Why Phil Collins Didn’t Expect a Second Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Phil Collins said he was surprised to learn he was being considered for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. He already entered the Hall with Genesis in 2010. On November 14, the ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles will recognise the records he made under his own name.

In a New York Times interview with Jon Pareles, as reported by Classic Rock, Collins said he had grown accustomed to being overlooked and hadn’t been checking the nominations. The recognition pleased him. His account of how the solo career began is as understated as his reaction to the honour.

Collins was teaching himself his way around the equipment and improvising at home. He has described making unusual choices as a consequence of learning drums and keyboards on his own. At first, he thought some of the material might go to Genesis if Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford wanted it.

The songs became part of Face Value, released in 1981. “In the Air Tonight,” his first solo single, spends much of its running time building tension with a spare arrangement. When the drums arrive, the change in scale is immediate. The pause before that release is as much a part of the performance as the fill.

The 2004 live recording below makes the timing visible. Collins starts away from the kit. As the song builds, he moves toward the drums, and the audience can see him get into position for the moment they have been waiting for.

The Rock Hall’s announcement places Collins among its 2026 solo inductees. His original music video offers another way to hear the first record that put his name on a single of his own.