Real Name: Philip David Charles Collins
Date of Birth / Formation: January 30, 1951
Age / Status: 75 years old
Origin: Born and raised in West London, England
Primary roles: Singer, drummer, songwriter and record producer
Key associations: Genesis (drummer, later lead vocalist); session and side projects include Brand X and the Phil Collins Big Band
Active period: Professional musician from 1970; solo commercial peak during the 1980s
Signature sound: 1980s pop/rock with strong soul influences; noted for pioneering the gated reverb drum sound
Phil Collins is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who became one of the most successful and influential artists of the 1980s. As both the lead singer and drummer of Genesis and a highly successful solo artist, he dominated the global charts throughout the decade. He achieved a string of multi-platinum albums and number-one hits, including 'In the Air Tonight', 'Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)', and 'Another Day in Paradise'. Known for his soulful voice, innovative drum sound, and melodic songwriting, Collins has won eight Grammy Awards and sold over 150 million records worldwide. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His enduring popularity and timeless hits have made him a true legend of global music, celebrated for his immense talent and versatile career.
Collins joined Genesis as their drummer in August 1970, quickly becoming a key backing vocalist and contributor. After Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975, Collins assumed lead vocal duties and helped steer Genesis from progressive roots toward broader commercial success. [1]
Launching his solo career with Face Value (1981), Collins translated personal themes and soul influences into international hits. Throughout the 1980s he released multiple multi-platinum albums and singles, becoming one of the decade's most prominent pop artists. [1]
Single, 1982, UK [3]
Single, 1985, UK [3]
Single, 1988, UK [3]
Album, 1981, UK [3]
Album, 1985, UK [3]
Album, 1989, UK [3]
Album, 1993, UK [3]
Album, 1998, UK [3]
Album, 2010, UK [3]
Chart summary: Phil Collins achieved 3 UK Number 1 singles and 6 UK Number 1 albums on the main Official UK Singles and Albums Charts. The cards above list each verified chart-topper. [3]
Collins became Genesis's fourth drummer, joining a group that would evolve into a major international rock act. [1]
Following Peter Gabriel's departure, Collins assumed lead vocal duties and helped guide the band to wider commercial success. [1]
Collins released Face Value, featuring 'In the Air Tonight'; the album reached number one in the UK and established his solo career. [1]
Collins released No Jacket Required, one of his most commercially successful 1980s albums and a major international seller. [1]
The album ...But Seriously produced the socially themed single 'Another Day in Paradise' and continued Collins's late-1980s commercial prominence. [1]
Collins published his memoir and subsequently completed the Not Dead Yet Tour, marking a later-career return to public performance. [1]
A concise 1980s snapshot paired with a source-linked status update checked on 17 July 2026.
The profile’s own 1980s timeline captures Phil Collins’s era-defining momentum. These late-decade milestones anchor the period in the original profile.
No death date listed. Wikidata does not list a death date for Phil Collins. MusicBrainz lists Sussudio (demo) (22 August 2025) as the newest catalogued single linked to Phil Collins. The catalogue note is used as a documented update, rather than a claim about touring or an unverified 2026 project.
“The world is in your hands, now use it.”Phil Collins — Lyric line (Dance Into the Light) — Dance Into the Light
“Past a certain point, the music is no longer mine. It's yours.”Phil Collins — Comment on the relationship between artist and audience — Phil Collins at Todomusica.org
Annotations for the supplied notable Phil Collins tracks. Release contexts and peaks are given only where clearly supported by the supplied references.
Lyrics note: Full copyrighted lyrics are not reproduced. The notes below are original summaries of each song’s themes and imagery.
Lyric theme: Atmospheric, brooding reflection on personal betrayal and emotional aftermath, notable for its sparse arrangement and distinctive gated-drum sound.
Lyric theme: A plaintive, cinematic ballad about longing and heartbreak, delivered with soaring vocal intensity and orchestral backing.
Lyric theme: A socially conscious pop ballad addressing homelessness and public indifference, built around restrained vocals and polished production.
Lyric theme: A soft, melodic romantic ballad featuring steady, intimate percussion and an emphasis on melody and emotional delivery.
Lyric theme: A tender cover of a 1960s pop love song, rendered as a gentle, piano-led ballad with a warm, intimate vocal.