Phil Collins (the Drummer)

I'm a drummer myself (among other things) and I am undeniably influenced by his drumming with Gabriel-era Genesis.  Listening back to rehearsal tapes, I've heard myself borrowing things ().  His drumming was, and remains, some of the most fascinating to listen to for me - right there with Bruford, Palmer, Bonham. 

And I believe that that is why so many of us have sh*t-listed him.  He went from being so admirable while he had a role to play and was young, to being a total and utter choade.  If he had just become banal like so many others, well then, we'd have been grateful, saying, "Thanks for the memories."  But he became a monster instead, a traitor in a sense, no longer out for art.  Disney head-mic jerk . 

Calming down...

Let's raise a glass to Phil. What a great musician much lauded and often unfairly vilified and yet he is not even listed on PA

Slartibartfast wrote: Blacksword wrote: He's been my favourite drummer for most of my prog loving years. When my tastes were heavier I would have said Peart, but Collins is more versatile, and plays with greater 'warmth' imo. He is more together than Bruford, and has always had a better drum sound. You know, as much as I don't care for the pop direction that Phil and the others were responsible for taking Genesis into, I still like him as a drummer and a vocalist.  Early Brand X kind of makes up for it all.

Absolutely. I like his vocals too. Even in their 'pop' phase, they would sometimes pull something of worth out of the bag, but as you say, his work with Brand X, should lay to rest any doubts anyone ever had, as to his musical skills.

AlanOB wrote: I like him as a vocalist too, I think he's seriously underrated in that regard. I challenge anyone to think of another vocalist who would have done justice to the material on Trick of the Tail as well as Phil did. He was the perfect replacement for Gabriel and the transition was seamless.

I love his voice. I used to think it was a bit annoying before I really got into Genesis, but now I think it's great after hearing all the albums and I agree he was the perfect replacement for Peter, I don't think anyone else could have done such good job filling Peter's shoes in the band.

Blacksword wrote: He's been my favourite drummer for most of my prog loving years. When my tastes were heavier I would have said Peart, but Collins is more versatile, and plays with greater 'warmth' imo. He is more together than Bruford, and has always had a better drum sound.

You know, as much as I don't care for the pop direction that Phil and the others were responsible for taking Genesis into, I still like him as a drummer and a vocalist.  Early Brand X kind of makes up for it all.

A totally amazing player; powerful when necessary but loads of subtle inventive touches. One of my all time favourite drummers for his work between Nursery Cryme and Wind and Wuthering with Genesis and as others have already mentioned, Brand X.

Phil Collins is an amazing drummer, and I think his detractors are only so because he became a pop singer, not because of his drumming abilities. I wonder what they thought when they heard him play "Cinema Show" with no problem on the Turn It On Again tour.

Agree with all the posts here. He is an outstanding drummer, eclipsed for me only by Peart & Palmer. 

As mentioned above, Brand X is where he shows what a brilliant drummer he is. Incredible how he seemingly effortlessly churns out really complicated rythms, without lossing any feel (however you want to define that).

Like The Doctor very well said, Brand X, takes the lead with Phil's best drumming ever, check their debut, Unorthodox Behaviour, you won't regret it