At 73, Phil Collins is showing the world that passion never fades. After years away from the drums due to serious neck and back issues, the legendary musician is stepping back into the spotlight—this time behind the drum kit—in a deeply moving way.
Known for his unforgettable drumming and powerful vocals as the frontman of Genesis, Collins takes center stage in a brand-new documentary titled Phil Collins: Drummer First. The film shifts focus from his iconic singing career to where it all began: his love for rhythm and percussion.
Set to premiere next week, the documentary gives fans an intimate look into Phil’s journey, told in his own words. It’s not about fame or chart-toppers—it’s about reconnecting with the one thing that’s always grounded him: the drums.
“I’m not a singer who plays the drums,” Phil says in the trailer. “I’m more of a drummer who sings a bit.”
One of the most touching moments comes when Phil, now physically frail, walks toward his drum kit—helped by his 23-year-old son Nic, who has taken up drumming duties for Genesis in recent years. Holding a pair of drumsticks for the first time in years, Phil quietly says, “It just feels so strange to hold a pair.”
His quiet determination speaks volumes: “I always said, if I wake up one day and can hold drumsticks again, I’ll give it a go… but honestly, I feel like I’ve used up my air miles.”
Drummer First, created by online drum platform Drumeo, not only celebrates Phil’s return but also honors his immense influence. Fellow drummers like Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) call his style “instantly recognizable,” and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) says he’s “criminally underrated” in progressive rock history.
One of the most touching tributes comes from the late drumming great Dom Famularo, who once said, “Living in the time of Phil Collins is almost like living in the time of Mozart.”
Phil’s health struggles began in 2009 after a spinal injury led to permanent nerve damage—forcing him into retirement. “After playing drums for 50 years, I had to stop,” he told the Daily Mail. “My vertebrae were crushing my spinal cord.”
Now, years later, Phil is doing what few thought possible: picking up his sticks again—not just for music, but for meaning.