In a jaw-dropping display of raw talent and musical mastery, Nic Collins — son of legendary Genesis frontman and drummer Phil Collins — has taken on one of the most formidable challenges in rock drumming history: performing Rush’s 20-minute epic, “2112.” And he did it with almost no preparation.
The performance, which has already gone viral among rock and prog music circles, wasn’t part of a carefully rehearsed studio session or weeks of training. Instead, Nic was handed the full suite on the spot, asked to learn it with zero lead time. In less than three hours, he studied, absorbed, and delivered a shockingly accurate rendition of the prog-rock masterpiece, originally performed by none other than the late Neil Peart — one of the most revered drummers in music history.
For many fans, the choice of “2112” wasn’t just a nod to classic rock—it was a deliberate test. The seven-part suite is a technical odyssey filled with shifting time signatures, complex fills, and emotionally charged transitions. To play it live, let alone on short notice, is a feat even veteran drummers would hesitate to attempt. But Nic not only accepted the challenge — he crushed it.
Social media lit up after the performance was posted, with fans and musicians alike praising Nic’s precision, feel, and composure. “This isn’t just a cool cover — it’s a full-circle moment in rock history,” one commenter wrote. “It’s like watching the future of drumming unfold in real time.”
At just 23 years old, Nic Collins has already carved out his place in the music world. He’s spent years touring with his father as the drummer in the Phil Collins “Not Dead Yet” tour, impressing audiences with his ability to replicate his dad’s iconic grooves. But this Rush performance shows he’s more than a legacy act — he’s a generational talent in his own right.
For longtime fans of Rush and Genesis, the performance also symbolizes a passing of the torch. While no one can truly replace Neil Peart, Nic Collins’ tribute feels like an acknowledgment of both the past and future of progressive rock drumming.
As one fan put it: “Phil Collins handed him the sticks, but Neil Peart handed him the flame.”
The full performance video is now circulating widely, with fans calling it a “must-watch” for any rock lover.
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