Those of us who lived through the 80s and 90s can never forget the distinctive drum solo in the legendary hit song "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins.
The song has re-emerged thanks to a set of twins, Tim and Fred Williams, who decided to use their YouTube channel to listen to it for the first time and their reaction had the internet talking on Friday.
The song topped the charts for months and spent years constantly being replayed on the radio and in movies. Released as the lead single off of his 1981 debut solo album, "In The Air Tonight" became one of Collins' biggest hits and arguably one of his signature songs.
The drum solo in particular has gained a life of its own as it has aged well due to endless love from fans as well as funny reenactments.
On their popular YouTube channel "TwinsthenewTrend," the twins go back in time and listen to classics for the first time. They've spent months going through classics from Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton and other legends.
Video of the two teens listening to the classic drum solo for the first time racked up nearly 10 million views on YouTube and Twitter.
Two teenagers get schooled by Phil Collins.https://t.co/SV4eczvuq9
pic.twitter.com/6IoaatJYIq— ???????????????? (@tprstly) August 6, 2020
The video got so popular that Collins was trending on Twitter Friday morning.
The reactions from older folks who are familiar with the song were priceless.
And it was at this moment that Phil spoke to them pic.twitter.com/BGXtsNuQ2I
— New York Sports Biz (@NYSportsBiz) August 7, 2020
A number of Collins' fans said the video brought them immense joy because it was great to see a new generation fall in love with the song.
This made me smile & laugh & just…feel wonderful.
I have LOVED that Phil Collins song for decades. It BLEW ME AWAY too when I first heard it, just like these young men.
I suppose, in these times of disconnection, seeing a true bond through a musical experience uplifted me https://t.co/Gk5Rm4gdBH
— Pam Keith (@PamKeithFL) August 7, 2020
Ahhhh to be young again. I loved #PhilCollins growing up. Still have my album and Cassette collection in the garage. https://t.co/hStqys1QPi
— Sophia A. Nelson (@IAmSophiaNelson) August 7, 2020
The video led to an outpouring of love of Collins and the hit song, as well as some hilarious reenactments.
While we're at it with the Phil Collins pic.twitter.com/p1HD73DY4E
— ????️???? BLACK LIVES MATTER ????️???? (@politelyviolent) August 7, 2020
I’m old enough to remember when Phil Collins dominated the airwaves and made guest appearances on Miami Vice. pic.twitter.com/5Pt6AJXblR
— Rev. Ducati???? (@Reverend_Ducati) August 7, 2020
These kids reacting to Phil Collins is everything I needed to see in the world rn. Sound ON! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/VqXCoyvXkw
— Ced® (@cedfunches) August 7, 2020
Nice to see some Phil Collins love on the TL today.
He’s class live too. pic.twitter.com/XXJza3YqX2
— Evan (@EvanMcFarlane) August 7, 2020
The video even pushed the song back into iTunes' Top 30 list.
Phil Collins' 'In the Air Tonight' has jumped into the Top 30 on iTunes in the US. pic.twitter.com/pw6J58Nxft
— Eric Alper ???? (@ThatEricAlper) August 7, 2020
Now that Phil Collins is trending again, let's bring this art back. https://t.co/TnPJzpnk29
— Miriti Murungi (@NutmegRadio) August 7, 2020
Many noted that the reactions to the video were exactly how they felt when they first heard the song.
“I ain’t never seen somebody drop a beat three minutes into a song.”
Zoomer twins listening to “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins for the first time. ???? pic.twitter.com/BNMGOKUGDT
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) August 7, 2020
And thousands decided to go look for more of their reaction videos for nostalgia's sake.
I see you that video of the Gen-Z twins hearing Phil Collins for the first time and raise you a video of them hearing Jolene for the first time https://t.co/LTasIgNvQ0
pic.twitter.com/UEmAaL6EbJ— laura olin (@lauraolin) August 7, 2020
The 21-year-old stars of the YouTube channel live in Gary, Indiana, and spoke to People Magazine about the video.
The two said they wanted to expand their musical horizons beyond hip-hop and began listening to other genres about 10 months ago.
Tim said he came up with the idea while Fred was studying at Indiana State University and wanted to film their reactions to hit songs from legends like Freddie Mercury and Queen, Luther Vandross, Tom Jones, opera star Luciano Pavarotti and Aerosmith.
"My grandfather always used to say to me, 'Listen to Frank Sinatra.' You’ve got to listen to it before you judge," Tim told People.
“We wanted to start a new trend to appreciate old music. We’re open to all genres. We also want to bring people together because there’s no color to music,” Tim added.
Check out the full video below:
