Phil Collins says, “You haven’t heard the last of me” as he joins a small group of two-time inductees when he entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
He was first inducted in 2010 as part of Genesis.
“I’m glad it’s happened now, coming together at a time in your life… I always appreciated it and I always realised that I was lucky to have that kind of success, but when it actually happens, it’s a pat on the back, it’s like ‘you done good’. I was thrilled because I’d turned 75 this year and I thought, ‘it’s all coming together at a certain time.’” – Phil
The induction comes after years of health challenges for the 75-year-old. A 2007 spinal injury caused nerve damage that left him unable to grip a drumstick. He has also undergone knee surgeries and faced ongoing mobility issues. His son Nic played drums on Genesis’ 2021-22 farewell tour while Colin sang from a seated position.
Collins has said that he now has a 24-hour live-in nurse.
Travis Barker of Blink-182 delivered the induction speech and focused on Collin’s impact as a drummer. Speaking about the drums on ‘In the Air Tonight,’ Barker said
“I remember hearing the drums for the first time and being blown away” He added, “That sound changed everything. It helped define the sound of drums in the eighties, and you can still hear Phil’s influence today.”
Travis Barker also praised Collins’ dual success: “He wasn’t just successful at both; he was one of the best at both.”
Collins himself did not perform. Earlier in the year he had declined an invitation, saying he was not “Match-fit” enough to rehearse and sing properly, though he left open the possibility of returning to the stage. In his place, Cynthia Erivo performed ‘In the Air Tonight’ with Barker on drums.
In Phil’s acceptance speech, Collins noted that he felt unprepared after hearing more polished addresses and opened by telling the crowd he is “really not as bad as it looks.” Reflecting on his path, he said, “I grew up wanting to play drums. Everything else has been a happy accident.”
He singled out his assistant for special thanks, stating, “I’m not joking when I say without her I wouldn’t be here. I’d be in a box six feet under.” He described her guidance as life-saving and noted that he is “a well man now.” Collins also thanked his longtime manager Tony Smith, Atlantic Records’ Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, and Virgin Records founder Richard Branson, who he said “Took me under their wing and they saw something that was worth nurturing.”
He thanked “my three ex-wives, because they’ve loved me through the years and given me five great children.”
His daughter, actress Lily Collins, attended the ceremony with him. Closing his remarks, he named Eric Clapton and Robert Plant among the musicians he has played with and said, “These guys were heroes to me”
Most notably, Collins told the audience, “You haven’t heard the last of me. I promise you that”
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be on Disney+ after December 8th.
