Phil Collins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Phil Collins LVO
Collins in 2022
Born	Philip David Charles Collins (1951-01-30) 30 January 1951 (age 74) London, England
Occupation	Musician singer songwriter record producer actor
Years active	1963–2011 2015–present
Spouse(s)	Andrea Bertorelli ​ ​ (m. 1975; div. 1980)​ Jill Tavelman ​ ​ (m. 1984; div. 1996)​ Orianne Cevey ​ ​ (m. 1999; div. 2006)​
Children	5, including Joely, Simon, Lily and Nic
Relatives	Clive Collins (brother) Charlie McDowell (son-in-law)
Musical career
Genres	Pop soft rock progressive rock art rock
Instruments	Vocals drums keyboards
Labels	Virgin Atlantic WEA Walt Disney Rhino
Signature

Philip David Charles Collins (born 30 January 1951) is a famous English musician, songwriter, and actor. He is best known as the drummer and later lead singer of the rock band Genesis. He also had a very successful solo career.

Phil Collins achieved three number-one songs in the UK and seven in the US as a solo artist. In the 1980s, he had more top-40 songs in the US than any other artist. Some of his biggest hits include "In the Air Tonight", "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)", and "Another Day in Paradise".

Born in west London, Collins started playing drums at age five. He also attended drama school and had roles as a child actor. His first big acting part was in the musical Oliver!. By his early teens, he decided to focus on music. He joined Genesis as their drummer in 1970. In 1975, he became their lead singer after Peter Gabriel left.

Collins began his solo career in the 1980s. His albums like Face Value (1981) and No Jacket Required (1985) were huge successes. He became known for a special drum sound called "gated reverb". In 1985, he was the only artist to perform at both Live Aid concerts. He also acted in films like Buster (1988).

Collins left Genesis in 1996 to focus on his solo work. He wrote songs for Disney's animated film Tarzan (1999). One of these songs, "You'll Be in My Heart", won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He rejoined Genesis for tours in 2007 and again from 2020 to 2022.

Collins has sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide. This makes him one of the world's best-selling artists. He has won many awards, including eight Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Philip David Charles Collins was born in London, England, on 30 January 1951. His mother worked in a toy shop and later as an agent for a performing arts school. His father was an insurance agent. Phil is the youngest of three children.

Collins received a toy drum kit for Christmas when he was five. He practiced by playing along to music on TV and radio. When he was seven, he sang "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" in a talent show. He even stopped the orchestra to tell them they were in the wrong musical key!

The Beatles and their drummer Ringo Starr were big influences on him. He also loved soul music and jazz. Collins learned basic piano and drum lessons. He never learned to read or write musical notation, which he later wished he had.

Collins attended Nelson Primary School. He later went to Chiswick County Grammar School. There, he formed a school band called the Real Thing. He also wrote his first song, "Lying, Crying, Dying," with another group called the Freehold.

Early Acting and Music Career

Collins attended the Barbara Speake stage school in East Acton, west London

Collins left school at 14 to study full-time at the Barbara Speake stage school. He had a small, uncredited role in the Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night (1964). Later in 1964, he played the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver! in London's West End. He earned £15 a week.

His acting career slowed down when his voice changed. He decided to focus on music. Collins often visited the Marquee Club in London. He saw bands like The Action and Yes perform there. These experiences greatly influenced him.

After trying out for a few bands, Collins joined the Cliff Charles Blues Band. He then played with The Gladiators. In 1969, he joined a band called Hickory, which later became Flaming Youth. They recorded a concept album called Ark 2 (1969).

In 1970, Collins played congas on George Harrison's song "Art of Dying". However, his part was not included in the final song. Years later, Harrison played a prank on Collins about it.

Joining Genesis and Becoming Lead Singer

In July 1970, the band Genesis was looking for a new drummer. Collins saw their advertisement and went to the audition. He impressed the band members, Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford. On 8 August 1970, Collins officially became the fourth drummer for Genesis.

Genesis on tour in 1977, their second with Collins as lead vocalist

From 1970 to 1975, Collins played drums and sang backing vocals for Genesis. The band noticed his strong drumming and energy. They also found that his voice blended very well with Peter Gabriel's. Collins sang lead on a few songs, like "For Absent Friends" and "More Fool Me".

In August 1975, Peter Gabriel left Genesis. The band searched for a new lead singer. After many auditions, Collins took on the role himself. Their first album with Collins as lead singer, A Trick of the Tail, was a big success. For live shows, drummers like Bill Bruford and later Chester Thompson played drums while Collins sang.

In 1977, Genesis continued as a trio with Collins, Banks, and Rutherford. They released ...And Then There Were Three.... This album included their first UK Top 10 hit, "Follow You Follow Me".

During this time, Collins also played drums for other artists. He worked with Brian Eno and the jazz fusion band Brand X.

Solo Success and Global Fame

Collins performing in 1981

In February 1981, Collins released his first solo album, Face Value. The album was inspired by personal changes in his life. It became number one in seven countries. The lead single, "In the Air Tonight", was a huge hit. This song is famous for its unique "gated reverb" drum sound.

Collins's second solo album, Hello, I Must Be Going!, came out in November 1982. It included his first UK number-one single, "You Can't Hurry Love". He also played drums on albums for other artists like Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin.

In 1984, Collins released "Against All Odds". This song became his first number-one hit in the US. He won a Grammy Award for it.

His third album, No Jacket Required, was released in 1985. It was a massive worldwide success. It sold over 12 million copies in the US. Songs like "Sussudio" and "One More Night" topped the charts. This album won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

On 13 July 1985 Collins played at Live Aid at the old Wembley Stadium (exterior pictured) in London, before taking a transatlantic Concorde flight to perform at the Philadelphia leg of the event later that day.

On 13 July 1985, Collins made history by performing at both Live Aid concerts. He played in London at Wembley Stadium. Then, he flew on a Concorde plane to Philadelphia to perform at the US concert.

By the end of 1985, Collins was incredibly popular as a solo artist. He also continued to work with Genesis. In 1986, Genesis released Invisible Touch, their biggest-selling album. Its title track was their only song to reach number one in the US.

After touring with Genesis in 1987, Collins took a break from music. He starred in the film Buster (1988). He also sang two hit songs from the film's soundtrack: "A Groovy Kind of Love" and "Two Hearts".

Later Career and Reunions

Collins in the 1980s

In 1989, Collins released his fourth album, ...But Seriously. This album included songs about social issues. Its lead single, "Another Day in Paradise", was a number-one hit in the US. This song won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1991.

Collins toured extensively to support his albums. In 1991, he reunited with Genesis for their album We Can't Dance. This album also became a number-one hit in the UK.

In 1993, Collins released Both Sides. He played all the instruments and produced the album himself. The album explored more personal themes.

In 1996, Collins announced he was leaving Genesis to focus on his solo career. He then formed the Phil Collins Big Band, where he played drums. They performed jazz versions of his and Genesis's songs.

His sixth solo album, Dance into the Light, was released in 1996. In 1998, he released a successful greatest hits album, ...Hits.

Collins on his First Farewell Tour in 2005

Collins was chosen by Disney to write and perform songs for their animated film Tarzan (1999). He even sang his songs in French, Italian, German, and Spanish for the film's international versions. "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan won him an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2000.

In 2002, Collins released his seventh solo album, Testify. He also composed music for Disney's 2003 film Brother Bear. In 2004, he began his "First Final Farewell Tour".

Health and Recent Activities

Collins (right) performing with Genesis in 2007

In 2006, Collins reunited with Genesis for the Turn It On Again: The Tour. They played concerts across Europe and North America in 2007. In 2010, Collins released Going Back, an album of Motown cover songs. It reached number one in the UK.

In March 2010, Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis. In 2011, he announced he was taking a break from his career to focus on his family.

Collins has faced some health challenges. In 2009, he had neck surgery, which affected his ability to play drums. He later had another spine operation in 2015. These issues meant he often had to use a cane and sit while performing on stage.

Collins on stage at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 7 June 2017

In 2015, Collins announced he was no longer retired and planned to tour again. His autobiography, Not Dead Yet, was published in 2016. He then began the Not Dead Yet Tour from 2017 to 2019. His son, Nicolas, played drums in his band.

In March 2020, Genesis announced they would reunite for The Last Domino? Tour. Phil's son Nic played drums for this tour, allowing Phil to focus on singing. The tour finished in London on 26 March 2022. Phil Collins has stated he has no plans to make more music due to ongoing health issues.

Drumming Style and Influence

Phil Collins is highly respected as a drummer. He is known for his unique grooves and ability to play in complex rhythms. Many drummers, including Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins and Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, have praised his skills.

Rush drummer Neil Peart called Collins's drumming on the 1973 Genesis album Selling England by the Pound "beautiful". Drummers from various genres have cited him as an influence.

Collins has used Gretsch drums since 1983. He is left-handed. He also used electronic drum sets and drum machines, which helped create his distinctive sound.

Film and Television Appearances

Collins has had small roles in several films. These include Steven Spielberg's Hook (1991) and the film Frauds (1993). He also voiced characters in animated movies like Balto (1995) and Disney's The Jungle Book 2 (2003).

In the 1980s, Collins appeared in the TV series Miami Vice. He also hosted the Billboard Music Awards twice.

In 2006, Collins appeared as himself in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. Players had to protect him during a concert where he performed "In the Air Tonight". This song was also featured in a famous 2007 commercial for Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate, where a gorilla played the drums.

Collins has been featured in cartoons like South Park. The show sometimes made jokes about his fame and his Academy Award win.

Public Perception

Phil Collins has been a very famous and successful musician. Because he was so popular, some people felt his music was "everywhere" in the 1980s. This led to some mixed opinions about his work.

However, many artists and critics have praised his talent. He is seen as an important figure in music, influencing artists in pop, hip-hop, and rock. Musicians like Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé have been influenced by his songs.

His Genesis bandmates, Mike Rutherford and Peter Gabriel, have spoken highly of his personality and work ethic. Critics have also recognized his skill as a songwriter and musician.

Personal Life

Phil Collins has been married three times and has five children. His children include actress Lily Collins and drummer Nicolas Collins. Nicolas has played drums in his father's band and for Genesis.

Collins has lived in both England and Switzerland. He has mentioned that he moved to Switzerland because of a relationship, not for political reasons.

Other Interests and Charity Work

Collins has a strong interest in the Battle of the Alamo. He has collected many historical items related to the 1836 battle in Texas. In 2014, he donated his collection to the Alamo.

He is also a fan of model railways and collecting toy soldiers.

Collins is involved in charity work. He has performed at benefit shows for Amnesty International. He was also recognized for his work with The Prince's Trust, a UK charity that helps young people.

In 2000, Collins and his former wife Orianne Cevey started the Little Dreams Foundation. This organization helps children who are talented in sports and art achieve their dreams. Collins also donates royalties from his music sales in South Africa to the Topsy Foundation, which helps communities affected by HIV/AIDS.

Awards and Nominations

Discography

Studio albums

• Face Value (1981)
• Hello, I Must Be Going! (1982)
• No Jacket Required (1985)
• ...But Seriously (1989)
• Both Sides (1993)
• Dance into the Light (1996)
• Testify (2002)
• Going Back (2010)

Concert Tours

• The Hello, I Must Be Going Tour (1982–1983)
• The No Jacket Required World Tour (1985)
• Seriously, Live! World Tour (1990)
• Both Sides of the World Tour (1994–1995)
• Trip into the Light World Tour (1997)
• The First Final Farewell Tour (2004–2005)
• Not Dead Yet Tour (2017–2019)

Filmography

Film

Television

Video Games

Books

• The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector's Journey (2012)
• Not Dead Yet: The Autobiography (2016)

Images for kids

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  Collins in 2022

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  Phil Collins's signature

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  Collins performing in 1981

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  Wembley Stadium, where Collins performed at Live Aid in 1985

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  Collins in the 1980s

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  Collins on his First Farewell Tour in 2005

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  Collins performing with Genesis in 2007

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  Collins on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in 2017

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  Collins performing at Hyde Park in 2017

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  Collins has used Gretsch drums since 1983.

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  Collins's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

See also

In Spanish: Phil Collins para niños