Phil Collins gave the world iconic rhythms for decades. His son Nic Collins started drumming at two years old, sitting behind a full kit before he could properly reach the pedals.
Disaster struck in September 2009 when Phil suffered severe spinal nerve damage following surgery. The legendary musician lost the ability to grip his drumsticks entirely.
The drumsticks fell silent, but the rhythm never died.
By June 2017, Phil developed drop foot from another spinal surgery. He was forced to perform while seated, unable to stand or play the complex drum arrangements himself.
At just seventeen years old, Nic stepped into the breach to play drums on his father’s Not Dead Yet tour. Phil insisted his son earned the spot purely through talent.
Bass legend Leland Sklar played alongside the teenager on that tour. He shared his admiration, stating, “Nic has been a gifted musician since he was a little kid.”
A legendary bass player watched a teenager master the arena.
Sklar added, “I loved playing with him on Phil Collins’ Not Dead Yet Tour. He nailed it every night & just kept getting better and better as the tour went on.”
The incredible success of the tour proved Phil could still sing with full force, convincing Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford to reunite Genesis for one final run.
Rehearsals for The Last Domino tour began in January 2020. The pandemic delayed their plans, but Genesis eventually completed fifty emotional shows across Europe and America.
Fifty massive stadium shows ended in one quiet reunion backstage.
Genesis played their final concert at London’s O2 Arena on March 26, 2022. Original singer Peter Gabriel watched from the crowd before joining the band for dinner after the show.
Reviewers praised the performance, noting that “young drummer Nicholas Collins gave an impressive performance. He rightly received frenetic applause” from the stadium crowd.
Despite playing massive stadiums, Nic also drives his own band, Better Strangers, alongside friends Yang Waingarten, Joey Rodriguez, and vocalist Ricky de Casa.
From filled stadium lights to dark club stages, the real test began.
Nic deliberately avoids relying on his famous surname in the club scene. He said, “At this stage of the band, doing it in a club is the best you can ask for.”
He explained, “You get to see the most raw, unfiltered reaction to your music. There are no lights to cover it up. It’s all about the energy and the songs.”
Now Nic Collins continues his journey, touring with Mike and the Mechanics while standing in for Gary Wallis, proving his place on stage is entirely his own.
