Phil Collins, a name synonymous with drumming brilliance and chart-topping hits, has captivated audiences for decades. From his powerful drumming with Genesis to his successful solo career, Collins has left an indelible mark on the music world. Born on January 30, 1951, the iconic musician is currently 73 years old as of late 2023. However, beyond his age, fans are increasingly interested in his health journey and his reflections on a lifetime dedicated to music, especially highlighted in his recent documentary, Phil Collins: Drummer First.
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Phil Collins performing live on stage in Las Vegas in 2007, showcasing his energy as a drummer and singer.
Phil Collins’ Journey: From Drum Kit Prodigy to Music Icon
Collins’ passion for drumming ignited at a young age, a journey he details in Drummer First. He started playing drums at the tender age of 5, dedicating his life to mastering the instrument. This early start propelled him into the limelight, first as the drummer for the progressive rock band Genesis in the 1970s, and later as a globally recognized solo artist. His distinctive drumming style became a signature element of Genesis’ sound and a foundation for his own solo success. Hits like “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” and “Another Day in Paradise” cemented his status as a music legend, showcasing not only his drumming prowess but also his soulful vocals and songwriting talent.
Health Challenges and Stepping Back from the Drums
In recent years, Phil Collins has openly discussed the toll that decades of drumming have taken on his body. As revealed in the Phil Collins: Drummer First documentary, released in December 2023, the physical demands of drumming have led to significant health issues. “I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” Collins admitted in the interview within the documentary, filmed in October 2022.
His son, Nic Collins, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a drummer, further elaborated on the long-term impact of his father’s career. Nic pointed out a major neck surgery Phil underwent in 2015, directly resulting from years of drumming and maintaining poor posture behind the drum kit. Adding to these challenges, Phil Collins also suffers from drop foot, a condition that affects sensation in his foot and necessitates the use of a cane for mobility.
These health battles ultimately led to Phil Collins retiring from drumming in March 2022, marking a significant moment in his career. The documentary provides an intimate look into Collins’ acceptance of this change and his reflections on a life intrinsically linked to drumming.
Phil Collins: Drummer First – A Retrospective on a Drumming Legacy
Phil Collins: Drummer First is not just a documentary about health challenges; it’s a celebration of a remarkable career viewed through the lens of his drumming. Spanning several days in October 2022, the film delves into Collins’ career “from a drumming perspective,” offering fans a unique insight into his musical journey.
The documentary explores his early days, his groundbreaking work with Genesis, his ventures with the jazz-fusion band Brand X, his foray into composing for Disney’s Tarzan, and even his experience forming his own big band. It culminates in the poignant moment of him “passing the torch” to his son Nic, who took over drumming duties during the final Genesis and Phil Collins tours. This film serves as a comprehensive retrospective, honoring Collins’ unparalleled contribution to music, primarily as a drummer.
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Phil Collins on stage in Berlin in March 2022 during a Genesis concert, reflecting on his career in the ‘Drummer First’ documentary.
Phil Collins’ Enduring Influence
While Phil Collins may have stepped back from drumming, his impact on music remains undeniable. At 73 years old, his legacy extends beyond his age, encompassing decades of chart-topping music, unforgettable performances, and a profound influence on generations of musicians. Phil Collins: Drummer First offers both longtime fans and new audiences a chance to appreciate the journey of this musical icon and understand the dedication and physical toll behind his extraordinary talent. The documentary is available for streaming on YouTube, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the world of Phil Collins, the drummer first and foremost.
