Phil Collins became emotional as he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on Saturday 14 November 2026, telling fans he was determined to return to performing despite his ongoing health problems.
The 75-year-old singer and drummer received the honour during a ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Although he did not perform because of his health issues, Collins made a promise to fans that his time away from the stage would not be permanent.
You haven’t heard the last of me. I promise you that.
The In The Air Tonight singer, who was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis, reflected on his extraordinary career, his health struggles and the people who had supported him throughout his life.
Phil Collins reflects on his musical journey
During his acceptance speech, Collins admitted that he had not felt particularly prepared for the occasion, but reassured the audience that his health was improving.
He also reflected on how his ambitions had originally centred on becoming a drummer, with his success as a singer, songwriter and solo artist developing almost by accident.
I grew up wanting to play drums. Everything else has been a happy accident.
Despite the physical challenges he has faced in recent years, Collins suggested that his condition was better than it might appear from the outside.
He said:
Really not as bad as it looks.
Phil Collins credits assistant with saving his life
One of the most personal moments of Collins’ speech came when he acknowledged the role his assistant had played in helping him through his health difficulties.
The musician credited her with recognising that aspects of his lifestyle were damaging his health and encouraging him to make important changes.
Collins said he was now a “well man”, before explaining just how much her support had meant to him.
I’m not joking when I say without her I wouldn’t be here. I’d be in a box six feet under.
His comments offered a glimpse into the difficulties he has experienced away from the spotlight, following years of health problems that have affected his ability to play the drums.
Collins thanks his family and music industry supporters
Collins also used the occasion to recognise the people who helped him build his career, including his manager Tony Smith, Atlantic Records executives Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, and Virgin Records founder Richard Branson.
He recalled how those figures had recognised his potential and supported his development as an artist.
Took me under their wing and they saw something that was worth nurturing.
He also reserved special thanks for his former wives, acknowledging their support and the five children he has welcomed throughout his life.
My three ex-wives, because they’ve loved me through the years and given me five great children.
Collins ended his speech by paying tribute to Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, two musicians with whom he has performed and whom he regards as personal heroes.
These guys were heroes to me.
Travis Barker pays tribute to Phil Collins’ influence
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker introduced Collins at the ceremony, highlighting his influence on generations of drummers and the lasting impact of his distinctive sound.
Barker singled out the iconic drum break in In The Air Tonight, explaining how hearing it for the first time had changed his understanding of what drums could achieve in popular music.
I remember hearing the drums [for In the Air Tonight] for the first time and being blown away, that sound changed everything. It helped define the sound of drums in the eighties, and you can still hear Phil’s influence today. And what makes this even more incredible is that he was doing all of this while being part of Genesis and somehow having a massive solo career at the same time.
He wasn’t just successful at both, he was one of the best at both.
Barker’s tribute recognised Collins’ unusual achievement of maintaining two hugely successful musical careers simultaneously, first as a member of Genesis and later as one of the biggest solo artists of the 1980s.
Cynthia Erivo performs In The Air Tonight
The ceremony also featured a musical tribute to Collins, with Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo performing In The Air Tonight.
Barker joined her on drums for the performance, bringing one of Collins’ most recognisable recordings into the Hall of Fame celebrations.
Originally released in 1981 as the lead single from Collins’ debut solo album Face Value, In The Air Tonight remains one of the defining songs of his career, particularly renowned for its atmospheric production and instantly recognisable drum entrance.
The solo induction adds another major honour to Collins’ legacy, having already been recognised as a member of Genesis in 2010.
