Nick Collins

Gretsch Artist Since: 2017

Country: US

Band or Affiliations: Better Strangers, Genesis, Phil Collins, Mike & The Mechanics, The Effect

Current Kit Setup:
USA Custom in Deep Black Marine Pearl & Purple Marine Pearl
6x8 Concert Tom, 8x10 Concert Tom, 7x10 TT, 9x13 TT, 16x16 FT, 16x18 FT, 18x24 BD
6.5x14 USA Custom Bell Brass Snare Drum

Influences:
Danny Carey, John Bonham, Phil Collins, Taylor Hawkins, Stewart Copeland, Gavin Harrison, Abe Cunningham, Chad Smith, and Jon Theodore

We asked...Why Gretsch?:
"Gretsch has always felt like home to me. Since my dad played Gretsch as well, I've been around that great Gretsch sound for all of my life. When I started playing Gretsch drums for different gigs, the quality and sound was so noticeable compared to other brands. I'm honored to be a part of the family. "

Advice to aspiring musicians?:
"Be yourself! Don't try to compare yourself to other people. Celebrate what makes you unique as a drummer and try to find your own voice. "

Bio:
Nic Collins picked up the sticks at the age of 3 and never looked back.
Being the son of legendary drummer Phil Collins, Nic gravitated towards the instrument immediately. His first vivid memories come from his father’s “Final Farewell Tour” in 2004, where Nic was able to watch his dad play drums and sing every night, igniting his passion for music. Growing up in Switzerland, Nic played drums as often as he could. However, it wasn’t until he moved to Miami, FL, and began playing in different local bands where his passion for drums amplified. In addition to his father, Nic cites John Bonham, Danny Carey, Taylor Hawkins, Gavin Harrison, Stewart Copeland, Abe Cunningham, Chad Smith, and Jon Theodore as his main drumming influences.
Nic began playing drums for his father’s solo band at the age of 14 for various charity events. Those charity events turned into more serious performances, such as the 2016 US Open opening ceremony, until he was finally asked to fill in full time in his father’s band for the “Not Dead Yet” world tour from 2017-2019.
By the age of 18, Nic had already played at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, Madison Square Garden, and various other arenas and stadiums around the world. Shortly afterwards, Nic was announced as the drummer for Genesis’ first reunion in 14 years for “The Last Domino?” tour in 2021. Following that, Nic took up drumming duties for Mike & The Mechanics on their 2023 “Refuelled” Tour.
Nic recently announced that he will be joining The Mechanics once again on their 2025 tour. Between 2023 and 2024, Nic worked alongside Trev Lukather and Emmett Lee Stang as part of The Effect. He collaborated on their debut album which was released in November 2024. However, Nic parted ways with the project following the release of The Effect’s debut album to follow other projects. In addition to that, Nic is working on new material in his own band, Better Strangers, with longtime friends Yang Waingarten and Joey Rodriguez. Nic is dead set on making a global impact as a drummer and songwriter and hopes to inspire the next generation of drummers along the way.