Phil Collins: Not Hungry for Music After Being Very Sick

Phil Collins, the legendary drummer of Genesis, graced the stage during “The Last Domino Tour” at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland on October 7, 2021. A recent update from Collins regarding his health has brought mixed news for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

In an interview with Mojo magazine, Phil shared that he had considered rekindling his passion for drumming, a hobby that has been both challenging and rewarding throughout his career. However, despite these fleeting thoughts of returning to the drums, Collins’ condition remains unchanged, leaving him unable to pursue this path once more.

According to Collins: “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens,” he told Mojo. He also added that although he has never lost his love for music entirely, his current health situation is a significant deterrent. “But Im not hungry for it anymore, he continued. The thing is, Ive been sick. I mean, very sick.”

Collins’ health issues stem from a spinal injury sustained in 2007 that has caused severe nerve damage and limited mobility, making the act of drumming incredibly challenging. To provide further insight into his condition and struggles, Collins starred in a December documentary titled “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” where he revisited his drums for the first time in years.

In this revealing project, which premiered on Drumeo’s YouTube channel, Phil admits that losing his ability to play has been profoundly shocking. Its still kind of sinking in, he says. “Ive spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”

Collins’ son, Nic Collins, sheds light on the physical toll years of intense drumming took on their father’s body throughout his illustrious career. During Genesis farewell tour in 2022, Nic stepped up to play drums instead of Phil during shows where Phil performed sitting down due to health constraints.

In an interview within the documentary, Phil further elaborated: “If I cant do what I did as well as I did it, Id rather relax and not do anything. If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then Ill have a crack at it. But I just feel like Ive used up my air miles.”

As Phil continues to navigate his health journey, fans are left hoping for any positive turn in his condition that might allow him back behind the drums one day.