You need look no farther than the song “In The Air Tonight” to see why Phil Collins is one of the best drummers to have ever graced the planet. The drum section of that timeless song, which doesn’t start until more than a minute into the song, is what makes it so famous. It is truly remarkable to have a song that is instantly recognisable due to its drums, even though the drums are absent for almost half of the song.
This song demonstrates Collins’ proficiency with the drums and thus his ability as a drummer. Not only being able to play, but also being aware of how to maximise your experience. This entails knowing when to back off and leave. When that solo on “In The Air Tonight” finally emerges, after its prolonged anticipation, it captivates listeners so much that they are still thinking about it.
Collins has spent his entire life surrounded by drums, so he knows when to use them. He knew he would be working in rhythm since he was younger and first saw Buddy Rich’s work. Actually, hearing Rich’s “West Side Story Medley” marked a significant turning point in my life. Phil Collins remarked, “It’s still an amazing piece of work. He’s on point the entire time, and it just made me want to do that one day.”
However, the Beatles influenced Collins’ taste, just like they did for many others at the time. He doesn’t take long to give Ringo Starr his flowers when discussing songs with distinctive drum parts. Even though most frequently overlook the Fab Four member, Collins still holds a special place in his heart for them.
He lists “Please Please Me,” “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Day In The Life,” and “All My Loving” as some of his favourite songs. It’s really hard to explain to someone who wasn’t young at the time. It simply framed my life. He declared, “I’ve been a fervent supporter of Ringo… What Ringo did was he brought drums out from the back and made people listen to them. Those songs and the sound of the records still baffle and impress me.”
John Bonham and Charlie Watts, two more drummers honored by Collins, have left their mark on the rock music industry and frequently receive recognition as some of the movement’s most important percussionists. But it was Keith Moon, the drummer who was popular for tearing apart the drumming rule book, who had the greatest influence on Collins.
“I believe that ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again‘ is among the greatest rock songs ever recorded. Collins recalls, “And I remember watching them on TV; they televised from Charlton Football Ground. I saw him with headphones and gaffer tape around his head, you know. If you’re stupid enough to wear it around, it hurts to take it off. The way he played, there was no orthodoxy at all.”
Phil Collins’ favourite songs driven by drums:
‘West Side Story Medley’ – Buddy Rich
‘Please Please Me’ – The Beatles
‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ – The Beatles
‘Day In The Life’ – The Beatles
‘All My Loving’ – The Beatles
‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ – The Who
