Phil Collins, widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, comes face-to-face with his enduring passion for music in “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” which premiered on the Drumeo YouTube channel on December 18th. He spoke openly about his struggles.
The documentary captures Collins revisiting the drum kit for the first time in years, and the moment is both moving and powerful. “It’s still kind of sinking in,” Collins said in the documentary. “I’ve spent my entire life playing the drums, so it’s a shock to suddenly not be able to do that anymore.”
Collins, now 73, faces a number of health problems after suffering a spinal cord injury in 2007 that limited his mobility and left him with complications including foot drop. His drumming, once the centerpiece of Genesis and his solo career, has been sidelined in recent years. During Genesis’ 2022 farewell tour, Collins passed the torch to his son Nick, who took over drums. Still, the connection to the instrument remains strong.
“If I can’t do as well as I’ve been doing, I’d rather just relax and do nothing,” he reflects. “But if I woke up one day and could hold two drumsticks, I’m sure I’d be able to play. But I feel like I’ve used up all my air miles.” The documentary features Collins It highlights Collins’ legendary career, including anecdotes that demonstrate his profound influence on music.
He recalls Peter Gabriel noticing his talent the first time they played together, and Eric Clapton’s incredible reaction to his drumming. These moments emphasize Collins’ identity as a drummer first and foremost. “I’m not a singer who plays a little bit of drums,” he declares. “I’m Phil Collins, the drummer.”
Nick Collins provided further background on his father’s struggles, revealing that years of drumming took a toll on his posture and spine, ultimately requiring major neck surgery.
Despite the physical setback, the older Collins finds joy in picking up his instrument again, even if only temporarily. Upon picking up the drumsticks again, he admitted, “It feels very strange to hold drumsticks.”
Collins enjoyed remarkable success on the Billboard charts throughout her career, particularly in the 1980s. As a solo artist, Collins had seven No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” “Sussudio,” and “Another Day in Paradise.” Top.
His 1985 album No Jacket Required dominated the Billboard 200, was certified Diamond, and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. With Genesis, Collins reached number one in 1986 with “Invisible Touch.”
