Lasting Legacy of Phil Collins: A Look at the Influence on History

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Phil Collins—a timeline of influence.

Phil Collins is a highly successful English musician, known as the drummer and later lead singer of the rock band Genesis and for his prolific solo career. During the 1980s, Collins achieved more US Top 40 singles than any other artist through his work with Genesis, collaborations, and solo releases. Notable hits include "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," "One More Night," and "Another Day in Paradise," solidifying his status as a pop icon.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1973: Praise for Drumming on 'Selling England by the Pound'

In 1973, Rush drummer Neil Peart praised Phil Collins' "beautiful drumming" and "lovely sound" on the Genesis album "Selling England by the Pound", calling it "an enduring masterpiece of drumming".

1974: Influence on Progressive Rock Drummers

In 1974, according to readers of Rhythm magazine, Phil Collins work on the Genesis album "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" was seen as influential to progressive rock drummers.

1975: The 1975 Championed Collins

In 1975 indie rock groups the 1975 championed collins. It is more likely 2010s as that is when they gained popularity and championing an artist is a retrospective action.

1987: Reflection on Past Playing Style

In 1987, Phil Collins reflected on his fast playing in Brand X and early Genesis, admitting that he "actually can't play like that anymore".

1989: Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus

In 1989, Phil Collins donated his own clothes to Madame Tussaud's Rock Circus, an exhibition celebrating rock and pop music history, marking his inclusion among major figures recreated in wax.

1999: Received star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 1999, Phil Collins received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

April 2001: Influence on Mike Portnoy

In the April 2001 issue of Modern Drummer, Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy named Phil Collins as one of the drummers he was influenced by and had respect for.

2003: Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 2003, Phil Collins was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2004: Collins praised as a great vocalist

In 2004, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service described Phil Collins as a "great vocalist", contributing to the growing appreciation of Collins among various artists and musicians.

2004: Collins recognized as an incisive songwriter

In 2004, J. D. Considine wrote in The New Rolling Stone Album Guide that despite his lumpen-pop appeal, Phil Collins is an incisive songwriter and resourceful musician, highlighting his talent beyond his mainstream popularity.

2005: Ranked Fifth Greatest Rock Drummer

In 2005, Planet Rock listeners voted Phil Collins the fifth greatest rock drummer in history, recognizing his contributions to the genre.

2009: Alan McGee notes a non-ironic revival of Phil Collins

In 2009, Creation Records founder Alan McGee wrote that there was a "non-ironic revival of Phil Collins" happening, noting that younger audiences no longer cared about "indie cred" and simply appreciated a great pop song.

2010: Defense of Collins by Gary Mills

In 2010, Gary Mills of The Quietus passionately defended Phil Collins, arguing that the hatred towards him was unjustified and that his career should not be defined solely by perceived missteps like No Jacket Required.

2010: Collins acknowledges his omnipresence

In 2010, Phil Collins acknowledged that he had been "omnipresent" and that his on-stage persona came out of insecurity, admitting that he found his past self "annoying" when reviewing old VHS tapes.

2010: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of Genesis

In 2010, Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis.

2010: Ranked Among Greatest Drummers

In 2010, Phil Collins was ranked number nine in a list of "The 20 greatest drummers of the last 25 years" by MusicRadar.

2011: Strong states Collins has undeniable talent

In 2011, Martin C. Strong stated that Phil Collins has had his fair share of mockers and critics over the years, but one thing is sure, and that is his dexterity and undeniable talent, highlighting his musical abilities.

2012: Second-wealthiest drummer

In 2012, Phil Collins was estimated to be the second-wealthiest drummer in the world, surpassed only by Ringo Starr.

2012: Induction into Hall of Fame

In 2012, Phil Collins was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

2012: Inducted into Modern Drummer Hall of Fame

In 2012, Phil Collins was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

2013: Simpson argues for recognition of Collins's vast influence

In 2013, Dave Simpson of The Guardian argued that it was about time to recognize Phil Collins's vast influence as one of the godfathers of popular culture, despite the fact that few pop figures have become as successful and yet reviled.

2013: Publication on 1980s popular music

In 2013, Dylan Jones mentioned in his publication about 1980s popular music that many of Collins's peers "despised" him, highlighting the negative perception some fellow artists had towards Collins.

2013: Collins Hailed as a Pop Icon

In 2013, Paul Lester of The Guardian wrote that Phil Collins, once considered a joke, was now being hailed as a pop icon, highlighting his influence on US urban music and artists like Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and Beyoncé.

2013: Inducted into Classic Drummer Hall of Fame

In 2013, Phil Collins was inducted into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame.

2014: Portnoy Lauds Collins' Progressive Drumming

In 2014, Mike Portnoy lauded Phil Collins' "amazing progressive drumming" back in the early and mid-1970s.

2014: Voted Influential Progressive Rock Drummer

In 2014, readers of Rhythm voted Phil Collins the fourth most influential progressive rock drummer for his work on the 1974 Genesis album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.

2014: Diane Birch comments on Collins's music

In 2014, soul singer Diane Birch commented on Phil Collins's music, noting his ability to walk a fine line between cheesiness and sophistication, and praising his awesome production values and rich sound.