Netflix is set to debut an intimate and deeply personal documentary series titled Phil Collins: Drummer First, chronicling the extraordinary life and career of one of music’s most iconic and influential figures. Known for his dual mastery as a drummer and vocalist, Collins’ story goes beyond the stage lights—and this series promises to reveal the man behind the music like never before.
Set to premiere in December 2024, the series offers a rare, unfiltered look into Collins’ evolution—from his early years as the powerhouse drummer of Genesis to his meteoric rise as a solo artist. But beyond the accolades and arena tours lies a complex journey marked by creative brilliance, personal trials, and physical setbacks that threatened to silence his rhythm forever.
Central to the documentary is Collins’ identity not just as a frontman, but as a drummer first—a sentiment he often voiced but rarely had the chance to fully explore on screen. “I’m more of a drummer who sings,” Collins reflects in the trailer, a powerful reminder that his percussive instincts have always driven his artistry. The film features emotional footage of him attempting to play drums again following a series of spinal injuries and surgeries that left him with nerve damage and limited mobility.
Drummer First goes beyond biography, capturing candid conversations with over 100 musicians and industry icons who reflect on Collins’ enduring influence. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy, Pearl Jam’s Matt Cameron, and many more pay tribute to his trailblazing style—fusing precision, feel, and emotion in a way few drummers ever have. “He’s criminally underrated,” Portnoy says. “You can hear one fill and know it’s Phil.”
Also featured is Collins’ son, Nic Collins, who took over the drum throne during Genesis’ farewell tour. His reflections provide a deeply personal perspective on the challenges his father faced, both as an artist and as a man navigating aging, injury, and legacy.
Directed by Brandon Toews and produced by Drumeo, the series is the product of three years of careful documentation, interviews, and archival restoration. It doesn’t shy away from difficult questions: Can Phil ever play again? Has he already said all he has to say?
“I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles,” Collins admits in one poignant moment—yet even in this vulnerability, his passion remains palpable.
Phil Collins: Drummer First is not just a tribute; it’s a portrait of resilience, reinvention, and rhythm that refuses to fade. For fans old and new, it’s a must-watch chronicle of one of music’s most soulful drummers.
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