Phil Collins has had a long and successful career as a drummer, but the toll it has taken on his body has forced him to retire from drumming. After decades of rocking out with Genesis and on solo tours, Collins, now 73, has had to face the reality that he can no longer play the drums like he used to.
In a recent documentary titled “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” released by Drumeo, Collins opened up about the impact years of drumming have had on his hands and legs. He announced his retirement from drumming in March 2022 after his final performance with Genesis, citing the strain on his body as the reason for stepping back from the drums.
Collins expressed his love for drumming but acknowledged that he has “used up [his] air miles” and can no longer perform at the level he once did. His son, Nic Collins, reflected on his father’s career, noting that many musicians of Collins’ generation didn’t consider the long-term effects drumming would have on their bodies.
In addition to the wear and tear from drumming, Collins has also faced health challenges, including neck surgery in 2015 and drop-foot, a condition that has affected his ability to play. Despite these physical limitations, Collins remained involved in music, transitioning to a lead vocalist role with Genesis and passing on the drumming duties to his son, Nic.
Collins hinted that the recent Genesis tour could be his last, as he contemplates retiring from life on the road. He joined Genesis in 1970 as the drummer and has been a key member of the band throughout its various iterations. The band went on hiatus in 2000 but reunited for the “Turn It On Again Tour” in 2006 and most recently for “The Last Domino? Tour” in 2021.
After his final show with Genesis, Collins’ daughter Lily Collins shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for the memories and the opportunity to witness her father’s musical legacy. Collins has children from multiple marriages, including sons Simon and Matthew and daughter Joely. Despite his health challenges, Collins’ impact on the music industry and his family remains profound.
