Phil Collins’ Health Struggles Hinder His Musical Passion
Phil Collins, the legendary frontman of Genesis, has revealed that his health issues have dampened his desire to create new music. In a rare interview for the April issue of the U.K. music magazine Mojos, the 74-year-old musician spoke candidly about the mental block he encounters when attempting to compose.
"I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens," Collins said in an excerpt published on Mojo’s website. "But I’m not hungry for it anymore. The thing is, I’ve been sick, I mean very sick."
The interview did not provide details about Collins’ current ailments, but his health struggles have been well-documented over the past few years.
In Mojo’s cover story, which features interviews with the classic lineup of Genesis 50 years after the band’s pivotal split, Collins, Peter Gabriel, Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford reminisce about their formative years, eccentric costumes, and the complexities that made Genesis a pioneering force in rock music.
Gabriel, who rejoined the band for their final show at London’s O2 Arena in March 2022, commented on Collins’ physical condition: "Phil wasn’t in as great a shape as he used to be, but they did a great job."
Collins’ drumming career has taken a significant toll on his health. His last original works were released in 2002’s "Testify," while 2010’s "Going Back" featured covers of Motown and soul classics that had inspired him in his childhood.
In the documentary "Phil Collins: Drummer First," released in December 2022, the musician and his son, Nic Collins, discussed the impact that decades of performing had taken on his health.
Nic, who helped produce the documentary and occasionally performs alongside his father, revealed that Collins had sustained multiple injuries over the years. Chronic pain in his back and neck, as well as poor posture, were attributed to his extensive drumming career. Additionally, Collins underwent major neck surgery.
Nic also disclosed that his father suffers from drop-foot, a condition that impairs the ability to lift the front part of the foot. "In one of his feet, he has like no sensation," Nic explained. "Which is why he can’t really play drums and why he has to walk with a cane, because he doesn’t have that control that he used to anymore."
Collins’ inability to perform at his former level has led him to step away from drumming. "If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything," he told the filmmakers. "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 added.
Genesis embarked on their final tour in 2021, their first in the U.S. since 2007. Throughout the tour, Nic replaced his father on the drums while Collins performed seated.
In an interview with USA TODAY in 2022, Banks and Rutherford hinted that The Last Domino? tour would likely be their final venture as a group. "We’d always say never say never, but there comes a point," Banks said.
"We thought the 2007 tour would be the end, and this was never planned, so it was a nice thing to have happened," he added. "But it’s important to know when to stop something."
As Phil Collins grapples with his health challenges, his enduring legacy in music remains. His contributions to the legendary Genesis and his solo career have left an immeasurable impact on the rock genre. The passion and determination that once fueled his musical endeavors may have waned, but his spirit and influence will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
