Introduction
“I’ve always been one of those people that’s been quite happy to do my own thing,” says Phil Collins, leaning back in his chair with a wry smile. “But then you realize that your own thing becomes a thing for other people too.”
This statement, delivered with a humble shrug, encapsulates the paradox of a career that has spanned five decades and sold over 150 million records. Phil Collins is, by any measure, a music legend. From his early days as the virtuosic drummer of Genesis to his meteoric rise as a solo superstar, his influence on pop and rock music is undeniable. Yet, for all his commercial success, he remains grounded, almost apologetic, about the scale of his achievements.
The conversation turns to drumming, the bedrock of his musical identity. “I’ve always seen myself as a drummer who happens to sing,” he says, a glint of mischief in his eye. “The singing came later, almost by accident. But drumming, that’s my first love.” He recalls the freedom and improvisation of his early days with Genesis, where his innovative rhythmic patterns became a hallmark of the band’s sound. “We weren’t just a prog-rock band,” he explains. “We were a band that was constantly pushing boundaries, and the drums were a big part of that.”
Of course, no discussion with Collins is complete without addressing his “retirement,” a word he uses with a healthy dose of skepticism. “I tried to retire,” he laughs. “I really did. But the music just keeps calling.” He gestures to a pair of drumsticks resting on a nearby table, a silent testament to his enduring passion. “I’ve had some health issues, and I can’t play the way I used to, but the rhythm is still in me. It never leaves.”
His latest tour, which he has stated will be his last, is a bittersweet farewell. “It’s a chance to say goodbye properly,” he says, a touch of emotion in his voice. “To thank the fans who have been with me all these years. It’s a privilege, really, to have had this career.”
As for his legacy, Collins is surprisingly philosophical. “I don’t really think about it,” he insists. “I just hope people remember the music. That it brought them some joy, some comfort. That’s all I can ask for.”
He’s a man who has lived a life in rhythm, from the intricate beats of “In the Air Tonight” to the heartfelt melodies of “Against All Odds.” And while he may be stepping away from the stage, his music, and the indelible mark he has left on the world, will continue to resonate for generations to come. “It’s been a wild ride,” he concludes, a warm smile spreading across his face. “And I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”