Haven’t Heard the Last: Tearful Phil Collins Makes Emotional Speech at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Collins receives solo honor
Collins took the stage slowly with two canes and cried as the crowd applauded. His mobility difficulties and other health problems prevented him from performing. His daughter, actor Lily Collins, and four other children were in the audience.
Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker inducted Collins, praising his success as both a drummer and a hit-making pop singer in the 1980s. Barker said Collins’ song “In the Air Tonight” gave the world “arguably the most badass drum fill of all time.” Collins was already in the Hall of Fame with Genesis.
A packed induction ceremony
The event at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater also inducted Queen Latifah, Oasis, MC Lyte, Sade, Joy Division/New Order and Iron Maiden. Producer Rick Rubin was honored, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers paying tribute to him.
Surprise finale brings artists together
Run DMC and Aerosmith closed the ceremony with “Walk This Way,” their 1986 collaboration produced by Rubin. The performance brought rock and rap together in a finale that lifted an event that had seemed at risk of falling flat because key inductees were absent.
The night also featured an electrifying tribute to Collins by Cynthia Erivo. Idol was among the artists ticket buyers knew would attend and perform.
Key points
- Phil Collins received a solo induction after previously entering the Hall with Genesis.
- Collins used two canes and could not perform because of health problems.
- Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan and MC Lyte were among the other inductees.
- Run DMC and Aerosmith closed the event with “Walk This Way.”