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Phil Collins

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Phil Collins is a world-famous musician and actor.

Phil Collins 1981
Phil Collins 1981

He is known for playing the drums and singing songs. He has had a huge career in both bands and as a solo artist. His music has reached millions of people all over the world. He is one of the best-selling artists in history. This means he has sold about 150 million records globally. He is also one of only three artists to sell 100 million records as a solo singer and as part of a band.

His journey into music started very early in life. He was born in London in 1951. At age five, he received a toy drum kit for Christmas. His uncles even built him a special set using a suitcase with triangles and tambourines.

Gretsch drums
Gretsch drums

He practiced by playing along to the music on his radio and television. Later, he studied drum techniques from teachers named Lloyd Ryan and Frank King. He even created his own way to remember music since he did not read notation.

Before he was a famous singer, Phil was a child actor. He attended the Barbara Speake stage school in West London.

Barbara-speake-school-close-up
Barbara-speake-school-close-up

One of his biggest roles was playing the Artful Dodger in the musical Oliver!. He even appeared as an extra in the Beatles' film, A Hard Day's Night. Eventually, he decided to focus on music instead of acting. In 1970, he joined the rock band Genesis as their drummer. By 1975, he took over as the lead singer after Peter Gabriel left.

In the 1980s, Phil became a massive solo star.

Phil Collins 1980s (cropped)
Phil Collins 1980s (cropped)

He released famous albums like Face Value and No Jacket Required. Many people recognize his hits, such as "In the Air Tonight" and "Sussudio." He is also known for a special drum sound called gated reverb. In 1985, he performed at both Live Aid concerts. He even traveled between them using helicopters and a Concorde jet.

Wembley Stadium Twin Towers
Wembley Stadium Twin Towers

Phil has won many important prizes for his talent. He has earned eight Grammy Awards and an Academy Award. He won the Academy Award for writing the song "You'll Be in My Heart" for the Disney movie Tarzan.

He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Throughout his life, he has moved between playing in Genesis and working alone. He even rejoined Genesis for several big tours in 2007 and 2021.

2369 - Philadelphia - Wachovia Center - Genesis - I Can't Dance
2369 - Philadelphia - Wachovia Center - Genesis - I Can't Dance
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🖼️ Images & Media (12)
File:Barbara-speake-school-close-up.jpeg
Barbara-speake-school-close-up.jpeg
File:Genesis 1977-06-03 (cropped).jpg
Genesis 1977-06-03 (cropped).jpg
File:Phil Collins 1981.jpg
Phil Collins 1981.jpg
File:Wembley Stadium Twin Towers.jpg
Wembley Stadium Twin Towers.jpg
File:Phil Collins 1980s (cropped).jpg
Phil Collins 1980s (cropped).jpg
File:Phil Collins.jpg
Phil Collins.jpg
File:Phil Collins Duesseldorf.jpg
Phil Collins Duesseldorf.jpg
File:2369 - Philadelphia - Wachovia Center - Genesis - I Can't Dance.JPG
2369 - Philadelphia - Wachovia Center -...
File:Phil Collins - Royal Albert Hall - Wednesday 7th June 2017 PhilCollinsRAH070617-7 (35215802066).jpg
Phil Collins - Royal Albert Hall -...
File:Gretsch drums.jpg
Gretsch drums.jpg
File:Phil Collins star.jpg
Phil Collins star.jpg
File:Phil Collins - BST Hyde Park - Friday 30th June 2017 PCollinsBST300617-26 (35649688476).jpg
Phil Collins - BST Hyde Park - Friday...
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