Phil Collins picks the greatest “classic rock tracks of all time” that are driven by the drums
If you ever want any proof that Phil Collins is one of the greatest drummers ever to grace God’s green earth, look no further than the track ‘In The Air Tonight’. That’s a classic tune most notable for its drum part, which doesn’t come in until over a minute into the track. To have a song that is recognisable for its drums but that doesn’t have drums present for nearly half of it is nothing short of a miracle.
This track represents Collins’ ability as a drummer because it shows a particular knowledge of the instrument. Not just knowing how to play but knowing the best way to get the most out of it. This means understanding when it’s best to hold back and go all in. By holding back for so long on ‘In The Air Tonight’, when that solo hits, it’s otherworldly, and it’s still in listeners’ minds to this day.
Collins knows when he should be using drums because he has been surrounded by them his whole life. Ever since he was younger and was introduced to the work of Buddy Rich, he knew he would be working in rhythm. In fact, hearing Rich’s ‘West Side Story Medley’ was a particular turning point. “It still is an incredible piece of work,” said Collins, “He’s on top form throughout the whole thing, and for me, it was just, ‘I wanna do that one day’.”
Like many people at the time, though, Collins had his taste shaped by the Beatles. When talking about songs with drum sections that stand out, he wastes no time giving Ringo Starr his flowers. The member of the Fab Four, who often flies under the radar for many, still has a significant place in Collins’ heart.
He references tracks like ‘Please Please Me’, ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’, ‘Day In The Life’, and ‘All My Loving’ as particular highlights. “It’s difficult, quite, to explain to anybody who wasn’t actually young then; it just framed my life. Those songs and the sound of the records still baffle me and impress me,” he said, “I’ve been a staunch supporter of Ringo…what Ringo did was he brought drums out from the back and made people listen to them.”
Other drummers Collins pays homage to include John Bonham and Charlie Watts, who have made a significant stamp on the world of rock music and are often cited as some of the most influential percussionists throughout the movement. However, the instrumentalist who had the biggest impact on Collins was Keith Moon, known for taking the drumming rule book and ripping it to shreds.
“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,” recalls Collins, “I saw him with gaffer tape around his head, with his headphones, you know. It hurts to take it off if you’re foolish enough to put it around. The way he played, there was no orthodoxy at all.”
Phil Collins’ favourite songs driven by drums:
- ‘West Side Story Medley’ – Buddy Rich
- ‘Please Please Me’ – The Beatles
- ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’ – The Beatles
- ‘Day In The Life’ – The Beatles
- ‘All My Loving’ – The Beatles
- ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’ – The Who