Phil Collins is one of the most renowned drummers in the history of rock and pop music. His drumming skills, along with his distinctive voice, helped shape some of the most influential records of the 20th century. Though he is best known as a solo artist, many fans often wonder: what band did Phil Collins drum for?
Throughout his career, Collins played for several bands, but his most notable drumming contributions were with Genesis, a progressive rock band that evolved into a mainstream pop-rock sensation. Beyond Genesis, he also performed with other artists and bands, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. This article explores Phil Collins’ drumming career, focusing on his time with Genesis and other significant musical collaborations.
Genesis: The Band That Defined Phil Collins’ Drumming Career
When discussing what band did Phil Collins drum for, Genesis is the most significant answer. Collins joined Genesis in 1970 and played a crucial role in shaping their sound.
How Phil Collins Became Genesis’ Drummer
Genesis was originally formed in 1967 by Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Anthony Phillips. The band initially had a different drummer, but by 1970, they were searching for a new one.
Collins auditioned for the role at Gabriel’s parents’ home. According to Collins, he arrived early, listened to the other drummers audition, and when it was his turn, he easily adapted to Genesis’ complex musical style. His technical ability and sense of rhythm impressed the band, securing him the spot as their drummer.
Phil Collins’ Drumming Style in Genesis
Collins brought a dynamic and versatile drumming approach to Genesis. The band’s early years were deeply rooted in progressive rock, which required intricate time signatures and sophisticated drum arrangements. Some of his drumming trademarks with Genesis included:
Complex time signatures – Songs like The Cinema Show and Dancing with the Moonlit Knight showcased his ability to navigate odd rhythms effortlessly.
Powerful drum fills – Collins’ fills, particularly on songs like Watcher of the Skies, demonstrated his technical skill and creativity.
The “Gated Reverb” Drum Sound – Perhaps his most famous contribution to drumming was the development of the gated reverb effect, which created a powerful, compressed drum sound. Though it became famous in his solo work (In the Air Tonight), its roots can be traced back to his Genesis recordings.
Phil Collins as Genesis’ Lead Singer and Drummer
In 1975, Peter Gabriel left Genesis, leaving the band without a lead vocalist. Collins initially helped the band find a replacement but ultimately stepped up to become the lead singer while continuing to drum on their records.
This dual role was a rare feat in rock music. Some drummers occasionally sang, but few took on full-time lead vocal duties while remaining behind the drum kit. To manage live performances, Collins brought in Chester Thompson, a session drummer, so he could focus on singing while still playing drums on selected tracks.
Key Genesis Albums Featuring Phil Collins on Drums
Nursery Cryme (1971) – Collins’ first full-length album with Genesis, featuring his intricate drum work on songs like The Musical Box.
Foxtrot (1972) – Included Supper’s Ready, one of Genesis’ most ambitious progressive rock compositions, showcasing Collins’ drumming mastery.
Selling England by the Pound (1973) – Featured one of his best drum performances on Firth of Fifth.
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) – A concept album and Peter Gabriel’s last with the band. Collins’ drumming was particularly impressive on tracks like In the Cage.
A Trick of the Tail (1976) – The first album after Gabriel’s departure, with Collins as lead singer and drummer. The album’s hit Dance on a Volcano displayed his powerful drumming.
Duke (1980) – Showed Genesis transitioning to a more pop-oriented sound while still featuring strong drum-driven tracks like Behind the Lines and Duchess.
Invisible Touch (1986) – A commercial success that solidified Genesis’ pop era, though Collins still delivered solid drumming on tracks like Domino.
Even though Genesis evolved musically over time, Collins’ drumming remained a crucial element in their sound.
Other Bands and Collaborations Where Phil Collins Played Drums
While Genesis was his primary band, Collins also played drums for numerous other projects. Here are some of his most notable drumming collaborations.
Brand X – Jazz Fusion Drumming
Brand X was a jazz-fusion band that Collins joined in the mid-1970s while still playing with Genesis. Jazz fusion drumming requires a different approach compared to rock drumming, and Collins excelled at it.
His drumming in Brand X was more improvisational and experimental, showing his versatility. The albums Unorthodox Behaviour (1976) and Moroccan Roll (1977) contain some of his best jazz-influenced drumming performances.
Eric Clapton’s Band
Phil Collins played drums on multiple albums for Eric Clapton, including Behind the Sun (1985) and August (1986). His drumming helped shape Clapton’s sound during the 1980s, providing a tight groove and rhythmic foundation.
Led Zeppelin Reunion at Live Aid (1985)
Collins famously played drums for Led Zeppelin’s reunion at Live Aid 1985, alongside drummer Tony Thompson. However, the performance was criticized, partly due to a lack of rehearsal time. Despite this, it was a major event that showcased his willingness to take on high-pressure gigs.
Robert Plant’s Solo Work
Collins also played drums on Robert Plant’s first two solo albums, Pictures at Eleven (1982) and The Principle of Moments (1983), bringing his distinctive drumming style to Plant’s post-Led Zeppelin career.
The Phil Collins Big Band
In the mid-1990s, Collins formed The Phil Collins Big Band, where he focused solely on drumming, playing jazz and swing music. This project allowed him to return to his first love—being behind the drum kit rather than singing.
Phil Collins’ Drumming Legacy
Collins’ impact on drumming extends beyond the bands he played for. He introduced new techniques, pushed creative boundaries, and influenced generations of drummers. His gated reverb drum sound, first popularized in Genesis and later in his solo work, became a defining feature of 1980s music production.
Many modern drummers cite Collins as a key influence, including:
Neil Peart (Rush) – Admired Collins’ technical drumming and creativity.
Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) – Recognized his powerful drum fills and songwriting skills.
Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) – Credited Collins as an inspiration for blending drumming with frontman charisma.
Even though he retired from drumming due to health issues, his influence remains strong in the music world.
Conclusion
So, what band did Phil Collins drum for? The most famous answer is Genesis, where he was the drummer and later the lead singer. However, his drumming career extends far beyond Genesis. He played for Brand X, Eric Clapton, Robert Plant, Led Zeppelin (Live Aid), and his own jazz big band.
Phil Collins’ drumming style revolutionized rock, jazz fusion, and pop music. His influence on drumming techniques, particularly gated reverb, continues to inspire drummers worldwide. Even though he is now better known as a singer, his legacy as one of the greatest drummers of all time remains undeniable.
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