Introduction
In a rare and unusually candid interview, music legend Phil Collins shocked fans by opening up about a sensitive topic he had avoided for years: the drummers he didn’t particularly admire. Known for his incredible skill behind the drums and iconic vocals with Genesis and as a solo artist, Collins has always been diplomatic in interviews. However, this time, he surprised everyone by directly naming the three drummers he “could never really stand.”
Collins began by explaining that, throughout his career, he always believed in honesty when it came to musicianship. “There are drummers I admire and there are drummers who never moved me, musically or personally,” he said. “I don’t say this out of spite, just honesty.”
The first drummer he mentioned was someone many didn’t expect: a famous stadium rock drummer known more for showmanship than musical finesse. “It was always about how high they could toss their sticks or how many solos they could squeeze into a show,” Collins said. “But drumming is about feel, groove, and supporting the music — not stealing the spotlight.”
The second drummer on his list was a session musician with technical brilliance but, according to Collins, lacked soul. “You can have all the speed and accuracy in the world, but if you don’t make people feel something, you’re missing the point,” Collins said. “Music isn’t a competition, it’s communication.”
The final drummer Collins mentioned surprised the most people, as it was someone considered a legend in some circles. Collins admitted, “I always found his playing stiff and mechanical. I respect his success, but his style never clicked with me. Drumming is human, it breathes, and I never felt that from him.”
Importantly, Collins clarified that his comments were purely professional critiques. “This is not about personal dislike. Some of these people I’ve met and gotten along with just fine. But as a drummer — someone who loves rhythm, groove, and musical emotion — I have my opinions like anyone else,” he explained.
Collins also took time to highlight the drummers he greatly admires, mentioning names like Steve Gadd, Buddy Rich, and Chester Thompson, who toured with Genesis. “There are so many drummers who inspire me, who remind me why I fell in love with drumming in the first place,” he said.
Reactions from fans were mixed but mostly supportive. Many applauded Collins for his honesty, noting that after decades in the music industry, he has every right to share his opinions. Others expressed curiosity about whether the drummers named would respond, but Collins shrugged it off. “At my age, I’m too old to sugarcoat things,” he joked.
Phil Collins’ confession is a reminder that even the most beloved musicians have strong views on their craft. It adds another fascinating chapter to the story of a man who has spent a lifetime behind the drums — always chasing rhythm, always true to himself.