Phil Collins says he’s “not hungry enough” to make new music

Josh Kenny
Feb 21
2 min read

(But we're still feasting on his legacy)

Phil Collins performs live. CREDIT: David Wolff-Patrick/Redferns/Getty

The man who soundtracked multiple generations has decided to put down the sticks. Phil Collins, the drummer who became a voice that defined the 80s, who sold 150 million records like it was nothing, and made us all wait for that drum break in "In The Air Tonight," has declared himself "not hungry enough" to make new music. Coming from someone who's fed the world everything from Genesis epics to Tarzan's heartbreak, that's the end of an era.

THE SILENCE OF THE DRUMS

It's been a while since Collins gave us anything new - his last original work was the Brother Bear soundtrack in 2003. Since then, health issues have kept one of rock's greatest drummers from his kit, with his son Nic (carrying that Collins timing in his DNA) taking over during Genesis' farewell tour in 2022. The torch passes, even if the flame burns differently.

Last summer, producer Simon Napier-Bell got everyone excited with a studio photo and promises of new music. But Collins himself puts it plainly: "I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I'm not hungry for it anymore. The thing is, I've been sick, I mean very sick."

THE LEGACY THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

This is the man who went from prog rock genius to pop superstar without missing a beat. The drummer who could out-play anyone while singing lead. The artist who gave us "Against All Odds," "Take Me Home," and "Another Day in Paradise" - songs that became more than hits, they became moments in time.

From the intricate rhythms of early Genesis to the perfect pop of "Sussudio," from the raw emotion of "Face Value" to the joy of Disney's "You'll Be in My Heart," Collins didn't just create music - he created landmarks in people's lives. He's one of only three artists (alongside Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson) to sell over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as part of a band. That's not success, that's legend status.

THE FINAL BEAT

(For now, at least)

While Collins might be done feeding us new material, his influence keeps showing up everywhere - from the drum fills that every drummer still tries to nail, to the way his production style shaped the sound of the 80s and beyond. His daughter Lily's touching tribute after Genesis' final show at The O2 reminded us that sometimes the best encore is knowing when to leave the stage.

Phil Collins isn't just taking a look at himself now - he's taking care of himself. And after giving us everything from progressive rock masterpieces to pop perfection to Oscar-winning Disney songs, he's earned that right. Some artists leave a mark. Collins left a blueprint.