Born in London, England back in 1951, Phil Collins first achieve fame as the drummer of the legendary Progressive Rock band Genesis. In the mid-70s after Peter Gabriel‘s departure, he also became the group’s lead singer.
After the success of the records of the band with him on vocals, he decided to also start a solo career that became as successful as Genesis. It made him one of the few artists in history that were able to sell more than 100 million records worldwide, both as a member of a band and as a solo artist.
He was responsible for countless hits during his career that became real anthems for millions of fans all over the world. Over the decades he talked about many other groups and their music, even revealing which was one song that he thinks it is one of the best of all time.
The song that Phil Collins said is one of the best of all time
Phil Collins was just a kid when the British 60s music took over the world with the so called “British Invasion” and became a huge fan of almost all the bands that appeared in that era. Naturally, the young Collins was paying more attention to the drummers and The Who was one of his favorite groups because especially, the talent and stage presence that Keith Moon had.
In an interview with BBC 6 Radio back in 2016 (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage), Collins even said that one of the tracks released by The Who is one of the greatest of all time. He talked about the song when he listed Keith Moon as one of his favorite drummers in history.
“I think that one of the Classic Rock tracks of all time is ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’. And I remember seeing them on TV, they were televised from Charlton Football ground. I saw him with this gaffer tape around his head, with his headphones, you know. It hurts to take it off if you’re foolish enought to put it around. The way he played, there was no orthodoxy at all,” Phil Collins said.
The song was written by the band’s main songwriter, guitarist and sometimes singer Pete Townshend. It was featured on the band’s classic album “Who’s Next” released in 1971. One of the most famous parts of the song is the drum solo in the middle of the track.
Phil Collins wanted to replace Keith Moon after his death
Keith Moon tragically died back in 1978 at the age of 32. The band decided to continue with Kenney Jones, who had previously been a member of The Small Faces and The Faces.
But right after Moon passed away and that Collins knew the band would continue, he told Pete Townshend that he would love to join them. In the same interview with BBC Radio 6 in 2016 (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage) he recalled his conversation with Pete.
“I’d asked (Pete Townshend) if I could join after Keith died. I was doing a session with Pete Townshend. I said ‘You know, if you’re looking after the dust settles, I would love to do it. But they already asked Kenny Jones. I would have left Genesis for that,” Phil Collins said.
Collins said the same thing to The Guardian in an interview in 2016 and praised the band’s current drummer Zak Starkey. “Absolutely would have joined The Who. I would have left Genesis to join The Who. But they’ve got a great drummer now in Zak Starkey. He’s fantastic. Someone with the balls that Keith Moon had.”
He had the chance to briefly meet with Keith Moon once
Although Phil Collins was already famous in the 70s and a praised drummer he never had the chance to meet Moon formally. In the conversation with BBC Radio 6 in 2016 (Transcribed by Rock and Roll Garage) he recalled they saw each other twice.
“Well, one time we were in the ‘Top of The Pops’ bathroom together. But that doesn’t count. Another time, I used to go to this musician’s club a lot in Wardour Street. (Especially) to find out if there was any work going.”
“I was probably underage. But I used to go there and Keith used to be sometimes behind the bar. I will never forget I bought a round of drinks which should have cost almost a pound. I know (the price) sounds ridiculous now.”
“But it was like six or seven drinks. Should definitely have cost the best part of a quid. He was giving me the drinks. He gave me eighteen sheelings change. I always tought he was lovely after that (laughs),” Phil Collins said.
Keith Moon was a member of The Who from 1964 until his passing in 1978. He played on all the band’s classic albums. Some of them are “My Generation” (1965), “Tommy” (1969), “Who’s Next” (1971), “Quadrophenia” (1973) and “Who Are You” (1978).