Happy Birthday Phil Collins

Philip David Michael Thomas Charles Collins Jr was born and raised in west London. Collins played drums from the age of five and completed drama school training, which secured him various roles as a child actor.

Collins starred in a TV show at age 7, ‘Leave it to Ipswich’, which was the British version of ‘Leave it to Beaver’. Phil played Ipswich and he was always getting into trouble with his older brother Nigel. Collins auditioned for the part of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet (1968) but was given the part of Juliet instead. It was at this time that Collins switched to music. 

Collins joined Genesis as drummer and moved to singer when Peter Gabriel left the band. Phil had an incredibly successful solo career in the 80’s selling 7 Billion albums and a string of sappy hit songs. Phil is a great drummer, singer, songwriter and has made a big impact on the music scene. 

Phil Collins Illustration By Paul King Art

In recent years, Phil has been under the weather ever since Jimmy Page pranked him and he was anally impaled by his drum stool. Page removed the screws on the drum stool, and strategically cut a hole, so that at the right time, the supporting rod would come thrusting up through the seat. The stool collapsed, and the support rod came bursting through the stool right up Collins’ bum! “Me and the crew were laughing hysterically. I never laughed so hard in my life” said Page “Collins was screaming and writhing in pain. It was great.” 

For his “Still Not Dead Yet” Tour, Phil had to do perform from an iron lung. Collins has had a series of misfortunes and poor health. He suffers from Lumbago, Impetigo, Fallen Arches, Scabies, Coxsackie, Rickets and Mad Cow Disease. Collins describes himself as having one foot in the grave and one foot on a banana peel.

No matter your feelings on Phil Collins, you know that you have air drummed to “In The Air Tonight” at least once in your life. Even Mike Tyson loves that song. 

About the Artist: Paul W. King is a musician, singer/songwriter, engineer and acclaimed artist. His illustrations are true works of art. Check out all of his incredible Rock n Roll Caricatures. https://paulkingart.com/