Phil Collins facts for kids

{{Infobox person | name = Phil Collins | image = GenesisO2260322 p2 (5 of 22) (cropped).jpg | alt = Collins during a concert in London in 2022 | caption = Collins in 2022 | birth_name = Philip David Charles Collins | birth_date = (1951-01-30) 30 January 1951 (age 74) | birth_place = Wandsworth, London, England

| occupation =

| years_active =

| spouse =

| children = 5, including Joely, Simon, Lily, and Nic | relatives = Clive Collins (brother)

| module = Musical career

Philip David Charles Collins (born 30 January 1951) is an English musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He first became famous as the drummer for the rock band Genesis. Later, he also became their lead singer.

Phil Collins also had a very successful solo career. He had many hit songs, including "In the Air Tonight", "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)", and "Another Day in Paradise". In the 1980s, he had more top-40 songs in the US than any other artist.

He started playing drums at age five and also acted as a child. He even appeared in the musical Oliver! in London's West End. In 1970, at 19, he joined Genesis as their drummer. He became their lead singer in 1975.

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

He left Genesis in 1996 to focus on his solo work. He wrote and performed songs for Disney's animated film Tarzan (1999). One of these songs, "You'll Be in My Heart", won him an Oscar. He rejoined Genesis for tours in 2007 and again from 2021 to 2022.

Phil Collins is one of the world's best-selling artists. He has sold an estimated 150 million records worldwide. He has won many awards, including eight Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Disney Legend Award. He was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010.

Contents

• Early Life and Musical Beginnings
• Career Highlights

• Early Acting and Bands (1963–1970)
• Joining Genesis and Becoming Lead Singer (1970–1978)
• Solo Success and No Jacket Required (1978–1989)
• ...But Seriously and Leaving Genesis (1989–1996)
• Big Band, Disney, and Later Albums (1996–2006)
• Genesis Reunions and Retirement (2006–Present)

• Drumming Style and Influence
• Film and Television Appearances
• Personal Life

• Family and Relationships
• Wealth
• Health
• Other Interests

• Charity Work
• Awards and Nominations
• Discography
• Concert Tours
• Filmography

• Film
• Television
• Video Games

• Books
• Images for kids
• See also

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

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

When he was five, Phil received a toy drum kit for Christmas. His uncles even made him a drum set from triangles and tambourines that fit into a suitcase. He practiced by playing along to music on TV and the radio.

The Beatles and their drummer Ringo Starr were big influences on young Phil. He also loved the soul music of Motown and Stax Records. Jazz drummer Buddy Rich taught him the importance of the hi-hat cymbal.

Around age twelve, Phil learned basic piano and music. He studied drum rudiments, which are basic drumming patterns. He never learned to read or write musical notation, which he later regretted. He said, "If I could hum it, I could play it. For me, that was good enough."

Phil went to Nelson Primary School. Later, at Chiswick County Grammar School, he played football and formed a band called The Real Thing. He then joined The Freehold, where he wrote his first song.

Career Highlights

Early Acting and Bands (1963–1970)

Collins attended the Barbara Speake stage school

Phil left school at fourteen 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).

In 1964, Phil played the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver! in London. He earned £15 a week. His acting career ended when his voice changed during a performance. He also appeared in the film Calamity the Cow (1967). After a disagreement with the director, Phil decided to focus on music.

Phil often visited the Marquee Club in London, where he saw bands like The Action and Yes. He joined the Cliff Charles Blues Band and toured. He later played with The Gladiators. In 1969, Phil and his friend Ronnie Caryl formed a rock band called Hickory, which they renamed Flaming Youth. They released a concept album called Ark 2 (1969).

Joining Genesis and Becoming Lead Singer (1970–1978)

In July 1970, the band Genesis was looking for a new drummer. Phil and Ronnie Caryl went to the auditions. Phil impressed the band members, Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford. On August 8, 1970, Phil became the fifth drummer for Genesis.

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

From 1970 to 1975, Phil played drums and sang backing vocals for Genesis. He sang lead on a few songs, like "For Absent Friends" and "More Fool Me".

In August 1975, Peter Gabriel left Genesis. The band looked for a new singer, but after many auditions, Phil Collins became the lead vocalist. Their first album with Phil as lead singer, A Trick of the Tail, was a big success. For their tours, Phil sang while other drummers, like Bill Bruford and Chester Thompson, played the drums.

In 1977, Genesis continued as a trio with Phil, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford. They released ...And Then There Were Three..., which had their first UK Top 10 hit, "Follow You Follow Me". This album showed a change from their earlier progressive rock sound to more pop-friendly music.

During this time, Phil also played drums for the jazz rock band Brand X. He also worked with other artists like Brian Eno and Steve Hackett.

Solo Success and No Jacket Required (1978–1989)

After Genesis toured in 1978, Phil took a break to focus on his family. When his marriage ended, he started writing his own songs. In February 1981, he released his first solo album, Face Value. It was a huge hit, reaching number one in the UK. The lead single, "In the Air Tonight", became famous for its unique drum sound.

Collins performing in 1981

In 1982, Phil released his second solo album, Hello, I Must Be Going!. It included his first UK number one single, a cover of "You Can't Hurry Love". He also played drums for Robert Plant (from Led Zeppelin) and produced music for other artists.

In 1984, Phil released "Against All Odds", a song for a movie. It became his first number one hit in the US. He also sang a duet with Philip Bailey called "Easy Lover", which was a number one hit in the UK. Phil also played drums on the charity song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" for Band Aid.

His third album, No Jacket Required, came out in 1985. It was a massive worldwide success. Songs like "Sussudio" and "One More Night" topped the US charts. The 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

In July 1985, Phil made history by performing at both the Live Aid concerts. He played in London, then flew on a Concorde jet to Philadelphia to perform again. He played his own songs and also played drums for Eric Clapton and a Led Zeppelin reunion.

In 1986, Genesis released Invisible Touch, their biggest-selling album. Its title track was their only song to reach number one in the US.

Phil also returned to acting, starring in the film Buster (1988). He sang two number one songs from the movie's soundtrack: "A Groovy Kind of Love" and "Two Hearts".

...But Seriously and Leaving Genesis (1989–1996)

In 1989, Phil released his fourth album, ...But Seriously. This album featured songs about social issues. The lead single, "Another Day in Paradise", was about homelessness and became a number one hit. It won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1991.

Phil toured the world with his Seriously, Live! World Tour in 1990. He also played drums on the Tears for Fears song "Woman in Chains".

In 1991, Phil reunited with Genesis to record We Can't Dance. It was another successful album for the band. They toured in 1992.

Phil's fifth solo album, Both Sides, came out in 1993. He played all the instruments and produced the album himself. The songs were very personal. In March 1996, Phil announced he was leaving Genesis to focus on his solo career.

Big Band, Disney, and Later Albums (1996–2006)

Collins performing with his big band in 1996

After leaving Genesis, Phil formed the Phil Collins Big Band. He played drums in this band, which performed jazz versions of his and Genesis's songs. They toured jazz festivals in 1996 and 1998.

In October 1996, he released his sixth solo album, Dance into the Light. His first greatest hits album, ...Hits, came out in 1998 and was a big success.

Collins on his First Farewell Tour in 2005

In the mid-1990s, Disney asked Phil to write and perform songs for their animated film Tarzan (1999). He even sang his songs in French, Italian, German, and Spanish for the movie's different language versions. His song "You'll Be in My Heart" won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 2000.

In June 1999, Phil received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2000, he experienced temporary hearing loss in one ear due to a viral infection, but later recovered most of his hearing.

His seventh solo album, Testify, was released in 2002. Disney hired him again to write songs for their 2003 film Brother Bear. In 2003, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. From 2004 to 2005, he went on his "First Final Farewell Tour".

Genesis Reunions and Retirement (2006–Present)

Collins (right) performing with Genesis in 2007

Phil reunited with Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford for the Turn It On Again: The Tour in 2007. They played concerts in Europe and North America. In 2010, Phil released Going Back, an album of Motown cover songs, which reached number one in the UK.

In March 2010, Phil 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.

In 2015, Phil announced he was no longer retired and planned to tour and make new music. His autobiography, Not Dead Yet, was published in 2016. He then went on the Not Dead Yet Tour from 2017 to 2019, with his son Nicolas playing drums.

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

In 2020, Phil, Tony, and Mike announced they would reform Genesis for The Last Domino? Tour. This time, Phil's son Nic played drums, allowing Phil to focus on singing. The tour ran from 2021 to 2022 and was announced as Genesis's final tour.

Drumming Style and Influence

Phil Collins is known for his unique drumming style. Many drummers have praised his work, especially his early drumming with Genesis. He is known for making the drums "bark with musicality."

Rhythm magazine readers voted Phil the fourth most influential progressive rock drummer. Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins called Phil "an incredible drummer" and a "master." Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy and Rush drummer Neil Peart also admired his drumming.

Phil is a left-handed drummer. He uses Gretsch drums, Sabian cymbals, and Promark drumsticks. He has also used electronic drum sets and drum machines like the LinnDrum.

Film and Television Appearances

Phil Collins has made several cameo appearances in films. He was in Steven Spielberg's Hook (1991) and the TV movie And the Band Played On (1993). He also voiced characters in animated films like Balto (1995) and Disney's The Jungle Book 2 (2003).

Collins's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was awarded to the musician for his contribution to recording. It is located at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard.

In the 1980s, Phil was often featured in the British satirical puppet show Spitting Image. Genesis even used puppets from the show in their music video for "Land of Confusion".

In 1985, he appeared in an episode of the TV series Miami Vice called "Phil the Shill," playing a con artist.

In 2006, Phil played a fictional version of himself in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. In the game, players have to save him from bad guys. His song "In the Air Tonight" is also featured in the game.

His song "In the Air Tonight" became very popular again in 2007 because of a famous Cadbury's chocolate commercial called "Gorilla". Many people thought Phil himself was the drummer in the ad.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Phil Collins has been married three times and has five children. His children include actress Joely, musician Simon, actress Lily, and drummer Nic. His brother, Clive, is a cartoonist.

Wealth

In 2012, Phil Collins was estimated to be one of the wealthiest drummers in the world. In 2018, his fortune was estimated at £120 million, making him one of the richest people in the British music industry.

Health

In 2009, Phil had surgery on his neck. After the operation, he lost feeling in his fingers, which made it hard for him to hold drumsticks. In 2015, he had another spine operation. Because of these health issues, he often uses a cane and performs sitting down.

Other Interests

Phil Collins has a strong interest in the Alamo, a famous battle in Texas history. He has collected hundreds of artifacts related to the battle and even wrote a book about his collection called The Alamo and Beyond: A Collector's Journey (2012). In 2014, he donated his entire collection to the Alamo.

Like some other musicians, Phil is also a model railway enthusiast. He also collects King & Country toy soldiers.

Charity Work

Phil Collins has supported many charities. He has performed at the Secret Policeman's Ball for Amnesty International. He was also recognized for his work with The Prince's Trust, a UK charity that helps young people.

In 2000, Phil and his former wife Orianne Cevey started the Little Dreams Foundation. This organization helps children aged 4 to 16 who have talents in sports and art. It provides them with support and mentoring from experts.

Phil also supports the Topsy Foundation, a charity in South Africa that helps communities affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty. He donates all the money he earns from his music sales in South Africa to this organization.

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

• 

  Phil Collins in 2022

• 

  The Barbara Speake stage school

• 

  Genesis on tour in 1977

• 

  Phil Collins performing in 1981

• 

  Wembley Stadium, where Phil Collins played at Live Aid

• 

  Phil Collins in the late 1980s

• 

  Phil Collins performing with his big band in 1996

• 

  Phil Collins on his First Farewell Tour in 2005

• 

  Phil Collins performing with Genesis in 2007

• 

  Phil Collins on stage at the Royal Albert Hall in 2017

• 

  Gretsch drums, used by Phil Collins

• 

  Phil Collins performing at Hyde Park in 2017

• 

  Phil Collins's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

See also

In Spanish: Phil Collins para niños