Phil Collins, the iconic drummer and frontman of Genesis, has offered a rare glimpse into his health struggles in the newly released documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First. Released on December 18, the film provides an intimate look at the 73-year-old music legend as he reflects on the physical toll of his illustrious career.
“I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums; I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit,” Collins shares, highlighting the central role drumming has played in shaping his identity as an artist. While fans worldwide cherish his solo hits like In the Air Tonight and Another Day in Paradise, Collins emphasizes that his roots as a drummer remain the foundation of his artistry—albeit with significant personal sacrifices.
Filmed over several days at the Château de l’Aile in Vevey, Switzerland, the documentary captures poignant moments between Collins and his son, Nic Collins, an accomplished drummer in his own right. Together, they explore Phil’s extraordinary five-decade career, spanning his early days with Genesis and Brand X, his Oscar-winning Disney soundtrack for Tarzan, and his trailblazing solo work
Collins reflects on his career with characteristic humility and honesty. “The idea of the ‘In The Air Tonight’ Phil is a bit of a fallacy. It wasn’t all carefully planned—it was just me capturing that moment on that particular day,” he shares.
While Collins may no longer embody the high-energy performer fans remember from the 1980s, his presence remains as compelling as ever. The documentary underscores his resilience and enduring passion for music, even as he grapples with the limitations of aging and physical strain.
“If I can’t do what I once did as well as I used to, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” Collins explains, a sentiment that speaks to his pragmatic approach to his evolving career and life.
“If I wake up one day and can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll give it a shot. But honestly, I feel like I’ve used up my air miles,” Phil Collins admitted, reflecting on the toll his career has taken.
His son, Nic, who has stepped into his father’s role behind the drum kit, speaks poignantly about Phil’s enduring influence. “That’s the thing about my dad,” Nic says in the documentary. “It’s this sense that you’re a drummer, you’re invincible, and you just do what you do. But you don’t realize it’s going to take a toll in the long run.”
Collins’ health struggles are familiar to longtime fans. In recent years, he has been candid about his battles with various ailments, including a spinal condition that makes it difficult for him to hold drumsticks. Despite these challenges, Phil Collins: Drummer First highlights his lasting legacy as one of music’s most innovative drummers—a trailblazer who redefined what percussion could bring to pop and rock.
While he may no longer physically command the drum kit, the documentary affirms that Phil Collins remains, in spirit and artistry, a drummer first.
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