Before embarking on his Not Dead Yet Tour, legendary musician Phil Collins faced a serious challenge — a nerve injury in his hand that made drumming, the very heartbeat of his music, nearly impossible. But where one chapter began to close, another beautifully opened. By his side stood his son, Nic Collins, a gifted drummer in his own right, ready to step in and carry the rhythm forward. What followed was not only a musical adjustment, but the beginning of one of the most touching father-son collaborations in modern music history.
From Drums to Piano: A Powerful Family Moment on Tour
From 2016 to 2019, Nic Collins officially joined his father on tour, taking over drumming duties and astonishing fans with his skill, precision, and heart. But it was during a surprise performance in Houston that this musical partnership took a new emotional turn.
Instead of sitting behind his familiar drum kit, Nic took a seat at the piano, while Phil picked up the microphone for a very personal duet. Before they began, Phil explained that he had recently introduced Nic to his early solo work. With a smile and a wink, he shared that Nic had only connected with “just one” song — to which Nic, with perfect comic timing, corrected: “Two songs… mainly just one.”
That “one” was “You Know What I Mean”, a hauntingly beautiful track from Face Value, Phil Collins’ debut solo album. As Nic gently played the piano, Phil delivered the vocals with a softness that only decades of experience — and a father’s love — could convey. The crowd was visibly moved, many reduced to tears by the raw sincerity of the moment.
A Viral Sensation: Millions Moved by a Musical Bond
The performance was recorded by fans and quickly made its way online, where it struck a chord with music lovers everywhere. The video has since garnered over 2.7 million views on YouTube, with thousands of supportive comments flooding in. Fans were not only grateful to see Phil still performing despite his health struggles, but also inspired by Nic’s quiet strength and rising stardom.
Comments like “Wonderful to see father and son together that way” and “Nic Collins inherited Phil’s musical soul” reflect just how deeply this performance resonated with audiences. It wasn’t just a song — it was a moment of legacy being passed down in real time.
Nic Collins: A Talent of His Own
Although he first gained attention as “Phil Collins’ son,” Nic Collins has quickly carved out his own musical identity. At the same Houston concert, he wowed the crowd once more during a thunderous drum duet with percussionist Richie Garcia, eventually joining both his father and Garcia in a powerful trio that had the audience roaring.
Since then, Nic hasn’t slowed down. From 2020 to 2022, he joined Phil again — this time on the highly anticipated Genesis reunion tour. Afterward, he also performed with Mike + The Mechanics, led by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford. And in 2022, Nic stepped further into the spotlight by launching his own rock band, Better Strangers, showcasing his versatility and hunger to create something uniquely his.
The Collins Legacy Continues
With every beat of the drum, every heartfelt lyric, and every shared smile on stage, Phil and Nic Collins have created more than just performances — they’ve created moments that celebrate love, legacy, and resilience. In an era where digital views often feel disposable, this father-son duo reminds us of music’s power to connect across generations.