Phil Collins and Nic Collins Perform Touching Father-Son Duet
During the preparations for his extensive Not Dead Yet Tour, which spanned from 2016 through 2019, the legendary musician Phil Collins faced significant physical challenges. Nerve damage affecting his hands made it increasingly difficult for him to perform on the drums as he had throughout his long and storied career. In response to these persistent health issues, he sought a skilled percussionist who could handle the rigorous physical demands of his live performances. He ultimately turned to his son, Nic Collins, to join the touring ensemble and take over the primary drumming duties. This professional partnership not only provided the necessary support for the tour but also created a unique opportunity for the pair to share the stage, culminating in an unexpected and deeply memorable moment during their concert stop in Houston.
While addressing the audience during the Houston show, Phil explained that he had introduced Nic to his extensive back catalog of musical work, hoping his son might find a piece that truly resonated with him. The two shared a lighthearted and humorous exchange on stage when Phil jokingly remarked to the crowd that Nic liked only one song from his collection. Nic quickly joined in the banter, playfully correcting his father by clarifying that there were actually two songs he enjoyed, though he conceded it was mainly just one that stood out. The specific track that had captured Nic’s interest was the ballad You Know What I Mean, which originally appeared on Phil’s debut solo studio album, Face Value. The duo then transitioned into a heartwarming and intimate performance of the song, with Phil providing the lead vocals while Nic accompanied him on the piano.
The performance was captured on video and shared widely, eventually garnering over 2.7 million views online. Fans of the singer flooded the video with supportive comments, expressing their gratitude for seeing Phil continue to tour despite his ongoing health conditions. Many viewers were visibly moved by the father-son dynamic on stage, with one commenter noting how wonderful it was to witness the pair working together in such a capacity. Numerous observers praised Nic’s natural musical ability, frequently noting that he appeared to have inherited his father’s immense talent. Beyond this piano-led duet, the Houston concert also served as a comprehensive showcase for Nic’s percussion skills. He participated in an impressive drum duet with fellow percussionist Richie Garcia, while his father watched on with evident pride. The segment eventually expanded into a drum trio, as Phil joined the two percussionists on stage to play the cajon.
Watch the full performance on page two
