Meet Phil Collins: The Drumming Legend And His Talented Offspring

Alaina April 19, 2025

Hey there, let’s talk about one of the most iconic musicians of our time—Phil Collins. This guy’s been the heartbeat behind some of the biggest hits since the 1970s. As the drummer for Genesis, he not only kept the rhythm but also built a legendary solo career that’s packed with awards and unforgettable songs. But it’s not just Phil who’s making waves in the entertainment world. His five kids—Joely, Simon, Lily, Nicholas, and Matthew—are stepping into the spotlight, showing off their own incredible talents.

From Child Actor to Rock Star: Phil’s Journey to Stardom

You might not know this, but Phil’s journey into music started way before he was drumming for Genesis. At just five years old, this kid was already tapping out beats on the drums, dreaming of making it big. And believe it or not, Phil’s first big break came as a child actor. He appeared in the 1964 Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night, rubbing shoulders with his idols. That’s right, the same guy who inspired him to pick up the sticks! By 1971, Phil was rocking the world with Genesis, recording their album Nursery Cryme. That’s when the world realized they had a percussion master on their hands.

Breaking Out on His Own: Phil’s Solo Career

In 1981, Phil stepped out of the band’s shadow and released his first solo album, which included the iconic track “In the Air Tonight.” It was a game-changer for him. Around this time, Phil was married to Andrea Bertorelli, and they were navigating the highs and lows of fame together. Andrea had a daughter named Joely from a previous relationship, and Phil officially adopted her. A few years later, in 1976, they welcomed their son Simon. But as with many rock star stories, their marriage didn’t last, and they divorced in 1980.

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A New Chapter: Phil’s Second Marriage and Growing Family

In 1984, Phil found love again with Jill Tavelman. This relationship added another chapter to his life, and in 1989, they welcomed their daughter Lily. Jill and Phil’s marriage lasted until 1996, but during that time, Phil continued to shine in the music world. His career was hitting new heights, but his personal life was evolving, too. After his divorce from Jill, Phil met Orianne Cevey, a translator he met while on tour in Switzerland. They tied the knot in 1999 and had two sons, Nicholas and Matthew.

Retirement and Rediscovery: Phil’s Decision to Focus on Family

In 2011, Phil made a bold decision. He announced on his website that he was stepping away from the music scene to focus on being a dad. “I am stopping so I can be a full-time father to my two young sons on a daily basis,” he said. For a guy who’s spent decades in the spotlight, this was a significant move. But life had other plans, and in 2015, Phil told Rolling Stone he was coming out of retirement. From 2017 to 2019, he went on a worldwide tour and even rejoined Genesis. However, health challenges like nerve damage, a dislocated vertebra, and type 2 diabetes have made things tough. That’s where his son Nicholas steps in, taking over drumming duties for Genesis. Phil couldn’t be prouder.

“It’s not because he’s the boss’ son that he’s playing the drums, it’s because he’s good enough,” Phil shared during a January 2019 appearance on The Project. “The band fell in love with him. Suddenly, it was like he knew what he was doing and wasn’t in awe of the situation. I’m very pleased for him, and for me, that we get to go through this together.”