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\n\tPhil Collins<\/a>, widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, opens up about his enduring passion for music and the struggles he\u2019s faced in Phil Collins: Drummer First<\/em>, which premiered on Dec. 18 on the Drumeo YouTube channel.<\/a> <\/p>\n \n\tThe documentary captures Collins revisiting his drum kit for the first time in years, a moment that\u2019s both poignant and powerful. \u201cIt\u2019s still kind of sinking in,\u201d Collins says in the documentary. \u201cI\u2019ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tCollins, now 73, has faced numerous health challenges stemming from a 2007 spinal injury that left him with limited mobility and complications such as drop foot. His drumming, once the heartbeat of Genesis and his solo career, has been sidelined in recent years. During Genesis\u2019 2022 farewell tour, Collins passed the torch to his son Nic, who filled in on drums. Still, his connection to the instrument remains unshakable.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cIf I can\u2019t do what I did as well as I did it, I\u2019d rather relax and not do anything,\u201d he reflects. \u201cBut if I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I\u2019ll have a crack at it. But I just feel like I\u2019ve used up my air miles.\u201dThe documentary sheds light on Collins\u2019 legendary career, including anecdotes that illustrate his profound impact on music. <\/p>\n \n\tHe recalls Peter Gabriel recognizing his talent the first time they played together, and Eric Clapton\u2019s incredulous reaction to his drumming: \u201cF\u2014ing hell, what was that?!\u201d The moments underscore Collins\u2019 identity as a drummer first and foremost. \u201cI\u2019m not a singer who drums a bit,\u201d he asserts. \u201cI\u2019m Phil Collins, and I am a drummer.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tNic Collins provides further context to his father\u2019s struggles, revealing that years of drumming took a significant toll on his posture and spine, ultimately necessitating a major neck surgery. <\/p>\n \n\tDespite the physical setbacks, the elder Collins finds joy in revisiting his instrument, even briefly. Holding drumsticks again, he admits, \u201cIt just feels so strange to hold a pair.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tCollins has achieved remarkable success on the Billboard charts throughout his career, particularly during the 1980s. As a solo artist, Collins earned seven No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including \u201cAgainst All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),\u201d \u201cSussudio,\u201d and \u201cAnother Day in Paradise,\u201d which spent four weeks at the top. <\/p>\n \n\tHis 1985 album No Jacket Required<\/em> dominated the Billboard 200, earning diamond certification and winning the Grammy for Album of the Year. With Genesis, Collins reached No. 1 with \u201cInvisible Touch\u201d in 1986.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n