Genesis legend Phil Collins recently praised pop star Taylor Swift. He shared his thoughts on meeting her and witnessing her perform live during an appearance on BBC Radio 2.
Collins recalled a personal encounter with Swift from early in her career. A live performance she gave left a lasting impression on him.
“I met her, this was way, way back, and Lily [Collins] introduced me, funnily enough, because she knew her,” he said. “I’d kind of known the name, but she wasn’t anywhere near the star she is today, a very nice lady. Then she got up on stage with a guitar and sang ‘White Horse.'”
Collins went on to describe how the stripped-back performance moved him deeply.
“The performance blew me away completely, because not only was the song great and the sentiment of the song, it really got me, but she sang it beautifully and it was just so simple, you know, her and the guitar,” he continued. “I’ve always had a soft spot for the song since then.”
The Genesis drummer and vocalist also expressed his admiration for Swift’s rise to global stardom.
“I’m so pleased she’s the hugest thing in the world now because it kind of feels like she deserves it,” Collins said. “It’s easy to knock someone that’s got so much success, but I think she really deserves it … She’s a good girl.”
Collins’ comments centered on Swift’s 2008 track White Horse. They highlighted her raw vocal talent and stage presence from the early days of her career.
The encounter took place at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event. Lily Collins — Phil’s daughter and actress — made the introduction. It was a setting that brought together some of music’s most respected names. Swift’s performance that evening clearly left a mark that has stayed with Collins for over fifteen years.
White Horse was far more than just a fan favourite. The track served as a lead single from Swift’s landmark album Fearless. It went on to win two Grammy Awards — Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance — cementing its place as one of the defining moments of her early career.
The connection between Collins and Swift extends beyond that one evening. In 2019, Swift covered Collins’ own track Can’t Stop Loving You during a live performance. The cover brought the song to an entirely new generation of listeners and drew a direct musical line between the two artists.
The mutual appreciation speaks to something broader about Swift’s standing in the industry. Earning the respect of a rock and pop institution like Collins — a figure whose career spans decades and multiple generations — underlines just how far her artistry reaches beyond the boundaries of any single genre.
Collins made the remarks during an appearance on BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years. He spoke with host Vernon Kay about songs and artists that have had a lasting impact on him. Swift’s White Horse made his list — a detail that, on its own, says plenty.
