Listening to Phil Collins as a child inspired Russell Peace to learn to play the drums.

The 24-year-old picked up his first set of drumsticks at the age of seven after hearing an album featuring the former Genesis drummer while he was staying with his next door neighbours.

He was immediately hooked and says: "Phil Collins was my idol. Back in the 80s bands were bands, there were no electric loops or anything like that."

Having come from a musical family Russell was encouraged to learn to play an instrument from an early age and says he was lucky to have parents who nurtured his talent.

And he says he owes them even more now as he believes the national curriculum is placing less emphasis on music and the arts in schools which could be preventing some youngsters from reaching their full potential.

"I have definitely noticed a real lack of bands at the moment and a rise in pop bands," says Russell, who plays the drums and bongos with three-piece band The Lazarus Plot.

"And I do think it's because it just isn't encouraged enough in the national curriculum. There is a greater emphasis on academic success than an investment in music."

Russell founded Fragile Hopes with his school friend Daniel Batchelor in 1994 when he was just 14.

The band had some success and were signed to independent label Double-Hit Records from 1997 to 2000, when university commitments led Russell and Daniel to temporarily part company.

Now they are back with a new name and a new line-up featuring Russell on drums and percussion, Daniel as singer/songwriter and Chris Clapton, 24, on bass.

They may not have performed together in two years but the band wowed the audience when they recently performed at the Sound Caf in Leicester Square.

Russell admits: "Sound was our first gig in two years and it was nerve racking to get up there. It takes guts to get up on a stage."

However, the band has had invites flooding in since their comeback gig and are currently deciding where they will play next, although Russell is now keen to play a gig in Croydon where he now lives.

"It has always been a dream of mine to play in Croydon," he says. "Apart from anything else it's really important to encourage local talent."

Russell adds: "It is difficult for me to give advice to people in Croydon who want to become drummers as to what their next step should be, as there isn't that support really. If you are passionate, you have to keep at it yourself."

For more information on Russell and the band visit their website www.thelazarus plot.co.uk.