Phil Collins Shares a Rare Update on His Health: ‘I’ve Been Ill, Seriously Ill’
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The former Genesis drummer, who stepped away from drumming in 2022, also explained why he has lost interest in creating new music.
Phil Collins is opening up about how his health struggles have impacted his passion for making music.
The 74-year-old “In the Air Tonight” singer retired from drumming in 2022 due to health issues that made it difficult for him to handle drumsticks.
In a recent interview with MOJO magazine, Collins admitted that while he has considered heading into his studio to create new music, his condition has held him back.
“I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not eager for it anymore,” he shared. “The truth is, I’ve been ill—very ill.”
Collins’ last solo album of original material, Testify, was released in 2002. In 2010, he put out Going Back, a collection of Motown and soul covers, but he has not released any new music since.
During Genesis’ final tour in 2022, Phil Collins performed while seated, with his son Nic, then 23, stepping in on drums.
In the documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, released in December, the eight-time Grammy winner opened up about his condition and the challenges of no longer being able to play.
“It’s still sinking in,” he admitted in the film, which was recorded in October 2022. “I’ve spent my entire life playing drums. To suddenly be unable to do that is a shock.”
Collins, who began drumming at the age of five, reflected on how decades behind the kit had taken a toll on his hands and legs.
“If I can’t perform at the level I once did, I’d rather just relax and step away,” Collins shared. “If I wake up one day and can hold a pair of drumsticks, I’ll give it a shot. But honestly, I feel like I’ve used up my air miles.”
While Collins hasn’t disclosed many details about his condition, a 2017 post on his Facebook page revealed that he suffers from drop foot due to a back surgery, which makes walking difficult.
In the documentary, his son Nic mentioned that Collins had undergone major neck surgery in 2015.
“I’d love to play, but there are physical limitations that make it difficult,” Collins told BBC Breakfast in 2021.