The London-born Phil Collins got his start in a band called Flaming Youth in 1969, when he was just 18 years old. By the following year, he was drumming for Genesis. When singer Peter Gabriel left in 1975, Collins stepped up to the mic for another role. (He also played in the jazz-rock group Brand X.) In 1981, he released his debut solo album, 'Face Value,' which centered on his divorce. For the next decade or so, he split his time between Genesis -- who got bigger than ever -- and his successful solo career, which yielded the No. 1 albums 'No Jacket required' and ' ... But Seriously' in the '80s. He left Genesis for good in 1996 and has since released more solo records. But after news of nerve damage surfaced, Collins has more or less retired from performing, claiming that he can't play drums anymore. Still, fans hold out for a Genesis reunion featuring the core lineup from the '70s.
- Born: January 30, 1951
- Selected Discography: ‘Face Value’ (1981), ‘No Jacket Required’ (1985), ‘ … But Seriously’ (1989)
- Related Artists: Genesis, Peter Gabriel
- Further Reading: Top 10 Phil Collins-Era Genesis Songs, ‘In the Air Tonight’ – Top 100 Classic Rock Songs, Weekend Songs – ‘Sussudio’