Introduction
Phil Collins Hated Him More Than Anyone: A Tale of Tension Behind the Music
In the world of music, where collaboration often fuels creativity, tension between bandmates is not uncommon. But few rivalries in rock history have been as intense—or as quietly dramatic—as the one between Phil Collins and original Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel. Although both were founding forces behind the progressive rock band’s success, behind the scenes, a simmering resentment grew—one that Collins would later admit ran deep.
Genesis was originally fronted by Peter Gabriel in the early 1970s, known for his theatrical stage presence and elaborate costumes. Phil Collins joined the band as a drummer in 1970, bringing with him extraordinary rhythm and musical versatility. The dynamic worked for a while, with Gabriel commanding the spotlight and Collins supporting from behind the drum kit. However, after Gabriel left Genesis in 1975 to pursue a solo career, Collins took over as the lead vocalist—a role he initially resisted.
At first, there was mutual respect. But over the years, the growing comparisons between Gabriel’s visionary artistry and Collins’ more mainstream appeal created an invisible wedge. Critics often pitted them against each other: Gabriel was labeled the “artistic genius,” while Collins was sometimes dismissed as a pop commercialist. Collins, who poured his soul into both Genesis and his solo work, felt increasingly bitter over the suggestion that he lacked depth compared to his predecessor.
In interviews, Collins has expressed frustration with how Gabriel was idolized while his own contributions were underappreciated. What stung even more was the way some fans and critics blamed him for “selling out” Genesis. Behind closed doors, Collins reportedly felt that Gabriel never gave him the credit he deserved for keeping the band alive after his departure. Though they maintained a public image of civility, the underlying resentment lingered.
When the band reunited briefly for the Turn It On Again tour in 2007, Gabriel’s absence was conspicuous. Collins later confessed in private conversations and in his 2016 memoir Not Dead Yet that he had harbored intense anger towards Gabriel for years—not only for leaving the band, but for casting a shadow he could never quite escape. “There were times,” Collins wrote, “I hated him more than anyone else in the world.”
Despite these emotions, time has softened the edges. Both men have acknowledged each other’s achievements in recent years, with Collins praising Gabriel’s unique contributions to music and Gabriel complimenting Collins’ unmatched vocal talent and songwriting. Yet, the tension that once crackled between them serves as a reminder that even legends of music are still human—subject to jealousy, pride, and the desire to be seen.
Phil Collins’ story is not just about rivalry; it’s about carving identity in the face of judgment, and about the complicated relationships that form when art, ego, and legacy collide.