Singer-drummer Phil Collins says his health is declining; can barely hold drum sticks


Phil Collins has been seen using a wheelchair ever since his back surgery in 2017. Photo: Reuters

Singer Phil Collins made a guest appearance on BBC Breakfast on Thusday (Sept 9) and revealed that his health is declining, so much so that he is no longer able to play the drums anymore. "I'd love to. But I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand," he shared.

The 70-year-old said it was frustrating to be physically challenged as he longed to perform alongside his son, Nicholas Collins. It was previously announced that Nicholas would be taking over his father's place behind the drums in the band Genesis.

Collins had announced back in 2016 that he would be coming out of retirement and had a comeback tour planned the next year. The tour sold out after just 15 seconds and was set to kick off at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Unfortunately, Collins suffered a fall in 2017 which forced him to cancel the tour entirely. The fall had resulted in him having to undergo back surgery. The British drummer had to use a wheelchair to get around ever since, as the fall caused various issues with his mobility.

The 2017 surgery wasn't his first. In 2019, he had surgery to repair a dislocated vertebrae in his neck which he suffered while on tour with Genesis. This operation had also caused Collins to lose the feelings in his fingers.

Later in 2015, the Another Day In Paradise singer went for another operation, this time for his spine after still not being able to play the drums from the inability to feel the fingers on his left hand.

Collins’ daughter, Emily In Paris actress Lily Collins wedded director Charlie McDowell over the past weekend, which the singer had also attended.

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