Introduction
Phil Collins Opens Up About His Passion for Drum Duets
Phil Collins has always been more than a pop superstar. Before he became known for his soulful voice and chart-topping ballads, he was a drummer at heart—a musician whose love for rhythm shaped both his solo career and his years with Genesis. In a recent conversation, Collins reflected on one of his favorite musical experiences: drum duets.
For Collins, the art of the drum duet is not simply about two players hitting in unison—it’s about dialogue. “It’s like having a conversation without words,” he explained. “One drummer sets an idea, and the other responds. Sometimes it’s supportive, sometimes it’s playful, and other times it’s a challenge. But always, it’s a communication.”
His fondness for duets dates back to his teenage years, when he would spend hours listening to jazz recordings featuring legendary drummers trading solos. Later, as his career soared, he brought that same energy to the stage. Fans of Genesis concerts will remember the powerful drum battles between Collins and Chester Thompson, a longtime touring partner of the band. Those moments, often stretching for ten minutes or more, became highlights of their live shows.
“The audience never knew what to expect,” Collins recalled. “We didn’t script it note-for-note. We had certain patterns, but the joy came from improvisation. Chester would throw something unexpected at me, and I had to react in real time. It kept us sharp, and it kept the music alive.”
Collins’ love for drum duets wasn’t limited to the Genesis stage. Over the years, he performed alongside an array of percussionists, including jazz legends and orchestral players. In his solo tours, he would sometimes share the spotlight with young drummers, encouraging them to push their creativity while he provided the anchor. “It’s about trust,” he said. “When two drummers play together, the groove has to be solid. If you’re fighting each other, it collapses. But when you’re listening—really listening—it can lift the music higher than either of you could achieve alone.”
That philosophy mirrors Collins’ broader view of music. Collaboration, he believes, is the heartbeat of great art. Just as he shared writing duties with his Genesis bandmates or blended his voice with backing singers, the drum duet represents a microcosm of cooperation. “It teaches humility,” he added. “You can’t dominate. You have to leave space, allow the other player to shine, and find balance.”
Today, even as health challenges have limited his ability to play the drums as powerfully as he once did, Collins looks back on those duets with fondness. He describes them as moments of pure freedom—times when rhythm transcended melody, and the audience could feel the electricity of two musicians locked in dialogue.
“Those duets were never about showing off,” he reflected. “They were about joy. Two drummers, two voices, one heartbeat.”
For Phil Collins, the drum duet remains one of the purest forms of musical expression—a testament to his lifelong love of rhythm, and a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful conversations don’t need words at all.