As Genesis’ drummer and singer, Phil Collins became famous. With tunes like “In The Air Tonight” and “You Can’t Hurry Love,” he became a global superstar in the 1980s.
Now 71, the iconic singer appears to have aged. Phil Collins gave a grim health update to the BBC. He described having trouble holding a drumstick, which is unusual for a drummer.
Phil Collins lived a fulfilled musical life. He played instruments as a child and focused on music as an adult.
Collins succeeded with Genesis and alone. He has several popular songs and prizes.
His singing and drumming skills are natural!
Even after his triumph, Phil Collins is struggling with health. How did Phil Collins get here? Here’s all you need to know.
Phil Collins began playing drums as a child.
Born January 30, 1951, in London, England. Mom managed child actors, and dad worked in insurance.
Phil grew raised in a creative home. His sister skated professionally and his brother drew cartoons.
But Phil didn’t like cartoons or ice skating. He obtained a drum at 3 and a suitcase-sized drum equipment from his uncle at 5. Tamburines, triangles, cymbals, and toy drums were there. Phil quoted, “Well, at least it will keep him quiet.”
Phil performed at his parents’ boating club because he loved drums. He was a terrific drummer and actor. It was obvious he liked performing.
Phil Collins said, “When I got serious about playing, it was the early ’60s, and the English beat scene was taking off with bands like the Shadows.”
I bought ‘Please Please Me’ back then. I played it loud on my record player and held my drums facing the mirror. It saved me from looking at my work.
I started reading drum music from a teacher at 14. I imagined I could make a life in a dance band or orchestra pit after the rock-and-roll era. However, I found that I played better by instinct than reading music.”
At 13, Phil appeared in Oliver in London! The Barbara Speake Stage School in London was his new school once his parents switched.
Phil focused on music despite appearing as an extra in The Beatles’ ‘A Hard Day’s Night’. He and classmates founded Real Thing, his first band. He wrote his first song, ‘Lying Crying Dying,’ after joining Freehold.
Phil Collins changed drastically in 1970. He noticed a Genesis ad for a drummer/backup singer. Lead singer Peter Gabriel established the band three years previously and wanted a shift in music.
Once Collins got the position, everything changed. Over five years, Genesis recorded five albums and toured the US. Peter Gabriel departed the band in 1975, thus they required a new singer.
Who became the lead singer and drummer after interviewing over 400 singers? Mr. Collins!
But did he want that job? “I felt naked. Phil Collins stated he was always behind his drum kit and now there was simply a microphone stand.
His discomfort came from hearing the band from the front. I didn’t want the job, he said. To remain the drummer.” Phil instructed for Monday auditions. While recording ‘A Trick Of The Tail,’ he sounded best.
The Genesis family had to decide if Phil fit in. Since no one else was available, Phil Collins became the lead singer since he fit in.
Genesis kept going with Collins as frontman, despite his conflicted sentiments. Collins and co-members switched from prog rock to pop rock. Their 1978 single “Follow You Follow Me” reached No. 7 in the UK and 23 in the US.
Genesis’ 1980s hits were more successful. In 1980, their album “Duke” topped the UK charts.
Phil Collins worked on various projects while Genesis was successful. His solo career began in 1981 with songwriting and production. His solo albums generated hits including “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore”.
Reasons Genesis didn’t receive those songs Phil Collins said, “Well, Genesis got to a point where we’d all write together, and then people would write lyrics and melody. It felt packed and tight sometimes, like there was no breathing space.”
Phil Collins said, “I always wanted the space of an R&B record.” After learning to record at home, he turned his sketches into tunes. Everything in the music had to fit around his singing.
Good example: “In The Air Tonight”. If he had given it to Genesis, it would have more elements by now. Solo Phil songs are more produced. In 1985, his dance song “Sussudio” reached No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart with loads of horns.
His 1987 film soundtrack title song, “Against All Odds,” achieved No. 1 and earned Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
Genesis member Phil Collins continued to compose. They published “I Can’t Dance” in 1991. Phil produced performers like ABBA’s Anni-Frid Lyngstad.
Phil Collins left Genesis in 1996 after 25 years. Changing his musical path was his goal. Collins said Genesis members were still closest friends and sent his best wishes.
Phil Collins pursued solo, jazz, and film music after Genesis. After three marriages, he has been through a lot. He wrote many songs on his relationships, including his first success, “In The Air Tonight,” about his anguish after his first wife, Andrea Bertorelli, left him for another.
Collins said, “People ask me, ‘Aren’t you embarrassed? You’re exposing your private life. However, I’m not ashamed. I shouldn’t hide that I’m hurt, cry, and do unmanly things.”
Phil Collins is now a six-time Grammy winner and hitmaker! That’s major.
He, along with Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, are one of three people to sell over 100 million records individually and as a band.
Last year, Genesis scheduled a UK tour after Phil Collins returned with them in 2015. It was delayed until this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Phillip said his son Nicholas would drum for the tour. Lili Collins, 32, is Phil’s oldest daughter and a prominent actress.
Nic’s a fantastic drummer who sounds like early Phil. Genesis member Tony Banks said that was fantastic for Mike and him. This allows us to play tunes we haven’t played with Phil as the drummer in a while.
Because his dad, Phil Collins, can’t drum, Nicholas Collins will play on tour. On BBC Breakfast, Phil said health difficulties make drumming difficult.
I’d want to, but this hand can barely grip a stick. So physical things interfere.” Phil said health issues may end his touring career. He said, “We’re all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed.” «I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore»
Music legend Phil Collins. Have fun on the Genesis tour with his kid, and best of luck in the future. Health is paramount. Spread this post to wish Phil Collins well and honour his great music!