Phil Collins Returns to the Kit in ‘Drummer First’

Phil Collins, widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, opens up about his enduring passion for music and the struggles he’s faced in Phil Collins: Drummer First, which premiered on Dec. 18 on the Drumeo YouTube channel.

The documentary captures Collins revisiting his drum kit for the first time in years, a moment that’s both poignant and powerful. “It’s still kind of sinking in,” Collins says in the documentary. “I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”

Collins, now 73, has faced numerous health challenges stemming from a 2007 spinal injury that left him with limited mobility and complications such as drop foot. His drumming, once the heartbeat of Genesis and his solo career, has been sidelined in recent years. During Genesis’ 2022 farewell tour, Collins passed the torch to his son Nic, who filled in on drums. Still, his connection to the instrument remains unshakable.

“If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” he reflects. “But if I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles.”The documentary sheds light on Collins’ legendary career, including anecdotes that illustrate his profound impact on music.

He recalls Peter Gabriel recognizing his talent the first time they played together, and Eric Clapton’s incredulous reaction to his drumming: “F—ing hell, what was that?!” The moments underscore Collins’ identity as a drummer first and foremost. “I’m not a singer who drums a bit,” he asserts. “I’m Phil Collins, and I am a drummer.”

Nic Collins provides further context to his father’s struggles, revealing that years of drumming took a significant toll on his posture and spine, ultimately necessitating a major neck surgery.

Despite the physical setbacks, the elder Collins finds joy in revisiting his instrument, even briefly. Holding drumsticks again, he admits, “It just feels so strange to hold a pair.”

Collins has achieved remarkable success on the Billboard charts throughout his career, particularly during the 1980s. As a solo artist, Collins earned 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,” which spent four weeks at the top.

His 1985 album No Jacket Required dominated the Billboard 200, earning diamond certification and winning the Grammy for Album of the Year. With Genesis, Collins reached No. 1 with “Invisible Touch” in 1986.