S Poddar
Phil Collins has spoken out about his deteriorating health, admitting that he is “very sick,” several years after he retired from performing live. The iconic British singer-songwriter and ex-Genesis drummer, aged 74, had earlier discussed his battle with a spinal condition that greatly hampered his ability to play the drums.
In 2022, Collins announced his retirement from touring due to his physical constraints. His last concert was at London’s O2 Arena, which was the end of an era for Genesis fans all over the world. The show was a very emotional experience since it was promoted as the last time the band would ever be together on stage. Collins, who had driven the band Genesis for nearly four decades, said goodbye to his fans in a moving farewell, admitting his health had made it impossible to carry on at the same pace.
Now, in an open interview with Mojo magazine, Collins has revealed more about his health problems and how these have impacted on his love of recording music. He conceded that, even with a home studio, he is no longer interested in recording music.
“I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens, but I’m not hungry for it anymore,” he explained.
Collins wasn’t afraid of how serious his condition was, stating, “The thing is, I’ve been sick, I mean very sick.”
His medical problems began in 2007 when he got a serious spinal injury. The injury left him with nerve problems that impaired his capacity to grip drumsticks effectively. As the years went by, his condition worsened, and drumming became a challenging task. Although he kept performing despite the challenges, it ultimately became too much for him to handle.
Though he does not play anymore, Collins recently went back to his classic drum kit for a documentary filmed in 2024. The experience was documented and featured in Phil Collins: Drummer First, which debuted on the Drumeo YouTube channel on December 18. He discussed his career as a musician and the fact that he could no longer play like he used to in the documentary.
“It’s still kind of sinking in,” he admitted while observing his drum set. “I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”
Collins has always been known for his deep emotional connection to music, and this transition hasn’t been easy. While he has accepted that his physical condition prevents him from performing, he hasn’t entirely ruled out a return. “If I couldn’t do what I did so well, I’d just sit back and not bother doing it. But if I wake up one morning and I can pick up a couple of drumsticks, I’ll give it a go. But I just feel like I’ve banked my air miles.”
Even after his retirement from on-stage performances, Collins’ influence on music is irrevocable. His legacy cuts across generations, from his innovative work with Genesis to his solo career, where he produced hits such as In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds, and Another Day in Paradise. His distinctive voice, songwriting skills, and drumming skills have left an indelible stain on the industry.
The last Genesis shows, while lacking the presence of original lead singer Peter Gabriel, were historic in their own right. Gabriel did make an appearance at the band’s final concert, acknowledging its importance. “Phil wasn’t in as good a shape as he was, but they did a fantastic job,” Gabriel told Mojo in his interview. “Me going was a rite of passage, really.”. I’d been involved in the making of Genesis, so I wanted to be there at the end.
For most fans, watching Collins struggle physically but still give his all on stage was inspiring and heartbreaking. His talent for relating to audiences remained as powerful as ever, if his body could no longer handle the rigors of drumming and performing night after night.
Collins’ career has been one of rare success and private struggles. His fight with medical ailments has been well chronicled, but he has never compromised on his determination or passion. Even today, as he departs from the spotlight, his legacy lives on through his compositions.
Although he is no longer driven to come up with new content, his work towards music history means that he will continue to be admired for centuries to come. People around the world are waiting and hoping that he might decide to resume the drumsticks again someday, but even if that never happens, he has established his place in the annals of rock and pop history.
Collins’ introspection is a poignant reminder of the cost a lifetime of performing takes on an artist. His candor about his difficulties makes his tale all the more compelling, demonstrating that even legends are not invincible to the pull of time. If he does or doesn’t go back to music, one thing is certain—Phil Collins has given the world enough already to ensure he won’t be forgotten.
