PHIL COLLINS: ON CHESTER THOMPSON - DRUMMING FOR GENESIS !

#genesis #philcollins #chesterthompson
PHIL COLLINS DESCRIBES HOW HE RECRUITED THE AMERICAN DRUMMER CHESTER THOMPSON TO PLAY DRUMS WITH GENESIS, REPLACING PHIL AS THE PRIMARY TOURING DRUMMER. FROM 1976-2007 . THE HIGH POINT OF THEIR TIME TOGETHER WERE THOSE MOMENTS IN THE SHOW WHEN THEY PLAYED HIGH INTENSITY DRUMMING DUETS.
WATCH - CHESTER THOMPSON INTERVIEW : DRUMMING WITH GENESIS & PHIL COLLINS here • CHESTER THOMPSON: DRUM...
A FULL PLAYLIST OF ALL MY GENESIS INTERVIEWS IS HERE :
• GENESIS UNFILTERED - P...
WATCH PHIL COLLINS PLAYLIST OF INTERVIEWS here
• PHIL COLLINS UP CLOSE
ALSO AVAILABLE NOW ON THIS CHANNEL - THE FIVE !
COLLINS , HACKETT, PETER GABRIEL, TONY BANKS & MIKE RUTHERFORD
THE FIVE : 'SUPPER'S READY' & 'MUSICAL BOX'
• GENESIS REUNION 2014: ...
THE FIVE : ' THE LAMB LIES DOWN ON BROADWAY' & PETER LEAVES
• GENESIS REUNION 2014: ...
THE FIVE : STEVE HACKETT LEAVES GENESIS & PETER GABRIEL RETURNS FOR ONE SHOW • GENESIS REUNION 2014: ...
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[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

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[@TheLastOilMan]

Sir Chester and sir Darrell held my band together . thank you both !

[@bensharp4164]

I had a close friend at school, his family were Genesis nuts, one of there group couldn't make it to Twickenham 2007 and they offered me the ticket, 14 years old, I was so excited, what an adventure, the gig blew my mind, I'll never forget it. To this day I can see that stage, even the people in front of me. Chester and Phil's duet was mind blowing, so glad i got to see them smashing it. Sadly I don't see those friends anymore but that gig will stay with me forever, Genesis will always take me to a happy place.

[@forthwithtx5852]

Despite all of Phil’s success as a singer, songwriter, composer, etc. one of my favorite drummers of all time. Such an icon.

[@susangraham101]

He's got such a genuine smile. You can tell he loves what he does and it shows. God Bless him with his physical issues.

[@carynstl]

Grew up with Phil as the drummer and then when peter left and they added Bruford as the hired gun, i was blown away! Then, the next year, Chester who i also loved the Roxy n elsewhere album shows up as the hired gun, i almost man cried. It was a perfect fit for my favourite band. Missed Phil drumming all show but man, who knew he could front the vocals as well as he did!!

[@trespasser121]

Perhaps on the new material, but the early songs, he never did them quite well enough. Just listen to Live 73 to hear how they sounded live with Peter. No contest.

[@finiantsl5573]

Thank you JE for these interviews. They are well done, and it's interesting to have the opinion of 2 major drummers coming from different backgrounds. And the duet with Chester and Collins is just awesome.

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

My absolute pleasure !

[@NEntv58]

Long live Chester, by all appearances a reserved and low-key professional of the highest order. Really enjoy(ed) his work.

[@simoncooper5803]

This is about the third time I’ve listened to this & it never disappoints. Thanks John

[@DaveSCameron]

Any other suggestions for similar channels Sir?

[@stevehardisty6502]

Been to several of Chester Thompsons drum clinics thanks to Terry Wion at Ace Music years ago. In fact, I was able to meet Phil with Chester introducing me to him through Terry and Chesters friendship. Great bunch of guys and mentors, forever grateful for those moments! I still have Chesters autographed photo and Genesis album cover, and have both sets of thier sticks in my collection... Wonderful years of memories!

[@Sk8Vader]

Omg I love Chester's entire body of work. Every single song. Every thing he touches turns to gold. Hes sooooo great!!!Chester utilizes the ABSOLUTE BEST drum tunings of all times. His toms still give me the chills. Forever in my top 3 favourites. Phil was so lucky.

[@Jeff-rh8mq]

I've seen Genesis 5 times since the early 80's and have still to this day been the best shows of of my life!

[@curiousnomad]

I asked Chester at a clinic once what his three main band leaders expected of him. He said Zappa expected everything to be perfect- like orchestral music. Everything was as Frank expected. He said Zawinul wanted total creativity constantly- always be soloing and interacting, and never the same. He said with Phil and Genesis he was there to serve the music of those groups and basically fill Phil’s role. I’m sure there was some improvisation, but the music was the music.

[@Sk8Vader]

@@curiousnomad WOW! That's a slice of fried gold in musicians' history.

[@VMill3]

I love Phil, all my life, and I love listening to him talk about what he does... very interesting, thanks

[@walkbox6596]

wow!! I went to listen to that Frank Zappa live track and the drum fill Phil is talking about couldn't ressemble more a Phil Collins fill - even the sound of it! in 1974! Amazing!!!

[@craigchapman8220]

They are generational talents. I really hope they can mend fences because life is short. I loved watching their duets. We will never see the likes of that again.

[@Rembrant65]

Four sticks, three chairs, two drummers, and one objective, making magic.

[@Sk8Vader]

@@Rembrant65 Are you referring to the piece, "Drums, drums, and more drums"?

[@mathewj.deroko4856]

Phenomenal line of questioning sir. Phil’s sticks produced by Promark in the late 80s to early 90’s were in fact shorter than your average drumstick. Another question I’ve always wanted to ask him was how he did the drum bit of the tom crash tom crash (usually simultaneously hit or in beat) as part of the ending to “Against All Odds” and incorporated in a lot of his solo/Genesis work came about and how he developed it. Thank you for sharing!

[@NikkiStixx86]

was lucky to have Ralph Humphrey as a teacher! His Book even in the odds is great

[@RBLevin]

Great drummer. Among the top 10 ever.

[@Sk8Vader]

@@RBLevin he's in my permanent top 3 mate. Cheers.

[@RBLevin]

​@@Sk8Vader Ringo. Phil. Lenny White. Daniel Seraphine. John Bonham. .

[@RBLevin]

​@@Sk8Vader Ringo. Phil. Lenny White. Daniel Seraphine. John Bonham.

[@silvia6068]

Great interview, I love listening to Phil talk...thank you!! 🥁🎤🎶

[@Sk8Vader]

@@silvia6068 He's always been a charming bloke eh.

[@396Cap]

Great interview. Watched lots of your Genesis and Phil Collins interviews. Thanks John.

[@Neal_Schier]

Thank you for uploading this. Very much like the story here!

[@DaveSCameron]

Watched the pair of them play together at Earls Court in 1994 Genesis We Can’t Dance tour and they had the entire audience hypnotised and honestly stunned by their skills and awesome dexterity and I’m very glad to have been there, thanks again Mr Uploader of your wonderful channel and please keep it coming Sir. 🥁🎤🎺🎧

[@DaveSCameron]

I’m mostly focused on their duet mid concert and the incredible affect they had upon our behaviour in the audience, unbelievable music that was just never to be heard from again and we all knew that fact which made the whole duration of their performance together even more magical..😂👏🥁

[@abundantYOUniverse]

First! I appreciate these so much Mr. Edgington!

[@WintersWar]

Primo material John. I always wondered if Phil ever talked about his tambourine dance routine idea? Another fun moment along with the drum duets.

[@brendonpizzati20]

EXPERIENCING THE LEDGENDARY DRUM DUO WAS SIMPLY AMAZING

[@DanielTapNose]

¡Gracias!

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jeffdawson2786]

Adding Chester was a great move.

[@rogermoscrop4523]

Before Genesis Phil Collins was a successful session drummer. Chester mentions Phil was self taught). The study (transcription of Genesis and Phil’s playing, including his technique which was represented in ‘Phil’s style’, was the foundation of Chester’s observations. CT was emphatic Phil and he hit it off from the ‘Go’. The drummer will use, the sticks, mallets, brushes etc for the music and situation. Stick weight & length will be more to personal taste / technique [sticking and style]. The interview process seems boarding on confrontational? The line about kids sticks, very funny 🤣 Well taken Phil ✊

[@steveton9155]

Thank you. Fantastic

[@fd1930]

Thanks so much for this John As always, insightful but responsible and non pushy, you bring the best out in Phil and in all these docs you do Great to hear you again!

[@HippoYnYrEira]

What a smile! Phil's a real trooper. 'Very easy to get on with' ... You did very well to discuss this aspect of Genesis with him. Thanks for sharing.

[@DaveSCameron]

I’m so glad I found him before I became a political being but I’m not going to let that affect my views or opinions on him change because his and his bandmates are a magical part of our young lives that can’t be surpassed. Thanks 🙏 🎺🎧🎚️☘️👏

[@joecancer6013]

​@@DaveSCameronI liked Genesis and Phil, until he went with Epstein

[@TheAmarok87]

@@joecancer6013 There's a list online with full details on each celebrity, ones which went to the island, ones for business and ones which were just contacts. Phil is listed thankfully just as a contact. Not everyone a pedophile knows is one themselves, thought that would be obvious. Rich people sometimes just like to meet other rich people and hangout and just meet. Doesn't always have to be for devilish things Besides, Courtney Love is in there too. She was one of the first to throw shit at Weinstein so I don't think this in itself means anything.

[@jeffsimon9594]

@@DaveSCameron "before I became a political being" ie. "before I became a raving Trot" in other words

[@davidwylde8426]

It’s interesting how many times I’ve had discussions on line or even in the ‘real world’ and praised Phil’s drumming,( I’m not a drummer, although I have programmed beats and been lucky enough to work and compose with fantastic real drummers), and they’re almost a little shocked that I could rate him ‘so’ highly….. until you drop the quotes of other world class drummers,( often their heroes), and what they have said about him, and suddenly they’re all like …. ‘I should probably check him out’. Precisely, … if you haven’t even bothered to listen to him then don’t comment. Same as the other half of his rhythm section … Rutherford. Fuckin insane player.

[@danreis2112]

I think in this one band we are experiencing this generations Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Mozart, etc. these guys are all elite masters of their instruments and positions in the band. also a band that has continuously put out music over 30+ years.

[@davidwylde8426]

@ they do seem to inhabit a strange position where their playing inhabits that of the compositionalist who understands orchestration and the individual ‘player’ who wants to be noticed. In this sense I think they are unique in the Prog bands with regard the degree to which they pursue this ethos.

[@-dimar-]

Phil needs a podcast!

[@Case_]

Love that little jab a the end at his sticks being the right size for Nic 😅

[@drummerKev]

When was this interview with Phil Collins? This must be from around 2013 because he mentions his son playing the drums and he was 12 years old. Nicholas Collins is now 23.

[@Johntwoflags]

Legend

[@RGB06084]

Who'd have thunk it? Chester had a longer stick than Phil, but Phil hits it harder!

[@SuperMetalRockets]

I’ve often wondered how the years would’ve transpired if Bill Brufford had carried on

[@malcolmhobden4350]

Thought Phil might have mentioned he had actually asked Simon Phillips first to join Genesis but Simon was contacted to the Jack Bruce band so he had decline Phil's offer. So Chester got the gig. Genesis

[@krusher74]

Compaired to standard length/average drumsticks andthe average length on most pro players signature sticks, Collions are about 1 inch short and thompsons about 1" long, they are at the 2 extremes. about as far apart as you would find in signature sticks.

[@hunnagazunna]

When was this fantastic interview recorded?

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

2014

[@Chris-ImperialAerosolKid]

So after they'd fallen out ?​@@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES

[@alkebulansan]

Love both theses dudes, Phil and Chester. When Mr.Collins said he wanted to put the funk into Genesis, when I listen to The Lamb, that's exactly what I feel, there's so much groove and funk in that album starting with obviously, Fly on a Windshield. And should you be curious about Chester's jazz drumming you must check out Air Pocket and their album Fly On, super heavy changes and delightful intricacies. And finally, Phil Chester I hope you've made up and are now friends again, dumb to squander a deep friendship.

[@craigchapman8220]

Great post.

[@trevormalcolm4328]

Question for anyone in the know, did Chester do any studio work with Genesis? Or was he just performing with the band live?

[@Alison-n1p]

He played live and did some studio stuff with Tiny Banks and Phil Collins in the early 80's.

[@aram5642]

I've seen your face before, my friend, but I don't know if you know who I am

[@matthewbinnie6194]

Such a shame there was the bust up with Chester, I do hope they patch it up before fate makes it impossible.

[@zappafan6169]

What happened between them?

[@andrewskivington6453]

@@zappafan6169 Phil wasn't happy with Chester's drumming during the "Going Back" tour, however Chester said that Phil was in a dark mood for that tour anyway.

[@321CatDaddy]

Boy, Patrick Stewart has never looked better!

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

11:50 I think that's Mike joining in, he's such a diplomatic chap! Hasty edit : On listening again it's not him- I'm hearing Giles Martin (vocally similar, but probably not him!!)

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

It’s Graham - my wonderful cameraman who’s also a musician.

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

@@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES Ah, thank you for the clarification John. And for all these uniquely insightful videos of course.

[@stevewoo8154]

Did he say he didn't want to talk about the fall out, or did you just not want to go there?

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

I understood from Phil that they did talk privately in 2014 shortly before this interview. It was obvious there was sensitivity about it. I didn't feel it was necessary to go there for the purpose of this filming, which was a very broad brush mainly covering the 1980s,90s.

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

​@@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES I'm hoping things are better between them now (and either way, at least it's not as feudal as the Waters/ Gilmour situation, which I'm sure it's not!)

[@SuperQdaddy]

Well I hope chester got paid well..after dedicating most his career playing Phil's music...ive noticed the look on his face...alot of the music is emotional..its just a shame..thats all

[@DavidLee-g1r]

Chester said he got the blame for this and that

[@christ.8547]

🆒caT!!...💙🎯💯🌎✌🏽😇..(RoCK ON!...🤘🏽)

[@geospot4679]

we all would have loved to control Phil to our own ends but he was far too busy back in the day. He was a workaholic. I wish he had stuck to being the PC of early Genesis but he did enough

[@gatchpaints]

It's tough to have two drummers in a band unless you start out on world tours with large stages. Local bands playing in bars don't have room for two drummers to set up. Where would a band like that even play?

[@damirfenrich5439]

It"s so much to tell...but he"s not in the mood for details?1

[@williamlobur6181]

Zappa who ??? compared to PHIL ? lol

[@TVGuy729]

Too bad they dont speak to each other anymore...

[@DaveSCameron]

Really, sad to hear about this…😊

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

@TVGuy729 I understood from Phil that they did talk privately in 2014 shortly before this interview.

[@Merchantmond]

King Crimson have 3 drummers now don't they?

[@robertnobody]

Chester spent 30 years in Genesis as a touring drummer, but he had a falling out with Phil Collins in 2010 and they haven't spoken since.

[@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIES]

Not according to Phil. He told me he called Chester shortly before this interview in 2014

[@scrambaba]

@@JOHNEDGINTONDOCUMENTARIESNot sure if it was 2014 or whenever, but Chester himself says that they haven‘t spoken in years, if I recall correctly.

[@sspbrazil]

@@scrambabathat’s correct, in recent interviews, Chester has said they haven’t spoken in years and he doesn’t really know what happened, he believes Phil’s declining health may be the issue or his personal problems which really escalated after these interviews as did Phil’s declining health.

[@craigchapman8220]

I really hope they mend fences. They were amazing together. Heroes of my youth.

[@bargainbassist]

Phil Collins: “In 2007, no band had two drummers anymore.” Allman Brothers Band in 2007:

[@PeterHuebner]

The Allman Brothers waren eine tolle Band und ich glaube der verstorbene Präsident Jimmy Carter mochte die auch sehr gerne,RIP.Mr.Carter,😢😢

[@milttrugood4817]

No apology to Chester. For 2010.

[@dyriten]

what happen 2010

[@kassimrayford7163]

?

[@milttrugood4817]

@@kassimrayford7163 As I explained in another forum, it was Phil’s tantrum at CT in front of the band and crew in 2010 during Going Back tour. Sure, bandmates ALWAYS have run-ins / squabbles, but not only was Phil's hissy-fit waaaaay over the top, it’s extra lousy that Phil hasn’t bothered to even speak to George since then. Shitweasel.

[@JasonSmith-jr7jh]

​@@milttrugood4817Who's George?

[@cintrepdchannel5854]

Why do they refer to Chester and Daryl as "American" drummer/guitarists all the time? You don't see people referring to Phil and Mike as British musicians.🙃

[@turnerthemanc]

actually, if you look at the Chester interview, he goes into detail about trying to drum like a British drummer and it was his take away from being in Genesis, to finally be able to drum like a British drummer.

[@bargainbassist]

A lot of that has to do with the high esteem that the British generally have had toward American rock, blues, and jazz musicians, generally viewing them as being closer to the roots of and having a natural feel for these kinds of music that they themselves would like to excel in. It’s no slight, it’s more like a “hey, look at who we got” sort of badge.

[@rodericde876]

Can’t swing Collins subs a jazz drummer to play for him.

[@brendonpizzati20]

LOOKS GREAT, BUT I DON'T LIKE THE FRAMES ANYONE ELSE?

[@karlmylnere5712]

Unfortunately Phil Collins degraded Chesters playing , probably because he wanted his son to play on the last tour , that in itself is ok but it does not negate the inference that Chesters playing was not good enough , Thompson is a far more accomplished player than either Phil or his Son , unnecessary and unpleasant but thats the way he handled it.

[@mickgcooper]

wow - there was no inference that he felt Chester was lacking in any way, the only thing he said was that he would ask him to get closer to the way the stuff had been laid down originally on the LP's. Poorly thought out comment IMHO

[@williamlobur6181]

Collins PAID chester Very Well

[@kassimrayford7163]

When I saw Chester wasn't going to be on the tour I looked him up and it appeared that he had another solo project going on.... Figured that could have been a factor

[@mickgcooper]

BS, no he didn't

[@zooropaforever]

What?!? CT and PC played toghther for some 35 years. Their relation fell down in 2010 years and years before Nic was mature enough to play live. PC was going through a very difficult time and yelled CT before of his band. So CT left. CT is a true gentleman and later recalled that episode absolutely forgiving PC. CT is such a master drummer that isn't in need for an unemployment aid.

[@gnyx1566]

Bit forward of the cameraman there interjecting. How dare he. Although, could have a point?

[@gnyx1566]

hee hee.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

You can tell Phil has drank a lot of alcohol in his life.

[@codersexpo1580]

How? How can you tell?

[@j.t.cooper2963]

@@codersexpo1580 First of all it's no secret that he was a self admitted alcoholic for years and you can see the damage it's done to him physically. If you want to know the exact damage I suggest you read up on what alcoholism does to you and then you will see the signs yourself.

[@Bobaman5400]

No you cant. Youre just trying to sound educated on youtube. 90% of long term alcohol effects are with blood/cholesterol, organs & digestive. None of which could you tell by looking at somebody for a few minutes. He looks normal. Dont be a 🤡

[@joecancer6013]

Epstein client

[@Topjunkie-r4s]

Yup - you can see the regression in motor skills, eye contact, taking. I just lost my 44 year old boss to it. Same changes.