Phil Collins, the legendary drummer and vocalist of Genesis, has named The Action, an overlooked 1960s British mod ensemble, as his absolute favourite musical group. Originating from Kentish Town, London in 1963, The Action built a devoted following on the city's live circuit by blending soul and R&B influences with accessible songcraft, yet never achieved the commercial success enjoyed by their better-known contemporaries. Collins discovered them whilst attending the Marquee Club as a young musician and became a regular attendee at their performances, eventually cultivating a lasting friendship with the band members.

Though The Action disbanded in 1969 without achieving significant chart presence, they reunited in the 1990s to discover their fanbase remained enthusiastic about live performances. Collins' deep admiration stems from their musical craftsmanship and stage presence, particularly drummer Roger Powell, whose technique substantially influenced Collins' own approach to drumming. When the band reformed for a 2000 show at London's 100 Club, Collins seized the opportunity to perform alongside them—a milestone he likened to playing with The Beatles and hailed as a realisation of a lifelong ambition.