicians of all time. Born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, Collins was introduced to the world of music at a young age by his talented parents.

As a child, Collins received a homemade drum kit from his uncle, complete with tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and toy drums. This gift ignited his passion for drumming and set him on a musical journey that would shape his life. Even at the tender age of five, Collins’s talent was evident, and he quickly found himself performing at his parents’ boating club.

Growing up in the early 1960s, Collins witnessed the emergence of the exciting English beat scene. Influenced by bands like The Shadows, he immersed himself in the world of music. Collins fondly recalls purchasing The Beatles’ album “Please Please Me.” To improve his drumming skills, he would set up his drums in front of a mirror and play along to the music, avoiding the need to look down at his hands.

At fourteen, Collins decided to take formal drum lessons to learn how to read drum music. However, he soon discovered that playing intuitively came more naturally to him than reading notes. This instinctive approach to drumming would become a defining characteristic of his style.

In the 1970s, Collins’s life took a transformative turn when he responded to an advertisement for a drummer in the band Genesis. Little did he know that this decision would propel him to worldwide fame. After the departure of the band’s lead vocalist, Collins stepped up to the challenging role of both drummer and vocalist. Despite his initial discomfort, Collins embraced his new dual role and contributed to Genesis’s success with hit songs like “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.”

After an illustrious 25-year journey with Genesis, Collins decided it was time for a change. He embarked on a prolific solo career, delivering chart-topping hits and reinventing his musical direction. Reflecting on his departure from the band, Collins expressed his desire for a new musical path while remaining best friends with his Genesis bandmates.

In 2017, Collins surprised fans by reuniting with Genesis for The Last Domino global tour. Unfortunately, the pandemic interrupted their plans, necessitating a postponement. Accompanying this announcement was an interview where Collins revealed concerns about his health, raising questions about his ability to perform. Nevertheless, Collins’s talented son, Nicholas Collins, stepped in as the drummer for the tour, while Collins continued to mesmerize audiences with his soulful vocals.

When asked about his absence from the drum kit, Collins candidly shared that physical challenges prevent him from playing as he once did. He confessed, “I can scarcely hold a stick with this hand.” Despite this setback, Collins remains grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with his son. However, as they approach their golden years, Collins entertains thoughts of retiring from the road.

As Phil Collins reflects on his remarkable career, he recognizes the need to embrace new endeavors. Jazz projects, cinema music, and his solo career are among the exciting avenues that lie ahead. The curtain may be slowly closing on his touring days, but the legacy of this musical icon will endure forever.