Phil Collins, the celebrated drummer and lead vocalist of Genesis, has enjoyed remarkable success in the music industry over his remarkable career. In the company of music legends Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, Collins stands out as one of the very few artists to individually and collectively sell over 100 million records. Born on January 30th, 1951, in London, England, Collins was immersed in music from a young age, growing up in a household filled with creativity.His unique musical journey began at the age of five when he received a makeshift drum kit from his uncle, complete with tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and small drums.

Pioneering bands like The Shadows paved the way for the English beat scene, with Collins later becoming a leading figure in this movement, frequently performing at social events hosted by his parents’ boating club. At just fourteen, Collins discovered rock and roll, prompting him to acquire a record player and The Beatles’ “Please Please Me.” Playing the drums in front of a mirror, he developed his skills with an intuitive approach rather than formal music reading. In the 1970s, Collins’ life took a surprising turn when he responded to a job listing for a Genesis drummer. This marked the beginning of his illustrious musical career with the legendary band. As a member of Genesis and a solo artist, Collins achieved immense success with hits like “I Don’t Care Anymore,” “In The Air Tonight,” and “You Can’t Hurry Love.”

After 25 years with Genesis, Collins shifted his musical focus to jazz projects, movie music, and his solo career. Despite expressing concerns about his health, he reunited with the band for their Last Domino world tour in 2017. Unfortunately, the tour was canceled due to the pandemic, prompting worries about Collins’ well-being.

Undeterred, Collins remains dedicated to his passion for music despite physical limitations. While his son Nicholas Collins has taken over the drumming duties, the band plans to reunite, with Tony Banks expressing confidence in enhancing the impact of early Phil Collins songs.

In a recent interview, Phil Collins opened up about the challenges he faces due to health issues, expressing a sense of loss and regret over his physical struggles. He grapples with decisions about whether to continue traveling the same path or to forego excursions. Accepting the inevitability of giving up certain activities, Collins reflects on the potential missed opportunities and the weight of these sudden life changes.

While facing uncertainties, Collins remains resilient, unwilling to let physical challenges hinder his love for music and the pursuit of his passion.

Credit: Dailywize