Phil Collins, the legendary frontman of Genesis and one of the most celebrated drummers in rock history, has always been open about the musicians who shaped his career. While Collins has influenced countless artists ranging from Kanye West to Beyoncé, his own roots trace back to the groundbreaking work of The Beatles.
From a young age, Collins was captivated by their sound, and he credits the band with giving him purpose as a musician. Speaking about his teenage years, he once said:
“Although I’ve been playing the drums since I was five, it was The Beatles that suddenly gave a purpose. That early-mid 1960’s feeling when I was in school, really loving it, came from them.”
Admiration for Ringo Starr
When discussing his drumming heroes, Collins frequently highlights Ringo Starr, whom he considers to be “vastly underrated.” He praised Ringo’s intricate drum work, particularly on “A Day in the Life”, calling it “very, very complex.”
Collins even remarked that many modern drummers would struggle to replicate Starr’s unique fills, proving just how advanced his playing was despite often being overlooked in conversations about great drummers.
His Mixed Feelings About Paul McCartney
While Collins has immense respect for The Beatles as a whole, his relationship with Paul McCartney was more complicated. He once admitted that he found McCartney slightly patronizing in conversation, suggesting that Paul carried himself with the aura of being “a Beatle” even in casual exchanges.
Despite this personal impression, Collins’ admiration for the band’s music remained unwavering.
Phil Collins’ Favorite Beatles Songs
When asked to list his Desert Island Discs for BBC Radio, Collins included a variety of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Tim Hardin, and Paul Brady. Yet, The Beatles were the only group to appear twice on his list, proving just how deeply they influenced him.
His two chosen Beatles tracks were:
- “All My Loving” (With The Beatles, 1963)
- “If I Fell” (A Hard Day’s Night, 1964)
Collins explained that these songs represented the essence of why he fell in love with music. “No collection would be complete without one or two Beatles records. The Beatles were the reason I’m in this business.”
The Beatles’ Impact on Collins’ Journey
Phil Collins’ career spans decades, from his early years with Genesis to his solo success with chart-topping hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Against All Odds.” Yet, he insists that his musical DNA will always carry the imprint of The Beatles.
Their songs not only inspired him to play but also shaped the progressive rock movement that Collins later helped lead. Even after selling millions of records worldwide, Collins still looks back at those early Beatles moments as the spark that lit his fire.
Conclusion
For Phil Collins, The Beatles were more than just a band—they were the catalyst for his entire career. With “All My Loving” and “If I Fell” among his most treasured songs, Collins’ story is a testament to the enduring power of The Beatles’ music.
From Ringo’s drumming genius to the band’s melodic brilliance, The Beatles gave Collins the drive to pursue music, and in turn, Collins went on to inspire future generations of artists.
