Introduction
Phil Collins Breaks Silence and Reveals the Three Drummers He Disliked the Most
Phil Collins is not only one of the most successful singer-songwriters in pop history but also one of the most respected drummers of his generation. From his early days with Genesis to his groundbreaking solo career, Collins’ drumming style has influenced countless musicians across genres. Yet despite his reputation as a genial, soft-spoken figure in public, Collins has finally broken his silence in a rare, candid conversation—naming the three drummers he admits he never cared for, shocking fans who always saw him as diplomatic and reserved.
In the discussion, Collins emphasized that he has deep admiration for most of his peers. “Drummers are a brotherhood,” he explained. “We learn from each other, we push each other forward. I don’t like tearing people down. But over the years, there were a few players I just couldn’t connect with—whether it was their attitude, their style, or just the way they treated others.”
The first drummer he mentioned was a figure well known in the progressive rock scene. Without naming outright disrespect, Collins admitted he always felt a clash in personality. “Technically brilliant,” Collins said, “but there was no soul. It was all flash, all speed. Drumming, to me, is about serving the song, not showing off. I couldn’t relate to that kind of ego.”
The second was a drummer he crossed paths with during the height of the 1980s music explosion. Collins recalled touring alongside him and feeling constant tension. “He treated the crew poorly, and that’s something I can’t stand,” he revealed. “I’ve always believed that respect matters more than talent. If you can’t respect the people who make the show possible, you lose me completely.”
The third drummer was, in his words, “a personal disappointment.” Collins shared that he once admired this musician from afar but, upon meeting, discovered arrogance and hostility. “It crushed me, honestly,” he admitted. “I had looked up to him. But when we met, he dismissed me completely, like I didn’t belong in the same room. That kind of bitterness stays with you.”
Fans around the world were stunned by Collins’ honesty. For decades, he has been regarded as one of the industry’s more diplomatic figures, rarely engaging in controversy. His willingness to openly voice these grievances now, later in life, marks a significant departure from his usual public persona.
Still, Collins was careful to clarify that his dislike never diminished his respect for their technical skill. “These are incredible drummers,” he said. “But music is human. And for me, being human means treating people well and letting the music breathe. That’s where the disconnect was.”
The revelation has sparked heated debate in the drumming community, with fans speculating about the identities of the three unnamed musicians. Some argue it adds a fascinating layer to Collins’ legacy, showing that even the most legendary figures carry private frustrations. Others see it as a reminder that behind the music industry’s polished image, real tensions and rivalries exist.
In breaking his silence, Phil Collins has once again proven why he remains such a compelling figure in music: unflinchingly honest, unafraid to share his truth, and still capable of surprising the world decades into his career.