Phil Collins, the legendary musician behind iconic songs that we have all sung along to, is currently facing health issues and suffering. But let’s take a moment to appreciate the remarkable journey of this talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Born on January 30th, 1951 in London, England, Collins was raised in a family with a passion for creativity. Music became an integral part of his life from a young age. At the age of five, he received a homemade drum kit from his uncle, which included tambourines, triangles, cymbals, and small drums. This gift became the catalyst for his unique sound.
Growing up, Collins found inspiration in English bands like The Shadows, who were at the forefront of the emerging beat scene. He would often showcase his skills at social events organized by his parents’ boating club. It was during his teenage years when Collins discovered the magic of rock and roll, purchasing his first record player and blasting The Beatles’ “Please Please Me” while playing drums in front of a mirror.
In his pursuit of becoming a versatile musician, Collins decided to take drum lessons to learn how to read music. However, he soon realized that his intuitive playing style surpassed the confines of sheet music. Little did he know that his life would take a monumental turn when he came across a job listing for a drummer in the band Genesis in the 1970s.
Joining Genesis marked the beginning of Collins’ incredibly successful musical career. With his talent and determination, he not only took over as the band’s lead singer but also contributed his exceptional drumming skills to their sound. The combination of his soulful voice and skilled drumming brought Genesis to new heights.
Collins’ musical genius extended beyond his time with Genesis. As a solo artist, he crafted hits like “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” and “I Don’t Care Anymore,” establishing himself as one of the greatest musicians of our time. After 25 successful years with Genesis, Collins shifted his focus to jazz projects, movie music, and his solo endeavors.
Recently, the much-anticipated reunion tour of Genesis was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic. Prior to the cancellation, while giving an interview to BBC Breakfast, concerns arose regarding Collins’ health. However, despite facing setbacks, Collins remains determined, with plans to reunite with his former bandmates once circumstances permit. His son Nicholas Collins will take over the drums, while Phil will continue to showcase his exceptional vocals.
Although Collins has experienced physical limitations, he remains unwavering in his passion for music. In a recent interview, he shared his struggles, expressing a sense of loss and regret for not being able to participate fully in certain activities, including traveling with his son. Despite the challenges, Collins has persevered, embracing the reality that some things are now off-limits to him. He contemplates whether to continue on his current path or make necessary adjustments. The weight of potentially missing out on life’s opportunities is heavy on his heart.
Let us celebrate the incredible legacy of Phil Collins, a musician who has touched our lives with his talent and heartfelt songs. While he faces these challenges, his music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. We send our heartfelt support and hope for his recovery, so that he may once again grace the stage with his extraordinary presence.
