Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist Saturday night, joining the institution for the second time after entering as a member of Genesis in 2010.
Drummer Travis Barker welcomed Collins to the venue at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, paying tribute to a career that took him from drumming for Genesis to one of the most commercially successful one-man bands of the 1980s and beyond. “I remember hearing the drums (for ‘In the Air Tonight’) for the first time and being blown away,” Barker said, “that sound changed everything. He helped define the drum sound in the ’80s, and you can still hear Phil’s influence today. And what makes it even more incredible is that he was doing all of this while being part of Genesis and having a huge solo career at the same time. both, he was one of the best in both.”
“There aren’t many artists who are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, but tonight Phil Collins becomes one of them, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving,” Barker added.
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In his own acceptance speech, Collin said: “I grew up wanting to play the drums. Everything else was a happy accident.” And despite his recent health issues, he assured his fans: “You’re not done talking about me. I promise.”
Collins also thanked “my three ex-wives, because they loved me throughout the years and gave me five great children.” His daughter, Lily Collins, accompanied him to the ceremony.
Cynthia Erivo then serenaded Collins with soaring performances of “In the Air Tonight” with Barker on drums.
This induction comes more than four decades after Collins launched his solo career with 1981. Nominal valuewhich is home to “In the Air Tonight.” He followed it with a series of albums including Hello, I have to go!, No jacket requiredAnd …But seriouslyproducing hits such as “Against All Odds”, “Sussudio”, “One More Night” and “Another Day in Paradise”.
Collins first joined Genesis as drummer in 1970 before taking over on vocals following the departure of Peter Gabriel in 1975. Alongside Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, he helped steer the band from its progressive rock beginnings toward a sleek, shimmering pop sound, while carving out his own increasingly successful solo career. Genesis was inducted into the Rock Hall in 2010 by Trey Anastasio of Phish.
Collins did not perform at Saturday’s ceremony. Earlier this year, he said he turned down the opportunity because he wasn’t “fit” enough to rehearse and sing properly, while adding that he would always consider returning to the stage in the future.
This honor comes after several difficult years for Collins physically. Nerve damage resulting from back problems ultimately prevented him from continuing to play drums, while further knee surgeries and mobility issues further complicated his return to the stage. During his later solo tours and Genesis’ 2021-2022 farewell run, his son Nic Collins moved behind the kit while Phil handled the vocals.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026 also includes Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan in the Performer category, alongside recipients including Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Gram Parsons, Rick Rubin and Celia Cruz.
The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony was taped on November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will air on ABC and Disney+ on December 8.
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