Phil Collins has pledged to record new music and return to the stage, four years after his last live performance, following his solo induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The 75-year-old Genesis drummer and frontman was among several British acts honoured at the ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday night. Collins has not performed since 2022, having dealt with health complications including five operations on his knee, and has previously said he can only walk with assistance. He has also suffered back and arm injuries over the years from drumming.
A tearful return to the stage
During the ceremony, Collins walked slowly onto the stage using two canes and was moved to tears by a huge ovation from the crowd, which included his daughter, actor Lily Collins. Earlier, he posed on the red carpet with three of his five children: Lily, Joely Collins and Nicholas “Nic” Collins. Nic played drums with him on his last tour in 2022.
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker inducted Collins, praising his success as both a drummer and a hit-making pop singer in the 1980s. Barker said Collins' song In The Air Tonight had given the world “arguably the most badass drum fill of all time”, which he then performed alongside Cynthia Erivo.
Speaking on stage, Collins said: “I grew up just wanting to play the drums. Everything else has been a really happy accident. I can't believe, when I look back, how life has gone.”
Plans for the studio and stage
Collins had already been inducted into the hall as a member of Genesis, and now receives the solo honour. He credited his assistant with saving his life after she told him his behaviour was bad for him and that changes were needed for his health.
He added: “I'm not joking when I say without her I wouldn't be here. I'd be in a box six feet under.” Although he has not performed live in four years, he told the crowd: “You haven't heard the last of me. I promise you that.”
In a press conference afterwards, he said: “Just the other night I was talking to the kids about it and everyone is very excited, including myself, that It is not beyond the realms of possibility doing some shows. I have some great friends of mine who are great musicians and have been in my band.”
“I would like to get down to my studio and have some fun and write some music for people to hear and enjoy. It is a work in progress.” He added: “I can't believe that I'm not going to do something. I've got to get back in there, because that was fun – it wasn't work. For a few years I walked the long way around so I didn't walk past it.”
Other British inductees
Billy Idol, 70, was also honoured, inducted along with his long-time guitarist Steve Stevens, and performed at the ceremony. New Order and their earlier incarnation, Joy Division, were also inducted, with founding bassist Peter Hook the only member to attend. In his speech he thanked fans for “all their wonderful and priceless efforts in making this happen and putting me here tonight”.
“For me, it's been a wild 50 years. I've been happy, I've been mad, I've been heartbroken in equal measures, but I'm still here,” he later added.
Oasis were inducted but did not attend. Noel Gallagher was performing at the London Jazz Festival on Saturday, while his brother Liam Gallagher posted on X last week: “It's too far to be going for the night. I got s*** to do it's Christmas.”
Another British inductee was the band Sade, including lead singer Sade Adu, who were not present but shared a statement on their website this week: “Sorry we can't be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us.”
“Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is both a gift and a timely reminder to give thanks, not only to those who voted for us but also every single person who lets our music into their lives.”
British heavy metal band Iron Maiden were also inducted. Currently touring in Australia and unable to attend, they were honoured with a performance featuring Jack Black and St Vincent alongside Rage Against the Machine's Brad Wilk, Metallica members Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo, and Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5.
Other inductees included Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, the late Luther Vandross, and producer Rick Rubin.
