Phil Collins’ Son, Nic Collins Performs Opeth Song on Drums

In a riveting display of musical prowess, Nic Collins, son of the iconic Phil Collins, embarked on an innovative drumming challenge that captivated audiences worldwide. Through Drumeo, a platform renowned for its educational drumming content, Nic was tasked with playing Opeth’s “Ghost of Perdition”—a formidable track known for its intricate time signatures and relentless energy—on the drums as he heard it for the first time. This exercise, part of Drumeo’s “For the First Time” series, places drummers in the unique position of crafting their own drum parts without a pre-existing guide, pushing them to rely purely on their creative instincts and drumming acumen.

This challenge required Nic to listen to a drumless version of the song, effectively giving him a blank canvas to develop his beats. Known for its complex tempo changes and progressive metal elements, “Ghost of Perdition” isn't just any song but a 10-minute epic that demands precision and creativity. Nic's initial reaction was one of surprise and humor, expressing disbelief at the song's length and complexity, which triggered laughter from both the Drumeo host and himself. Nevertheless, he took detailed notes and approached each take with tenacity, ultimately delivering a performance that garnered widespread acclaim.

Nic’s adeptness on the drums is not only a testament to his personal talent but also reflects his musical heritage. His father, Phil Collins, whose work with Genesis has influenced numerous musicians, including Opeth’s lead, Mikael Åkerfeldt, clearly passed down a legacy of rhythm and musicality to his son. After several takes, Nic finally landed on a performance that resonated with viewers, drawing unparalleled praise in YouTube comments. One admirer exclaimed the irony of nepotism, commending Nic on his robust execution that displayed no hesitation, while another viewer praised his ability to navigate the track with such agility and confidence.

Following his personal rendition, Nic compared it to the original version featuring Martin Lopez's drumming, acknowledging the deviations he made. His final reflections underscored how hearing the music without drums can lead one to interpret and fill spaces in unique, unexpected ways—illustrating the importance of personal style in drumming. This experience also highlighted the role of complex compositions in advancing one’s drumming skills, a testament that aligns with Nic's own teaching methods.

Adding a layer of expertise to his performance, Nic utilized an elaborate drum kit setup. He played on a Gretsch Broadkaster kit, renowned for its robust build and quality sound, essential for handling the thunderous demands of progressive metal. His choice of cymbals, specifically Sabian’s, brought a nuanced sound palette essential for balancing the softness and intensity embodied in Opeth’s music. Each component was meticulously selected to complement the demanding tonal spectrum of the piece.

Nic’s association with Drumeo extends beyond performance challenges. He is involved in creating instructional content, including a series titled “30-Day Odd Time,” focusing on mastering complex time signatures. This series reflects his experience working with intricate music pieces, guiding drummers to not only understand but excel in unusual time patterns.