Introduction
Phil Collins Hopes Celebrity Fans Will Bring His Music to New Generations of Listeners
Music icon Phil Collins, whose timeless hits like “In the Air Tonight”, “Against All Odds”, and “You’ll Be in My Heart” have spanned generations, recently opened up about his hopes for the future of his musical legacy. In a rare public statement, Collins expressed that he’s grateful for the many celebrity fans who continue to celebrate his work — and he’s hopeful their influence will help introduce his music to new and younger audiences.
Over the years, Collins’ songs have found fans not only among everyday listeners but also among a wide array of celebrities, from actors and athletes to newer generations of pop stars. Artists like Adele, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and even Harry Styles have openly expressed their admiration for Collins’ songwriting and emotional depth. His classic drum break from “In the Air Tonight” has become one of the most sampled and referenced moments in pop culture.
In a recent interview, Collins said, “It’s humbling to know that my music still connects with people — especially younger artists who weren’t even born when some of these songs were released. I think they see something timeless in the storytelling, and that’s the highest compliment you can get as a songwriter.”
Collins has been largely out of the spotlight in recent years due to ongoing health issues that have limited his mobility and ability to perform. Still, his catalog continues to thrive — thanks in part to its rediscovery on platforms like TikTok, where snippets of “In the Air Tonight” and “Easy Lover” have gone viral, often shared by fans who are experiencing his music for the first time.
One particularly memorable moment was when a viral video of two young YouTubers hearing “In the Air Tonight” for the first time — and reacting in awe at the legendary drum break — reignited global interest in Collins’ solo work. Collins later acknowledged the video with a smile, saying, “That was priceless. Seeing a whole new generation get excited about that moment — it makes everything worthwhile.”
The resurgence has even sparked interest from film and television producers. Collins’ music has recently been featured in everything from Netflix series to major ad campaigns, cementing his presence not only in music history, but in current pop culture as well.
Though he has no immediate plans to return to the studio or stage, Phil Collins remains hopeful that his work will continue to resonate. “Music doesn’t have an expiration date,” he said. “If someone hears a song of mine for the first time today and it means something to them — that’s a win. If a celebrity they look up to can lead them there, even better.”
As new generations continue to discover his catalog, it’s clear that Collins’ influence is far from over — and his hopes are already becoming reality.