Phil Collins, a titan in the music industry, has confronted the reality of no longer being able to perform.
According to Fox News, his physical limitations, triggered by a career-spanning physical toll, come to light in a poignant new documentary named "Phil Collins: Drummer First."
Filmed in late 2022, the documentary unveils the deep emotional and physical impacts of his decision.
Collins's illustrious career began in the vibrant music landscape of the late '60s, rising to substantial fame upon joining Genesis in 1970. This period marked the onset of what would be decades of influential music creation and memorable performances around the globe. The culmination of his performing journey was a heartfelt final concert with Genesis on March 26, 2022, at the O2 arena in London, etching a profound moment in rock history.
Health had always been a balancing act for Phil Collins amidst his rigorous performance schedule. His drumming, intensely physical, led to severe problems with his hands, legs, and spine over the years, notably causing a debilitating condition known as "drop foot." This condition severely restricted his mobility, eventually forcing him to rely on a cane and rendering him unable to manipulate drum pedals effectively.
In an emotional realization back in 2009, Collins disclosed to the Daily Mail his battle with spinal cord compression, attributing it to his drumming posture. The severity of his condition made even holding drumsticks a painful ordeal, pushing him to physically tape the sticks to his hands during performances just to play through the pain.
Nic Collins, also a drummer and Phil’s son, reflected on the spirit of invincibility that once permeated musicians in the '70s and '80s. He remarked on how this fearless attitude often led musicians to overlook the long-term health repercussions of their intense, physically demanding lifestyles.
Phil Collins expressed the surreal nature of his situation, highlighting the abrupt end to his lifelong passion for drumming. He lamented, "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."
"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."
This sentiment underlines a bittersweet resignation to his health's demands while holding onto a glimmer of hope for possible recovery. Phil Collins's resolve remains tied profoundly to his identity as a drummer, illustrated vividly in his ponderous decision-making process regarding his performance career.
Leland Sklar, a fellow musician and longtime friend, noted the collective wish among peers and fans alike for one more magical performance. It reflects a deep-seated hope that Phil Collins might, against the odds, summon the strength for one last show.
At his last concert, Phil Collins, in a touching acknowledgment to his fans, shared, "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." These words not only marked the end of an era for Genesis but also for one of rock's most beloved drummers, as fans soaked in the bittersweet reality.
This culmination of collaborations, global tours, and groundbreaking performances achieves coverage in "Phil Collins: Drummer First," a documentary featuring detailed retrospectives and firsthand accounts of Collins’s journey and legacy in music.
From his first drum set at the tender age of 3 to a paramount career with Genesis, and the subsequent trials of health that barred his continuation in music, Phil Collins's story is one of brilliance, inspiration, and human resilience. His narrative underscores a significant chapter in the annals of music history, marking the sunset of not just a career but an epochal presence in the world of music.
