The music world was met with a sombre note as Phil Collins, the legendary drummer and voice behind some of the most iconic songs of the past few decades, shared a distressing update on his health. At 74 years old, the former Genesis frontman and solo artist has been grappling with serious health issues that have led him to step away from the spotlight and the passion that has defined much of his life.
In a candid conversation with MOJO magazine, Collins revealed the extent of his struggles since retiring from music.
‘I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore,’ he confessed. ‘The thing is, I’ve been sick. I mean very sick.’
The gravity of his condition was further highlighted in the 2024 documentary, Phil Collins: Drummer First, where he confronted the harsh reality that he can no longer play the drums—an instrument he has mastered since he was 5 years old.
‘It’s still kind of sinking in a bit,’ Collins admitted, as reported by the New York Post. ‘I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.’
The physical toll of a lifetime spent behind the drum kit has been severe. Collins has been candid about the impact on his hands and legs, saying, ‘If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything.’
The In the Air Tonight singer’s health has been a growing concern for years. In 2017, he was diagnosed with drop-foot, a debilitating condition that affects the ability to walk, stemming from a back operation. His mobility has been further compromised, necessitating the use of a cane since undergoing major neck surgery in 2015.
Collins’s son, Nic, who has taken up the drumming mantle in his father’s stead during live performances, reflected on the invincibility musicians often feel until their bodies say otherwise.
‘Musicians, people in bands in general had this thought that they were invincible,’ Nic said in the documentary. ‘But you don’t know it’s gonna take a toll in the long run.’
Despite the setbacks, Collins’s humour remains intact. During his final show with Genesis at London’s O2 Arena in March 2022, he quipped about having to find a ‘real job’ amidst his health battles. Yet, the reality is that his condition has put a full stop on his ability to perform as he once did.
Phil Collins’s legacy as an eight-time Grammy winner is untouchable, with hits that have become the soundtrack to many lives, including Sussudio, Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), and You’ll Be in My Heart. His influence on music and the unique sound he brought to the industry will continue to resonate with fans around the world.
His openness about his health challenges serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the toll that pursuing one’s passion can take on the body.
At YourLifeChoices, we send out best wishes to Phil Collins and anyone else facing similar health challenges.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—how has music shaped your life, and how do you cope with the changes that come with ageing?
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