Phil Collins humorously reflects on his decision to step into the role of lead singer for Genesis in 1976, considering it a significant turning point in his career. In the newly released documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, produced by Drumeo, he shares insights into this pivotal moment in the band’s history, which you can watch below.

Collins took over the lead vocals after Peter Gabriel departed in 1975. He revealed that bandmate Tony Banks was aware of the impending change before the official announcement. “From then on, we knew that Pete could leave at any time – but we had a 150-show tour to do,” Collins elaborated, highlighting the uncertainty that loomed over the band during that period.

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Reflecting on the transition, Collins mentioned, “I was the one, when Peter left, who said, ‘Let’s do it instrumentally,’” but he humorously recalled how the idea was met with laughter and resistance from the others. “I can see now that they were right,” he acknowledged, underscoring the challenges he faced as he adapted to his new role.

For Collins, embracing the lead singer position was not something he initially envisioned. “It was not in my mind to become the singer; it was just that nobody else really wanted the job,” he explained. He further elaborated, “We had a long search for a singer that didn’t amount to much,” emphasizing the struggle the band faced in finding the right voice.

“I used to sing all the songs … to the guys who were coming to audition,” he said, noting that he began to feel more confident in his vocal abilities. “I started, in general, to sound a bit better than they did,” he remarked. Collins reflected on his connection to Genesis’s music, stating, “My excuse was always, ‘My voice has been there in the background, whether it’s backing vocals or the odd lead vocal here and there.’”

A former actor, Collins made his live debut as Genesis’s frontman in London, Ontario, in March 1976. He acknowledged that his theatrical background played a crucial role in helping him feel comfortable on stage. “The theatrical experience definitely helped me get up on stage and not be nervous,” he stated, adding, “I went on and I didn’t let go of the mic stand. That became my drum kit!”

Insights on Phil Collins’ Transition from Drummer to Lead Vocalist

Collins described the experience of stepping away from his beloved drums as “eerie.” He confessed, “I always missed being behind the drums. I thought I was better at that than I was singing.” However, he recognized that performing from behind the drums was visually unengaging for the audience. “It just looked so dull if I was singing the whole show from behind the drums. I didn’t find it physically difficult,” he explained, reflecting on how he navigated this transition.

He humorously added, “You know in a second if it was a mistake or not.” When asked if he regretted the switch, he joked, “Yeah! It was awful!” His candidness about the challenges he faced provides a glimpse into the complexities of his new role.

Looking back on his five years performing alongside Gabriel, Collins observed, “Peter just had this aura of the costumes and the drama.” He noted that some of Gabriel’s theatricality was a response to the instrumental focus of their music. “What do you do? You either go offstage or you stay on and do something,” he remarked, highlighting the dynamics of their performances.

Collins also noted that Gabriel was a drummer, which added another layer of complexity to their stage presence. “When I was there on stage, he’d be wild with his bass drum,” Collins recalled. To address this distraction, he mentioned, “It gradually got filled with carpet so you couldn’t hear it!” showcasing the band’s efforts to create a cohesive performance.

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