Nic Collins Share What Peter Gabriel Said Backstage After Final Genesis Show

Genesis drummer Nic Collins shared what happened backstage after the band’s final show on March 26 at London’s 02 arena. Former frontman Peter Gabriel, who departed in 1975 for a solo career was there to witness the farewell event.

Collins told Rolling Stone the moments after the show:

“It was weird.

“I thought that I’d be a bit more emotional and sad, but I was happy. It was a great show. It was a great way to end it. Afterwards, we got changed and had dinner and everyone was there. It was just a great vibe. Everybody was hanging out. We were lucky that it was the end of the tour, so the COVID thing didn’t have to be such a precaution for us. We were finally able to have people backstage and to actually hang out. The entire tour, we weren’t able to do anything like that. At the last show, it was great to see everyone together and hear people sharing memories.”

He revealed that it was his first time to meet Gabriel saying:

“To be able to finally speak to someone I knew had such a big impact on my dad’s life and obviously mine … since the set we were doing, so much of it was from the Peter Gabriel era … to finally be able to talk to him was really great.”

Genesis was formed in 1967 with Gabriel as the frontman. Phil Collins then became the band’s drummer and backing vocalist in 1970 before becoming lead vocalist in 1975. The band continued with Ray Wilson before breaking up four years later and they reunited for a tour in 2007. Later on, Nic, joined the trio and filled in for his father behind the kit.

Collins said that Gabriel told him:

“It was a great show. He said he was happy to be there since it was important to him as well. He left in 1975, and he never looked back. He never fell back on the Genesis material. He had a very, very successful solo career. But it was just great for him to be there. He said, ‘This is the end of something I was a part of.’ We spoke briefly. And then him and my dad spoke pretty extensively and caught up about all their good times. It was pretty great to see.”

When asked if there are going to be Genesis shows featuring Gabriel in place of Phil Collins, Nic responded:

“I don’t think so … I haven’t heard anything about it. I know it was mentioned by fans, especially at the early stages of the reunion. But I think ultimately the band has grown and people have gone and done their separate things. I don’t think, at the moment, that it’s a possibility.”

Phil Collins and Gabriel were seen backstage with the band’s longtime friend and tour manager, Richard McPhail smiling for a photograph. See their photo below.