Phil Collins: Drummer First (2024)

“I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums; I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit”. This famous Phil Collins quote perfectly captures the essence of a man celebrated by millions as a pop legend. But ask Phil himself, and he’ll tell you: “I’m a drummer”. On March 26, 2022, after an extraordinary 50-year career of touring and recording, Phil Collins announced his retirement.

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Later that year, we had the incredible honor of inviting Phil and his son, Nic Collins, to the breathtaking Château de l’Aile in Vevey, Switzerland. From October 18-21, 2022, Phil shared his story like never before in a series of brand-new interviews.

For the first time on film, Phil takes us on a journey through his life and career from a drumming perspective—from his early days behind the kit to his groundbreaking work with Genesis and his celebrated solo career, from his time with the jazz-fusion group Brand X to composing for Disney’s Tarzan, forming his own big band, and ultimately passing the torch to Nic during the final Genesis and Phil Collins tours. This is Phil’s story, told in his own words.

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The drum platform ‘ Drumeo ‘ has released the documentary for lovers of percussion and good rock and pop: ‘ Phil Collins: Drummer First ‘.

himself Musician Phil Collins reviews his professional life, the story of which is told “through his own lips,” featuring key figures in his life and legendary rock drummers.

In the film, Collins defines himself thus: “I’m not a singer who plays the drums a little bit, I’m more of a drummer who sings a little bit.” “This documentary offers a rare and personal look into the life and legacy of a true drumming icon. Phil’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and sacrifice, a testament to the power of giving everything you have to what you love,” explains ‘Drumeo’ about the documentary.

The film ‘Phil Collins: Drummer First’ features musicians such as Chad Smith, Mike Portnoy, Tommy Aldridge, Simon Phillips and Brann Dailor , among many others.

Also present are other key musicians such as his son Nic Collins , who has been instrumental in recent years as his personal assistant on stage and drummer on Genesis’ farewell tour in 2022, titled ‘The Last Domino’.

The Drumeo-produced material also features appearances by Leland Sklar, Eloy Casagrande, Billy Cobham, Matt Cameron, Daryl Stuermer, Luis Conte, Dom Famularo, Todd Sucherman, Jordan Rudess, Liberty DeVitto and Chad Wackerman .

Phil Collins and a hard life

Collins is physically in great decline due to mobility problems caused by a chronic back injury , acute type 2 diabetes , arthritis in his hands , and severely diminished vocal ability.

The veteran musician can barely grasp and hold the drumsticks due to his hand problems, which is why he can’t play the drums. He also suffered from partial hearing loss in his left ear for several years. He has also suffered from mental illnesses, such as depression and alcoholism .

Despite everything, in the trailer we saw for this ‘Drumeo’ documentary, he claims to be a drummer first and foremost, hence the title of the documentary. Collins was also a renowned vocalist and ventured into other instruments, including the piano.

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