Genesis drummer and solo artist, Phil Collins, 73, announced in the recently launched documentary series, “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” that his drumming days are over due to health complications developed from decades of performing. Collins’ love for drumming began at the age of three and he turned professional at five.
“It’s still kind of sinking in a bit. I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To be suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” Collins expressed in the documentary.
Throughout his career, Collins has dealt with a series of health challenges. His troubles began in 2007 when a dislocated vertebra in his neck resulted in nerve damage to his hands. Additional nerve damage was caused by major neck surgery in 2015 due to poor posture from drumming, as revealed by his son, Nick Collins. Furthermore, Collins suffers from a condition known as “drop foot,” necessitating the use of a cane for mobility and orthopedic shoes.
“If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack of it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles,” Collins conveyed.
In March 2022, Collins bid farewell to Genesis from the stage in London, presenting the final concert from a wheelchair. His son, Nick, has stepped into his father’s shoes as the band’s drummer, while Collins concentrated on vocals during their Last Domino? Tour. By 2021, Collins had reached a stage where he could “barely hold a stick” with one hand and often had to tape drumsticks to his hands for performances.
The documentary traces the journey of Collins, from a child drummer to his years with Genesis, which he joined in 1970, and his consequent solo career. His accomplishments include ranking as the second richest drummer in the world, only surpassed by Ringo Starr of the Beatles, with a net worth exceeding $250 million. Collins also bagged an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2000 for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s “Tarzan.”
Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford shed light on Collins’ current condition, stating, “He’s much more immobile than he used to be, which is a shame, but at the tour, he was in good spirits. He’s fine now at home, enjoying life.”
Besides his neck and mobility issues, Collins has also wrestled with acute pancreatitis, which necessitated abstaining from alcohol for several years. Presently, he can indulge in moderate wine consumption without any adverse effects. Nick Collins offered a glimpse into the mindset of musicians in the ’70s and ’80s, who often overexerted themselves physically, considering themselves “invincible.”
The legacy of music continues in the Collins family. Nick is now performing with Genesis and Lily Collins, his daughter, is making waves as the star of “Emily in Paris.” During Collins’ final concert, Lily commemorated her father’s career on social media, referring to the event as “the memory of a lifetime” and expressing her endless gratitude for his inspiration.