The historic reunion reached its conclusion at the O2 Arena in London on March 26, 2022. The final performance was a significant cultural event, even drawing Peter Gabriel to the audience, who joined the band for supper following the show. Critical reception of the tour was highly positive, with reviews from outlets like JazzandRock.com highlighting the fantastic sound quality and specifically praising the impressive performance delivered by the young drummer. Nic received enthusiastic, frenetic applause for his contributions to the band’s complex musical legacy.
While his work with Genesis and his father brought him to stadiums across the globe, Nic has simultaneously cultivated an independent artistic identity through his band, Better Strangers. The group, which features his long-time friends and collaborators Yang Waingarten on bass, Joey Rodriguez on guitar, and vocalist Ricky de Casa, allows Nic to operate outside the shadow of his famous name. Unlike the massive stadium tours, Better Strangers focuses on club performances. Nic has stated that at this stage of the band’s development, the club environment is ideal because it provides a raw, unfiltered reaction to the music. He values these settings for their lack of artifice, noting that without the distraction of elaborate stage lighting, the focus remains entirely on the energy of the songs and the performance itself.
Nic’s professional versatility continues to be a hallmark of his career. He is currently touring with Mike & the Mechanics, stepping in for their regular drummer, Gary Wallis, who was unavailable for the Refuelled tour. Whether he is breaking down the intricate grooves of his father’s Genesis catalog in instructional videos or performing in intimate club venues with his own band, Nic Collins has successfully transitioned from a supportive family member to a respected, independent musician. His ongoing work with Mike & the Mechanics represents the latest chapter in his evolving professional journey.