Introduction
Phil Collins’ Former Bandmates Have A Lot To Say About Him
Few musicians have left a mark as profound as Phil Collins. From his years as the powerhouse drummer and unlikely frontman of Genesis to his record-breaking solo career, Collins has been both celebrated and scrutinized. Now, as health issues have forced him further from the stage, his former bandmates have spoken candidly about their memories, frustrations, and admiration for the man who helped define an era of music.
Tony Banks, Genesis’s keyboard wizard, has often been painted as the quiet architect of the band’s sound. Speaking recently, Banks admitted that Collins’ shift from drummer to lead singer in 1975 was initially met with skepticism. “We weren’t sure if it would work,” he recalled. “But when he opened his mouth and sang, it was obvious. Phil had something raw and human that connected instantly.” Banks also acknowledged Collins’ knack for turning Genesis into a more accessible band, something that divided longtime prog-rock purists but ultimately brought the group global success.
Mike Rutherford, bassist and guitarist, echoed that sentiment. “Phil was relentless,” Rutherford said. “He had this energy that pushed us forward, sometimes more than we were comfortable with. But without him, I don’t think Genesis would have reached stadiums full of people in America.” Rutherford also admitted that Collins’ solo career, which exploded in the 1980s, caused some tension. “It was strange to watch him conquer the world as Phil Collins, pop superstar, while we were still Genesis. There were moments we wondered if the band could survive his success.”
Chester Thompson, the drummer who took over live duties when Collins became the frontman, spoke with deep respect for Collins’ musicianship. “Phil wasn’t just keeping time—he was redefining rhythm. His feel was unmatched, and he taught me so much about playing with precision and soul.” Yet Thompson also admitted Collins could be demanding. “He knew exactly what he wanted, and he didn’t sugarcoat it. Sometimes that was tough, but it made the music better.”
Even Peter Gabriel, who fronted Genesis before Collins stepped up, has reflected on his former bandmate’s journey. Though the two pursued very different artistic paths, Gabriel has often praised Collins’ adaptability. “He went from being in the shadows behind the kit to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the world. That takes courage. And he pulled it off with incredible success.”
Of course, not all reflections are free of criticism. Some bandmates have noted that Collins’ intensity, coupled with the whirlwind of fame, sometimes made him difficult to work with. “Phil was never afraid of confrontation,” one associate admitted. “If he thought something was wrong, you’d know about it immediately.”
Still, the consensus among those who shared stages and studios with him is clear: Phil Collins was a once-in-a-generation talent. His ability to fuse vulnerability with mass appeal transformed Genesis and reshaped pop and rock music in the 1980s and 1990s.
Today, as Collins battles health challenges and no longer drums as he once did, his bandmates’ words stand as both a tribute and a reckoning. They remember the genius, the drive, the difficulties—but above all, the music that continues to echo across decades.