In a moment fans thought they might never see again, Phil Collins has taken his place behind the drum kit.
It what should be an unremarkable moment, captured in the upcoming documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, is actually significant — it’s the first time Collins has sat behind the drums since he was sidelined with health issues.
The Genesis legend, whose drumming career was cut short due to complications from a 2007 injury, has been candid about his struggles. In 2021, he admitted his condition meant he could “barely hold a stick”, calling it “very frustrating.” During Genesis’ farewell tour in 2022, his son Nic Collins stepped in as the band’s drummer.
After the tour, Nic noted at the time that Phil had “definitely retired” but seemed “excited about the next step in his life.”
The trailer shows Collins using a cane for support and receiving help from Nic to sit at the drum kit.
Reflecting on his identity as a musician, Collins says, “I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums – I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit.” He recounts moments from his storied career, including Peter Gabriel recognising him as a drummer the moment he first sat down to play, and Eric Clapton’s stunned reaction to his playing: “F**king hell – what was that?!”
Though the challenges persist, Collins leaves the door open for a potential return. “If I wake up one day and can hold drumsticks again, I’ll give it a shot,” Collins reflects. Holding the sticks, he admits, “It just feels so strange.”
For Collins, the drum kit remains central to his identity.
“I’m not a singer who drums a bit,” he asserts. “I’m Phil Collins, and I am a drummer.”
Phil Collins: Drummer First is set for release on December 18 through Drumeo.
