Nic Collins A Talented Drummer From A Very Musical Family

Nic Collins, the son of Phil Collins and Orianne Cevey, has emerged as a formidable percussionist in his own right, building a reputation that extends well beyond his famous lineage. Born into a household deeply immersed in music, Nic began his journey with the drums at the remarkably early age of two or three. His professional trajectory was significantly influenced by the health challenges his father faced, which necessitated a shift in the family’s musical dynamics. When Nic was eight years old in 2009, Phil Collins underwent a vertebrae operation that left him unable to play the drums. By 2014, Phil revealed that persistent nerve issues had further compromised his ability to grip drumsticks effectively. This was compounded in 2017 by the onset of drop foot resulting from a back surgery, a condition that made walking difficult and required the legendary performer to remain seated during his vocal sets.

These physical limitations created a unique opening for Nic to step into a professional role, initially serving as his father’s drummer. His entry into the touring circuit was not a matter of nepotism; Phil Collins explicitly stated that his son was hired because he possessed the necessary skill and musicality to handle the demanding repertoire. The Not Dead Yet tour served as a crucial proving ground for the young musician. Bassist Leland Skar, who performed alongside a seventeen-year-old Nic during that 2017 tour, offered high praise for his work. Skar noted that Nic had been a gifted musician since childhood, adding that he consistently nailed his performances every night and showed remarkable growth throughout the tour. Beyond his technical prowess, Skar described Nic as a genuinely great person to work with.

The success of the Not Dead Yet tour provided a vital proof of concept, demonstrating that Phil Collins could still deliver powerful live vocals despite his health struggles. This achievement gave Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford the confidence to move forward with a farewell Genesis tour, with Nic selected to occupy the drummer’s chair. Rehearsals for the tour, titled The Last Domino?, commenced in January 2020, marking the first time the iconic band had reunited in thirteen years. Although the global pandemic forced a significant delay and a reduction in the total number of dates, the production eventually proceeded, encompassing 50 shows across the United States and Europe.

Watch the full performance on page two