The Genius Of Phil Collins
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Published 2022-01-29
Maybe his name rings a bell because he created one of the most famous drum breaks of all time (you know the one).
If you don’t know Phil Collins, you definitely need to watch this video. Here are 5 reasons why Phil Collins has always been a drumming genius:
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Legendary drum fills
Pretty much everyone knows how to air drum along to his iconic drum break in “In The Air Tonight”. Could you imagine that song without it? This part also features his classic gated sound – a sound that was actually developed on Peter Gabriel’s song “Intruder” which Phil tracked on drums.
For another example of his legendary fills, listen to the intro of “Easy Lover” – a duet with Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire.
4:09 - Navigating complex time signatures
Watch the video above to appreciate Phil’s writing and artful touch on these parts. But if you want a list of key songs to check out, take a look at our Beat article: www.drumeo.com/beat/the-genius-of-phil-collins/
Do yourself a favor and listen to them right now.
7:27 - Signature drum grooves
Phil loved to keep a groove going on the ride or crash while moving around the kit with the other hand. Listen to “Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)” where he has triplets descending on the toms with one hand while the other keeps the beat going.
You’ll hear even more evidence of his signature style in “Dance On A Volcano” by Genesis and “Woman In Chains” by Tears For Fears.
9:10 - Technical ability
Having picked up the drums at an early age, Phil developed a level of technical proficiency well beyond that of his peers. You can hear Phil’s amazing hand technique in Genesis songs like “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” and “Supper’s Ready” (listen for the press rolls) or “The Battle Of Epping Forest” (listen for his articulate rudimental rolls).
Alternatively, just check out any of his work with Brand X and you'll see what we mean.
11:25 - Embracing technology
You could argue that Phil Collins helped make electronic drums cool.
Compared to Genesis’ earlier records, the drums sound pretty different on Invisible Touch and their 1983 self-titled album. By this time, Phil had integrated a Simmons electronic drum kit into his acoustic setup. When soloing, he’d sometimes reach over to play the electronic pads in between ripping it up on the traditional kit.
Listen to “Second Home By The Sea” for a good example. Or “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight”, where the second half of the song is stock sounds from the Simmons SDS7 module.
If you weren’t already a fan of Phil Collins – or you only know him for his vocal talents – we hope you’ve gained new respect for him as a drummer. He’s truly one of a kind.
Want to learn more about why legendary drummers are so legendary? Grab a Drumeo membership and enjoy videos about Alex Van Halen, Neil Peart, Dave Grohl, Joey Jordison and more. Claim your free 7-day trial here: www.drumeo.com/trial.
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All Comments (21)
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Learn more about Phil Collins' genius in our latest Beat article: www.drumeo.com/beat/the-genius-of-phil-collins/
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Phil Collins is one of the greatest artists of the last century. He mastered every genre he went in and touched the hearts of millions.
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Because of his successful solo career, some people tend to forget how awesome a drummer he was.
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Not everyone is able to say they produced albums for other artists, perform with a band and as a solo artist, star in film and television shows, be on two continents the very same day, and be one heck of a drummer/singer/songwriter. Only Phil Collins can truly say that 🔥
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Phil was the 1st drummer I remember being completely obsessed with. In 1988 I saved months of lunch money and sold my Coca Cola rugby shirt, a swatch watch, and a tennis racket to buy my prized possession — my roto-toms
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Man, it makes me so happy to see Phil and 70s-era Genesis get the recognition they deserve. Well done, dude.
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Amazing drummer, deep lyricist, great pianist, one of the most dynamic singers...not to mention a surprisingly capable actor and writer. He also created the famous 80s gated drum sound. This man is unparalleled. There will never be another Phil Collins.
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Very, very, extremely underrated drummer, great singer, talented pianist, and incredible songwriter. Man has my respect nearly like no other musician.
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Phil is by far my favorite drummer. He can hit a single drum and you know it’s him. Very few drummers have that ability.
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When I started out playing drums, my dad would take me and my kit every Saturday to his work (it was in the middle of nowhere in yorkshire) and I would play to a tape recording of the live tour from 1996, back to back for hours and hours whilst my dad worked. Those are some of my greatest memories of my childhood. Best part of 30 years later, and I've never lost the influence of Phil and Chesters drumming style from all those hours I spent playing to that tape.
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Finally, the video that Phil Collins "the drummer" deserved, analysing just a few of his super technical and highly musical grooves. People just don't know what a beast he was. And when I say people I'm referring also to drummers.
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This man is such a genius that you cannot even fit the fact that he had his own big band into a 15 minute video about his genius. Crazy. And let's not forget his legendary quintuple gig at both major Live Aid locations, playing two gigs in London (himself, Sting) and three in Philadelphia (himself, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin) *on the same day*.
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Phil had it all. The technical ability, musicality, inventiveness and sound on the kit plus the songwriting skill and the singing voice is progressive rock, art pop, 80’s electronic music, shimmering ballads, Motown soul and even Disney soundtrack. I don’t know anyone who is even remotely close to his body of work.
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It is sad that today lot's of people only know Phil as "the quy with the cheesy 80s love songs" and aren't even aware of the fact that this man was an absolute proggy BEAST on the drums. This video is the loveletter Phil Collins drumming skills and creativity deserve. Thank you Drumeo!
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My personal favorite drum sound of Phil's: "Mama." Once the song builds, the drums just explode with some stellar pulled back AND in-your-face cascading tom fills.
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Just saw him this Monday in Rotterdam with Genesis. Broke my heart to see him as the old man he is now. But much respect to see he still got the spirit to perform on stage, and that for two and a half our! It isn’t as sharp as 15 years ago, but still loved it!! Furthermore the next generation Collins on drums was there, his son was on drums, he was awesome!!!
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My favorite drummer and vocalist of all time. I'm only 17 years old, and I'm pretty much the last of my kind who appreciates his early 80s work as well as some of Gabriel's early Genesis day's.
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A lot of people don't understand the technicality and brilliance of Phil Collins. Everyone just knows him as the Tarzan guy or the in the Air Tonight guy. But if you look past all that you can see a man who pave the way for a lot of great drummers out there. He even inspired Neil Peart. His work with Genesis is absolutely breathtaking and his techniques are unmatched compared to a lot of great drummers at the time. Even for today's drummers.
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His drumming with Brand X is just sick.
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Sincerely one of the greatest drummers. He is truly amazing and I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to see him live
