Concerns about Phil Collins’ health have intensified after the legendary musician, who has been described as “crippled,” expressed his desire to continue working despite enduring severe medical challenges that led him to retire from touring and drumming.
RadarOnline.com reports that Collins, 75, known for his success as the Genesis frontman and as a solo artist in the 1980s and 1990s, shared in a recent interview his thoughts about re-engaging with music from his home studio. This comes after he officially stepped back from live performances following Genesis’ final tour in 2022.
The singer and drummer has faced years of spinal injuries, nerve damage, multiple surgeries, and worsening mobility issues. Earlier this year, he confirmed that he now needs a 24-hour live-in nurse and is dealing with kidney problems related to past alcohol use.
A source close to Collins indicated that his recent remarks have caused concern among those around him due to the evident impact his health issues have had over the years.
The source stated: “People around Phil worry because he keeps pushing himself mentally even though his body has been through so much. They hear him talking about wanting to work again and it immediately sparks fears about how fragile he has become, and that he could push himself into an early grave.”
Even though Collins has officially retired from touring, he maintains a strong drive to create music and continues to think about writing and recording new material.
He remarked: “I’m constantly saying to myself, ‘I’ve got to go back down into my studio at home.'”
Collins added: “There are things that I can get my teeth into to start working on.”
Although he can’t currently envision returning to the rigors of touring, he mentioned that his health has improved compared to previous years and he might eventually “contemplate” hitting the road again.
He noted, “I can’t really see” himself back on tour. However, Collins added: “I’m healthier now than I have been for quite a while. Whether or not I would go out again… I would contemplate.”
Another source close to Collins mentioned that he remains emotionally tied to performing despite acknowledging the physical challenges from his illnesses.
They commented: “Phil spent his entire life working, recording, and touring. Even now, after everything he’s gone through, he still struggles to let go of the idea of creating music because it’s been his identity for more than 50 years.”
Collins recently appeared publicly at Buckingham Palace with his former wife Jill Tavelman and is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.
In his latest interview, the Grammy-winner disclosed that he declined an invitation to perform at the induction ceremony, citing his physical limitations.
He stated: “They asked me if I would perform and I said, ‘No.’ You’ve gotta be match fit to do something like that.”
Collins continued: “You can’t just go onstage.
“You’re gonna have to rehearse, and then by that point, if you’ve not been singing, your voice is gonna be shot, and then that’s not gonna be good.
“I’d rather not do it.”
Earlier this year, in a podcast interview, Collins explained that a spinal injury he sustained in 2007 resulted in severe nerve damage, rendering him unable to play drums properly.
He later developed “drop foot” after surgery, a condition that makes it challenging to lift the front part of his foot.
In the documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, Collins reflected on the emotional toll of losing his ability to perform as he once did.
He shared: “I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”
Collins added: “If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks then I’ll have a crack at it.
“But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles.”
