Phil Collins Said Singing For Genesis Was A “Mistake”

Phil Collins humorously described stepping into the role of Genesis’ lead singer in 1976 as a “big mistake.” The musician shared his thoughts in the new documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, recently released by Drumeo.

Taking Over After Peter Gabriel’s Departure

Collins assumed the role of frontman following Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975. According to Collins, bandmate Tony Banks had a sense of Gabriel’s decision before it was officially announced. “From then on, we knew Pete could leave at any time,” Collins said, noting that the band still had a 150-show tour to complete.

Initially, Collins suggested Genesis continue as an instrumental band. “Everybody jeered and told me to shut up,” he admitted, adding, “I can see that they were right.”

Becoming the Frontman

Taking on the role of lead singer wasn’t Collins’ original plan. “It was not in my mind to become the singer; it was just that nobody else really wanted the job,” he explained. After an unsuccessful search for a new vocalist, Collins stepped up. He had been singing during audition rehearsals and found that his voice often fit the band’s music better than the candidates’.

“I grew up with these songs,” he said, referring to his background as Genesis’ backing vocalist. “My voice had been there in the background, whether in harmonies or the occasional lead vocal.”

Collins, a former actor, made his debut as Genesis’ frontman in London, Ontario, in March 1976. He credited his theatrical experience with helping him stay composed onstage.

“I didn’t let go of the mic stand—it became my drum kit!”

Missing the Drums

Although Collins embraced his new role, he missed playing the drums during live shows. “I thought I was better at drumming than singing,” he confessed. However, staying behind the kit for the entire show didn’t make sense visually. “Especially with the cymbals, it’s like putting a screen up,” he noted.

Asked if becoming a lead singer was a mistake, Collins quipped, “Yeah! It was awful!”

Reflecting on Peter Gabriel’s Era

Collins also reminisced about the years he performed alongside Gabriel. He described Gabriel’s theatrical persona as both a natural extension and a practical solution to the band’s long instrumental sections. “He either went offstage or stayed on and did something dramatic,” Collins explained.

Gabriel’s drumming, however, posed a challenge. “He’d be wild with his bass drum,” Collins said, recalling that the drum was eventually stuffed with carpet to minimize the distraction.

A Bittersweet Transition

Though Collins joked about his transition to frontman, his leadership marked a transformative period for Genesis. His voice and stage presence helped the band evolve into a new chapter, even as he longed for the familiarity of his drum kit.