In a new documentary series titled “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” the 73-year-old Genesis drummer and solo artist, Phil Collins, disclosed that he can no longer play the drums due to health issues resulting from years of performing. Collins, who started playing drums professionally at the age of five, has had a career that spans over 50 years.
Collins conveyed his shock at this significant life change in the documentary, saying, “It’s still kind of sinking in a bit. I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” he shared.
The seasoned musician has endured several health setbacks over the years, starting with a dislocated vertebra in his neck back in 2007 that resulted in initial nerve damage to his hands. His son, Nick Collins, disclosed in 2015 that his father had undergone major neck surgery due to poor posture resulting from drumming, which subsequently caused more nerve damage. Additionally, Collins suffers from “drop foot,” a condition that necessitates the use of a cane and orthopedic shoes for movement.
Collins, while hopeful, expressed uncertainty about his future with drumming, stating, “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,” he declared.
In March 2022, Collins performed his last Genesis concert in London, appearing on stage in a wheelchair. His son Nick has since taken over his father’s drumming duties for the band, with Collins focusing on vocal responsibilities during their Last Domino Tour. By 2021, Collins admitted to being barely able to hold a drumstick in one hand, sometimes resorting to taping them to his hands to complete performances.
The documentary delves into Collins’ remarkable career, starting from his early days as a child drummer, his joining Genesis in 1970, and his ensuing solo career. Some of his notable accomplishments include being the second wealthiest drummer worldwide, outranked only by Ringo Starr from The Beatles, with a net worth exceeding $250 million. He also won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2000 for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s “Tarzan.”
Mike Rutherford, the Genesis guitarist, updated fans on Collins’ current condition, saying, “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.”
Aside from his neck and mobility challenges, Collins has also grappled with acute pancreatitis, necessitating several years of abstaining from alcohol. He can now enjoy a few glasses of wine without any issues. His son Nick offered some perspective on the mentality of musicians in the ’70s and ’80s, explaining that they often felt “invincible,” leading to excessive physical exertion.
The Collins’ musical tradition continues with his son Nick playing for Genesis and his daughter Lily Collins enjoying success as the lead in “Emily in Paris.” At Collins’ final concert, Lily paid homage to her father on social media, referring to it as “the memory of a lifetime” and expressing her endless appreciation for his inspiration.
