When it comes to modern drum challenges, few platforms push musicians quite like Drumeo. Their latest test for drummer Nic Collins—son of Phil Collins—proved to be one of the most demanding yet: learning and performing RUSH’s legendary 20-minute prog epic “2112” in a single sitting.
A Legendary Song, A Massive Challenge
“2112” is no ordinary track. Originally released in 1976 by Rush, it forms the entire first side of the album of the same name. The suite is divided into multiple sections, including “Overture,” “Temples of Syrinx,” “Presentation,” and “Grand Finale,” with the drumless “Discovery” notably excluded from the challenge.
The original drum parts were performed by the late Neil Peart, widely regarded as one of the most technically skilled and influential drummers in rock history. His writing and precision have long been considered a benchmark for progressive rock drumming.
Learning Under Pressure
Nic Collins was tasked with learning each section on the fly—then stitching them together into a complete performance. The challenge wasn’t just about technical ability, but endurance, memory, and composure under time pressure.
At one point during the session, Nic lightened the mood by joking, “Why do you have to be so good, Neil?”—a moment that reflected just how demanding Peart’s parts can be, even for experienced professionals.
A Strong Finish
After working through the sections, Nic delivered a full performance of “2112,” bringing the entire suite together with confidence and control. His ability to absorb complex arrangements quickly and perform them cohesively stood out throughout the session.
Drumeo instructor Brandon Toews summed up the effort simply: “Neil would be proud.”
Audience Reaction
The performance quickly gained attention online, with viewers praising the difficulty of the task and Nic’s execution. Many noted how challenging it is for any drummer to tackle Neil Peart’s compositions, let alone assemble an entire 20-minute suite in a short learning window.
Continuing a Musical Legacy
While comparisons to his father naturally come up, Nic Collins continues to carve out his own identity as a drummer. From previous high-pressure sessions—including tackling material from Opeth—to now mastering “2112,” he’s building a reputation for handling complex and demanding music head-on.
Rather than simply following in the footsteps of Genesis-era legacy, Nic is steadily developing his own path—one intense drum challenge at a time.