Phil Collins

Who Is Phil Collins?

Phil Collins rose to international prominence as one of the most successful musicians of the 1980s, particularly after he replaced Peter Gabriel as the lead singer and drummer of Genesis in 1975. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Collins dominated the charts with 13 U.S. Top Ten hits, including iconic songs such as “In the Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.”

Early Life

Philip David Charles Collins was born on January 30, 1951, in London, England, to Greville Collins, an insurance agent, and his wife June, a talent manager. As one of three children, Collins grew up in a household that nurtured creativity. His older brother, Clive, would later establish a career as a professional cartoonist, while his sister pursued competitive ice skating.

From an early age, Collins demonstrated a deep interest in music and performance. At just five years old, he was given a toy drum kit, sparking a lifelong passion for drumming. By the age of 12, Collins had upgraded to a full drum set and spent much of his free time practicing.

At 13, Collins was offered a role in the London production of Oliver! as the Artful Dodger, a role that required him to leave Chiswick Grammar School. With the support of his parents, Collins transferred to the Barbara Speake Stage School, a decision that proved pivotal in his career. In addition to his stage performances, Collins had small acting roles in films such as A Hard Day’s Night (1964) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1969). This early exposure to acting and music laid the foundation for his multifaceted career in entertainment.

Genesis and Solo Career

Phil Collins’ musical journey began early, forming his first band, The Real Thing, with fellow students. After various musical opportunities, his significant break came in 1970 when he responded to a newspaper ad from Genesis, a Surrey-based band in need of a drummer and backup vocalist. At the time, Genesis, fronted by Peter Gabriel, was struggling and seeking a fresh direction. Collins provided the spark they needed, and over the next five years, the band released five studio albums along with a live record from their U.S. tour.

In 1975, Collins stepped into the spotlight when Gabriel left Genesis to pursue a solo career. After auditioning over 400 potential singers, the band turned inward, handing Collins the lead role. The change was pivotal—where Gabriel was known for his elaborate stage presence and costumes, Collins offered a more understated approach, both musically and theatrically. The band’s sound gradually evolved from the complex, conceptual style of their early years toward a more accessible, radio-friendly direction.

By 1978, Genesis had become a trio with Collins, keyboardist Tony Banks, and guitarist Mike Rutherford. Their album And Then There Were Three went gold and included their first American radio hit, “Follow You Follow Me.” The success continued with Duke in 1980, further solidifying the band’s commercial appeal.

Meanwhile, Collins was also developing his solo career. In 1981, he released Face Value, which featured the iconic hit “In the Air Tonight,” a song that propelled him to solo stardom. His second album, Hello, I Must Be Going (1982), produced notable singles such as “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “I Don’t Care Anymore.” In 1984, he wrote the title track for the film Against All Odds, which became a No. 1 hit and earned him both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song. The following year, No Jacket Required (1985) dominated the charts, cementing Collins’ place as a global pop star.

With Genesis, Collins continued to enjoy success, contributing to the band’s No. 1 hit “Invisible Touch” in 1986, further demonstrating his versatility and musical prowess.

Acting Career

In addition to his musical talents, Collins ventured into acting. After his song “In the Air Tonight” was featured in an episode of the Miami Vice television series in 1984, Collins made a guest appearance on the show. His acting career expanded in 1988 with his big-screen debut in Buster, where he also wrote the song “Two Hearts,” which earned him both an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Personal Life, Health Struggles, and Retirement

Collins has been married three times and is a father to five children, including actress Lily Collins. In March 2011, after battling health issues, including a spinal problem that hindered his ability to play drums, Collins announced his retirement from music. He expressed that he no longer felt he belonged in the music world, opting instead to focus on family life and raising his two young sons with his third wife, Orianne. That same year, Genesis was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, marking a fitting tribute to the band’s lasting impact on music.