Iconic musician Phil Collins has recently opened up about the heavy toll health issues have taken on his ability to perform.
In a newly released documentary, Collins offers an in-depth look at his decision to step away from performing due to deteriorating health, Fox News reported.
Phil Collins, the esteemed vocalist and drummer known for his pivotal role in the band Genesis and his illustrious solo career, has encountered substantial health challenges that prevent him from playing drums. The revelation came through the intimate lens of "Phil Collins: Drummer First," a documentary filmed in late 2022, which captures Collins confronting his gradual withdrawal from performing.
Born into a family of musicians, Collins showcased his drumming talents from as young as three years old after receiving his first drum. His journey, marked by an early passion for music, saw him join Genesis in 1970, thereby kickstarting a profound influence on rock music.
The physical rigors of drumming throughout his career, however, led to severe complications, significantly impacting his ability to play. Chronic back issues and a nerve condition termed "drop foot" have notably impaired his mobility, necessitating the use of a cane.
His son, Nic Collins, reflects on the mentality of the rock scene in the '70s and '80s, where a sense of invincibility prevailed among musicians. This attitude, he notes, overlooked the long-term health impacts of such an intensive career.
Phil Collins performed his final concert with Genesis on March 26, 2022, at the O2 arena in London, marking a poignant closure to his performance career. "Tonight is a very special night. Of course, we're playing in London. It's the last stop of our tour, and it's the last show for Genesis. It's difficult for us to believe that you still came out to see it. I guess after tonight we've all got to get real jobs," he articulated during the concert.
Phil Collins expressed the emotional and physical strain of his condition in stark terms: "My vertebrae have been crushing my spinal cord because of the position I drum in. It comes from years of playing. I can't even hold the sticks properly without it being painful. I even used to tape the sticks to my hands to get through."
In reflecting on his identity tied closely to music and performance, Collins shared a poignant outlook on his situation. "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," the musician admitted.
Long-time collaborator and renowned bassist Leland Sklar expressed a wistful hope echoing the sentiments of many fans and fellow musicians: "All of us, in our heart of heart fantasies, always hope we'll get that call and [hear Collins] say, ‘Let’s just do one more. Just one more time.'"
Phil Collins, embracing his current limitations, also highlighted the conditional hope of returning to drums, albeit with realism about his physical capabilities. "If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything. If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I will have a crack at it. I just feel like I've used up my air miles," he detailed.
Phil Collins’s journey from a child prodigy on the drums to a pivotal figure in rock history has been marked by astounding achievements and disheartening health struggles. His narrative continues to inspire and tug at the heartstrings of fans worldwide, reflecting the fragile interplay between a musician's passion and the physical demands of their art. The barrier of physical ailment altering the course of a celebrated career serves as a somber reminder of the human aspect behind the music industry's glitz and glamour.
