Nashville musician uses passion for music to survive and thrive after cancer battles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - So far this year, 43,000 families in Tennessee have heard these three dreaded words, “You have cancer.”

For one local musician - he’s heard those words far more than most, leaving him to lean on his faith and passion, while picking up the pieces.

Behind a drum set is where Brian Russell Collins finds peace. Music means the world to him.

“It’s my pulse,” Collins said. “I mean it’s something that’s been a part of my life ever since I was born.”

Music is what calmed him as a kid - a kid who was just beginning the fight of his life.

“When I was 5, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.” He said. “And the only thing that could get me to sleep, as my mom told me, was Huey Lewis and the News and Van Halen.”

He beat his battle against cancer then, and as music engulfed every ounce of his being, cancer tried to do the same again.

At 26, he was diagnosed with Lymphoma, eight years later, stomach cancer, and just three years ago, a rare form of blood cancer called Polycythemia Vera.

Each battle made him question whether or not he would survive. “All the time. Every time. Every single time, I was like ‘Man this is it.’ I would be like; ‘Ok, I beat this one, but maybe this is the one that takes me,” said Collins.

The one person who gave Collins strength through his cancer battles was his mom, who’s also his biggest fan, Nancy.

“If I wouldn’t have had her in my corner with prayer, I don’t think I would be here. And she was probably one of the biggest pray warriors you ever met in your life,” He said.

But cancer wasn’t done with Collins. It struck again in 2023 in a very different way.

“One day, we started noticing things that were different with mom. We had no idea that things were off,” Collins remembered. “And when we found out that she had a five by seven tumor in her brain, it floored me. And then when they told me it was inoperable, there are really no words.”

Four months later, Collins’ prayer warrior, biggest fan and mom passed away. That was in August. A few months later, more bad news.

“Lisa was tough,” Brian sighed.

Lisa, Collins’ big sister, battled small bowel cancer for two years. Six months after losing his mom, he lost his sister, but he never lost his faith.

“I questioned it a lot, but I also know without my faith, without my belief in God, I don’t think I would have gotten through both those deaths. It was very hard. We are getting through it still,” Collins said.

Original songs help Collins cope. Like the one he wrote for Nancy called “Dear Mom”. It was a way to turn the passion, that got him through all of his cancer scares, into purpose.

He uses his music to raise money and awareness for those who are diagnosed. He’s also an ambassador for Men Wear Pink. His way of giving back and honoring Nancy and Lisa until they meet again.

“When I get to meet them again, there will be no words left unsaid. We will have a great reunion, and we will be in no more pain. We won’t have to worry about that. But while we are all here, we will continue to fight,” As he began to get emotional, he added. “Sorry I didn’t mean to cry, but we will continue to fight for everybody around.”

Collins is getting ready to go on tour with Allie Colleen, the daughter of Garth Brooks. They will be touring with Jelly Roll starting October 30.

Tuesday, October 8, at the Cowan, Collins is hosting a benefit concert where over 60 local artists will be performing Van Halen songs. Tickets to this event are still available and all the proceeds will go to Brian’s Men Wear Pink campaign.

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