Phillip David Charles Collins was born on this day in Sheswick. England on this day in 1951.  His father was an insurance agent, but his mother had a publicity background as a theatrical agent.  An uncle gave Phil a rudimentary drum kit as a Christmas present when the future Genesis member was five.  That set him on a path to becoming quite an accomplished drummer at a young age.  After the early lineup in Genesis decided to part with two drummers, the group ran an ad seeking a drummer that was 'sensitive to acoustic music'. His audition was at Peter Gabriel's family home and the band signed him on in August, 1970. 

 

Other Noteworthy Classic Rock events on January 30 include...

 

1942 Jefferson Airplane’s Marty Balin born Martyn Jerel Buchwald.

1947 Faces & Humble Pie’s Steve Marriott born.
1969 Beatles last public performance is staged on the roof of the Apple headquarters in London.

1972 British paratroopers kill more than a dozen Catholic civil rights marchers in Northern Ireland, event inspires U2 song Sunday, Bloody Sunday.

1973 KISS make live debut in New York City.    

1988 Robbie Robertson plays Saturday Night  Live.

1989  Don Henley plays drums with Guns N Roses during American Music Awards.

1990 France honors Bob Dylan with Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters recognition

1998 Elton John awarded Knighthood.

2010 Neil Young honored as MusiCares Person of the Year...