In the Air Tonight: Phil Collins Gets Rock Hall Induction as a Solo Artist

Phil Collins, in the photo used for 1981’s Face Value album cover

Phil Collins was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on Saturday night (Nov. 15, 2026), two decades after first becoming eligible. The vocalist, drummer, songwriter and producer had previously been inducted as a member of Genesis in 2010. Now, 45 years after issuing his significant solo debut—1981’s Face Value—the star, who has been beset with numerous physical ailments, gave a tearful acceptance speech before actress-singer Cynthia Erivo and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker performed his remarkable first solo hit, “In the Air Tonight.”

Collins has had significant issues with his back as well as his hips, after decades of performing forcefully on the drums. (His son, Nic Collins, has been behind the kit during Genesis’ 2021-22 reunion tour as well as during his father’s’ last solo tour, several years earlier. During both outings, Phil Collins sang while seated at center stage.)

As he arrived on the Peacock Theater stage in Los Angeles with his now-customary cane, Collins quipped, “Thank you so much, I’m really not as bad as it looks. I’m much better.” He was accompanied to the event by his actress daughter, Lily Collins.

Phil Collins with daughter Lily Collins show at the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony! https://t.co/vQv0JBpUF2

— Rock Photography (@Photomusicrock) November 15, 2026

“I grew up just wanting to play the drums. That’s always what I wanted to do. Everything else has been a really happy accident.”

He also insisted, “You haven’t heard the last of me. I can promise you that.” Collins turned 75 this year and in interviews prior to his solo induction has said that his career has more chapters to come.”

Collins released a slew of hit singles for a decade, beginning in 1981 including seven that reached #1 on the U.S. Hot 100 including “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now),” “Sussudio,” “One More Night,” “A Groovy Kind of Love” and “Another Day in Paradise.” At 1985’s Live Aid, Collins accomplished a unique stunt: performing solo hits and accompanying Sting and Eric Clapton at Wembley Stadium in London. He then flew on the Concorde in time to play the drums with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones during their set at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

He is the member of a very exclusive club as one of just three artists to sell 100 million albums worldwide as a member of a group and as a solo artist. The other two: Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson.

Yet somehow his accomplishments continued to be overlooked by the Rock Hall. No longer.

Watch Collins’ induction from the cheap seats

Related: 1981 interview with Phil Collins as Face Value was released