Phil Collins inducted into Rock Hall as solo artist, tears up at LA ceremony
Synopsis
Phil Collins — already a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as part of Genesis in 2010 — received a rare second induction at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, this time as a solo artist. Despite health challenges that kept him off the stage, his emotional speech and Travis Barker's tribute underscored how profoundly 'In the Air Tonight' reshaped the sound of modern drumming.
Key Takeaways
Phil Collins , 75 , was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on 15 November 2026 at the Peacock Theater, Los Angeles .
Collins did not perform due to ongoing health issues but told the audience: 'You haven't heard the last of me.' He credited a personal assistant with saving his life and thanked manager Tony Smith , Atlantic Records' Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun , and Richard Branson .
Travis Barker of Blink-182 delivered the induction speech, calling Collins 'one of the best' at both his band and solo career.
Cynthia Erivo performed 'In the Air Tonight' live, with Barker on drums, as the ceremony's centrepiece.
Collins was previously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis .
Phil Collins, legendary frontman and drummer of English rock band Genesis, was moved to tears on 15 November 2026 as he received his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The 75-year-old did not perform at the ceremony due to ongoing health issues, but made clear he is far from finished.
Collins in His Own Words
'You haven't heard the last of me. I promise you that,' Collins told the audience during his acceptance speech. Describing himself as unprepared for the moment, he added that things were 'really not as bad as it looks.' He also offered a candid reflection on his career origins: 'I grew up wanting to play drums. Everything else has been a happy accident.'
Collins credited a personal assistant with saving his life, saying she identified harmful habits and guided him toward recovery. 'I'm not joking when I say without her I wouldn't be here. I'd be in a box 6 feet under,' he said, adding that he is a 'well man now.'
Gratitude and Recognition
In his speech, Collins thanked his long-time manager Tony Smith, Atlantic Records' Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, and Virgin Records founder Richard Branson — crediting all three with having 'taken me under their wing and seen something that was worth nurturing.' In a candid aside, he also thanked 'my three ex-wives, because they've loved me through the years and given me five great children.' He closed his speech with praise for musical heroes Eric Clapton and Robert Plant, saying simply: 'These guys were heroes to me.'
Travis Barker's Tribute and the Night's Centrepiece
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker delivered the induction speech, paying tribute to Collins' enduring musical legacy. Barker recalled hearing the iconic drum fill from 'In the Air Tonight' for the first time: 'That sound changed everything. It helped define the sound of drums in the eighties, and you can still hear Phil's influence today.' Barker noted what he called the remarkable dual achievement — 'He wasn't just successful at both [Genesis and his solo career], he was one of the best at both.'
Barker then performed on drums as Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, delivered a live rendition of 'In the Air Tonight' — the evening's most celebrated musical moment.
A Second Hall of Fame Chapter
This induction marks Collins' second entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having previously been inducted in 2010 as a member of Genesis. The dual induction places him among a select group of artists recognised both as bandmates and in their own right. Despite his health challenges, Collins' remarks at the Peacock Theater signalled an artist unwilling to draw a final curtain — with audiences and fans left wondering what, if anything, may still be to come.
Point of View
The dual recognition is hard to dispute. His solo run in the 1980s was commercially and artistically distinct from Genesis, not merely derivative of it. The more interesting story, however, is what his health comments hint at: a musician who has spoken publicly about deteriorating physical conditions now insisting the story is not over. Whether that resolve translates into new work, or remains a farewell gesture warmly remembered, is the real open question mainstream coverage has glossed over.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Phil Collins inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026?
Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 as a solo artist, recognising his individual career separate from his membership in Genesis. He had previously entered the Hall in 2010 as part of Genesis, making this his second induction.
Did Phil Collins perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony?
No, Collins did not perform at the ceremony due to ongoing health issues. However, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker played drums while actress and singer Cynthia Erivo performed Collins' iconic 'In the Air Tonight' in his honour.
What did Phil Collins say at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony?
Collins told the audience 'You haven't heard the last of me. I promise you that,' signalling he has not retired. He also credited a personal assistant with saving his life and thanked manager Tony Smith, Atlantic Records' Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, Virgin Records founder Richard Branson, and his three ex-wives.
Who gave the induction speech for Phil Collins?
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker delivered the induction speech for Phil Collins. Barker highlighted Collins' lasting influence, saying the drum sound on 'In the Air Tonight' 'changed everything' and that Collins 'was one of the best' at both his Genesis and solo career simultaneously.
What is Phil Collins' connection to Genesis and the Rock Hall of Fame?
Phil Collins is the lead vocalist and drummer of the English rock band Genesis. He was first inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a Genesis member, and his 2026 induction recognises his solo career as a separate and distinct body of work.
