Phil Collins has a longstanding reputation for being incredibly dedicated to his craft, both as a solo artist and as a key member of Genesis. This commitment became clear to Chester Thompson, who discovered that Collins was willing to take the initiative to secure the right talent for the band. Chester, known for his work with Frank Zappa and Weather Report, received a direct phone call from Collins, informing him that the band was in search of a drummer to fill the vacancy left by Bill Bruford. Collins had previously witnessed Thompson’s performance during his last gig with Weather Report and was convinced that there would be no need for a formal audition; the opportunity was Thompson’s if he chose to accept it.

Upon accepting the offer, Thompson faced a tight deadline to prepare for his debut performance, which was scheduled for New Year’s Day in 1977 at the iconic Rainbow Theatre in London. The concert marked the beginning of a three-night engagement for the progressive rock legends. Thompson later reflected on this experience, describing the first performance as “pretty rough” during an interview for an upcoming episode of the UCR Podcast. He noted that the initial nerves and the pressure to deliver a flawless performance made it challenging, but he gradually found his footing, stating, “The second day wasn’t bad, and the third night was really locked in.”

As they toured in support of their 1976 album, Wind & Wuthering, which had been released at the end of the previous year, Genesis was not only adjusting to a new drummer but also unveiling a groundbreaking light show. With only 8,000 tickets available for the trio of performances, securing a spot in the audience proved to be a competitive endeavor. Among those attending was the band’s former frontman, Peter Gabriel, who provided positive feedback on Thompson’s performance. “Chester was really driving the band, and all of the material was working,” he shared with the Los Angeles Times. “It was really exciting.”

Thompson reminisces about the third night, recalling it as a rewarding experience. However, he was his own harshest critic regarding the first night, admitting that it did not meet his expectations. He recalled a prominent rock critic who delivered a scathing review of his performance, which affected him deeply. The criticism was so severe that, during their first performance in Los Angeles a year later, Collins confronted the critic and demanded an apology for the harsh judgment Thompson had received.

Discover What Sets Phil Collins Apart as a Drummer

While Collins is known for his distinct and recognizable drumming style, Thompson identifies specific qualities that made Collins a standout musician. “In my mind, everything he played was really unique, especially in the early days when Peter Gabriel was still with the band,” Thompson explains. “The sound was extraordinarily different from anything else you would hear.” Collins’s approach often involved emulating American styles, but his unique background and influences added a distinctive twist to his playing. Both Thompson and Collins drew inspiration from various musical genres, particularly jazz, frequently listening to artists like Elvin Jones and Tony Williams. Collins’s extensive knowledge of jazz musicians and his rock influences contributed greatly to his innovative drumming style.

Since parting ways with Collins in 2010, Thompson has remained active in the music scene. Residing in Nashville, he continues to pursue his passion for drumming. Fans of progressive rock will be thrilled to learn that he has joined forces with renowned musicians Neal Morse (of Spock’s Beard and Transatlantic fame), Phil Keaggy (known for his work with Glass Harp), and Byron House (who has collaborated with Robert Plant, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton). This new supergroup, aptly named Cosmic Cathedral, is set to release their debut album, Deep Water, on April 25, further showcasing Thompson’s enduring talent in the music industry.