Phil Collins: Episode 1: In the Beginning…

About this episode

The episode explores Phil Collins' early life and his journey into music.

Who’s that cherubic lad, beaming out from the cover of a 9 penny knitting pattern? Meet young Philip Collins – a boy born with two distinct paths laid out before him. Follow his dad into the world of office work and suburban domesticity? Or listen to that voice that tells him to climb onto stage, any stage, and perform? In episode one of Eras: Phil Collins – Zoe follows Phil as he receives his first toy drum, age three, and discovers a lifelong obsession. One that will ultimately lead him to his destiny, as he stumbles into an audition with a little-known prog rock group called Genesis. A Cup and Nuzzle Production for BBC Sounds Series Producer: Frank Palmer

People in this episode

Host: Zoe

Topics covered

• Phil Collins
• Genesis
• music history
• drumming
• early life

Keywords

• Phil Collins
• Genesis
• drum
• music
• childhood

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Genesis

More episodes of Eras

• Phil Collins: Episode 5: The Man Himself · January 26, 2026 · 29 min
• Phil Collins: Episode 4: Against All Odds · January 19, 2026 · 29 min
• Phil Collins: Episode 3: The Imperial Years · January 19, 2026 · 29 min
• Phil Collins: Episode 2: Can You Feel It? · January 19, 2026 · 29 min
• Queen: 5. Interview with Queen icons Brian May & Roger Taylor · October 27, 2025 · 30 min
• Queen: 4. The Reign Continues · October 13, 2025 · 27 min