Phil Collins has reflected on Noel Gallagher’s long-running criticism of him ahead of both artists being honoured at the 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The former Genesis frontman said it will be “interesting” to cross paths with Oasis after decades of public remarks from Gallagher, who once famously called him the “antichrist of music”.
Collins, 75, is among this year’s inductees alongside Oasis, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order and Wu-Tang Clan, with all honourees expected to attend a pre-ceremony lunch before the official induction.
Phil Collins expects an awkward Oasis reunion
Speaking to MOJO magazine, Collins admitted he is curious about meeting Oasis following Noel Gallagher’s repeated comments over the years.
“The [Hall Of Fame] inductees have all been invited to a lunch before the ceremony.
“Which will be interesting, as I’m sure to bump into Oasis.”
Lily Collins once confronted Liam Gallagher backstage
Collins also recalled an incident at the Live Earth concert in 2007, when his daughter, actor Lily Collins, asked Liam Gallagher why Noel had repeatedly criticised her father.
“She went up to him and said, ‘Why do you hate my dad?’ And apparently Liam said, ‘I don’t hate anybody, love.’ ”
Phil Collins has his own theory about the ‘antichrist’ comment
Despite Noel Gallagher’s long history of mocking him, Collins said he doubts the Oasis songwriter genuinely believes he is the “antichrist”. Instead, he suspects the remark may have been inspired by Genesis’ 1983 hit Mama, which featured one of his more theatrical live performances.
“Now I’ve thought this through, and although Noel didn’t specify what song it was, I reckon it was Mama, where I go (recites the lyric) ‘Ha-ha-ha… Oww,’ with the light under my face.
“I think Mama is why Noel called me the antichrist. But I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt here, and assuming he doesn’t really think I’m the antichrist.”
Gallagher previously revealed he attended a Genesis concert in the 1980s while, in his own words, “completely out of it”, an experience that Collins believes may have influenced his opinion.
Noel Gallagher’s criticism of Phil Collins spans decades
Noel Gallagher first labelled Collins the “antichrist of music” in 1994 during Oasis’ rise to fame, when he regularly criticised artists he viewed as representing the previous generation of mainstream pop and rock.
“We’re gonna get rid of Phil Collins and Sting. We’ve got to get in the charts and stamp them out. I want the severed head of Phil Collins in my fridge by the end of this decade. And if I haven’t, I’ll be a failure.”
Ahead of the UK’s 1997 general election, Gallagher even used Collins as part of a political joke while encouraging people to vote Labour.
“If the Conservatives get in, Phil Collins is threatening to come back and live here. And let’s face it, none of us want that.”
Phil Collins previously responded to Oasis
Collins did not publicly respond to Gallagher’s comments for many years, but in 2005 he finally addressed Oasis during an interview of his own.
“Rude, horrible… and not as talented as they think.”
