The Genesis drummer received a standing ovation during a rare public appearance in Los Angeles, where Cynthia Erivo and Travis Barker led a musical tribute celebrating his career alongside honours for Oasis, Iron Maiden and some of music’s biggest names.
Phil Collins was moved to tears as he received a standing ovation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, making a rare public appearance after years of health problems that have prevented him from performing.
The 75-year-old former Genesis drummer and solo star was honoured at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday (14.11.26) night, where Cynthia Erivo, 39, performed his 1981 hit In the Air Tonight alongside Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, 50.
The ceremony also celebrated Oasis, Queen Latifah, Iron Maiden, Sade, Joy Division and New Order, with performances and tributes from some of the biggest names in music.
Accepting his induction, Phil said: “I grew up just wanting to play the drums. Everything else has been a really happy accident. I can’t believe, when I look back, how life has gone.”
The musician, whose daughter Lily Collins, 37, was among those watching, walked slowly on to the stage using two canes before becoming emotional as the audience applauded.
Phil has experienced significant mobility difficulties in recent years, including nerve damage that has affected his ability to play the drums.
He last performed publicly during Genesis’s farewell tour in 2022, when he sang seated while his son Nic took over drumming duties.
His induction recognised a solo career that produced hits including Against All Odds, Another Day in Paradise, One More Night and You Can’t Hurry Love.
He was previously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis, the rock group he joined as drummer before becoming its lead singer following Peter Gabriel’s departure.
Travis, who inducted Phil, praised his achievements as both a drummer and a chart-topping singer.
Referring to the famous drum break in In the Air Tonight, Travis said the song featured “arguably the most bada** drum fill of all time”.
The Blink-182 musician subsequently recreated the drum part during Cynthia’s performance, which began with a restrained arrangement before building to a dramatic climax.
Despite his continuing health difficulties, Phil offered a message to the audience about his future.
He said: “You haven’t heard the last of me.”
The ceremony also featured a surprise appearance by U2, who opened the evening with their new single Silencio, accompanied by dancers dressed in riot police uniforms and carrying shields.
The Irish band then performed their 1984 anthem Pride (In the Name of Love), with frontman Bono alternating between a raised fist and a peace sign.
Oasis were among the most prominent absentees, with neither Noel Gallagher, 59, nor his younger brother Liam Gallagher, 54, attending the ceremony.
The Manchester band, whose reunion tour brought them back together after years of public disagreements, were inducted by Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad actor Bob Odenkirk, 64.
Bob said: “Anybody surprised they didn’t show up? It would’ve been out of character if they had. I would’ve been worried about them.”
Stephen Wilson Jr. performed an acoustic version of Wonderwall in their absence.
Iron Maiden also missed the ceremony because of touring commitments in Australia.
The British heavy metal band, known for songs including The Trooper, Run to the Hills and The Number of the Beast, received a tribute from actor Jack Black, 57.
Jack said: “They aren’t even here tonight, because they’re rocking a world tour, as they have done for the last 50 years!”
A group of musicians from Metallica, Rage Against the Machine and St. Vincent performed The Trooper in their honour.
Elsewhere, Oprah Winfrey, 72, paid tribute to the late soul singer Luther Vandross, who died in 2005, describing him as “the maestro of the love song”.
Usher, 48, subsequently performed a medley of Luther’s songs, including Here and Now and So Amazing.
Hip-hop also featured prominently throughout the evening, with Queen Latifah, 56, and MC Lyte, 56, receiving Early Influence Awards.
Megan Thee Stallion, 31, inducted Queen Latifah, praising the influence of the rapper and actress, who later found television success in Living Single and The Equalizer.
Wu-Tang Clan were also honoured, with comedian Chris Rock, 61, introducing the New York hip-hop collective.
The group’s leader RZA, 57, reflected on their beginnings in Staten Island.
Joy Division and New Order received a joint induction, with Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, 61, paying tribute to their influence on alternative music.
Peter Hook, 70, was the only member of either band to attend, performing Love Will Tear Us Apart and Bizarre Love Triangle alongside musicians from Deftones and Chvrches.
Billy Idol, 70, was among the artists who attended and performed, joining Gwen Stefani, 57, for a rendition of Eyes Without a Face.
The evening concluded with Run-DMC and Aerosmith performing their 1986 collaboration Walk This Way, which Rick produced.
Sade, who did not attend, was honoured with a performance of Smooth Operator by Sienna Spiro following an induction by Andra Day.
An edited version of the ceremony is scheduled to air on ABC and Disney+ on 9 December.
Phil Collins broke down in tears at star-studded ceremony as he vows ‘You haven’t heard the last of me’
