When it comes to music legends, only a few manage to capture the hearts of generations with their talent and timeless hits.

Phil Collins, the legendary musician whose name is synonymous with iconic drum solos and the unforgettable voice behind hits like 'In the Air Tonight' and 'Another Day in Paradise’, has recently given fans a rare and candid insight into his ongoing health struggles.



In a new documentary titled Phil Collins: Drummer First, which premiered on YouTube, the 73-year-old Genesis star opened up about the physical toll his illustrious career has taken on his body and the emotional impact of facing his limitations.

Phil Collins has been a fixture in the music industry for over five decades, and his influence on the world of rock and pop is immeasurable.


Collins, who began playing drums at the tender age of five, has reached a point where the very act that propelled him to stardom is now nearly impossible due to his health issues.

‘It’s still kind of sinking in a bit,’ Collins said. 'I've spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.’

The physical demand of drumming ‘has taken its toll on his hands and legs’, leading to a condition known as drop foot, which impairs his ability to lift the front part of his foot.

This, coupled with a significant surgery on his neck back in 2015, has made drumming an insurmountable challenge.

‘If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,’ Collins explained.

‘If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it,’ he shared. ‘But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles.’



In March 2022, Phil Collins announced his retirement from the band Genesis, a decision that was met with a mix of sadness and understanding from fans around the world.

His son, Nic Collins, who has taken up the mantle as the drummer for Genesis, also featured in the documentary, reflecting on the perception that ‘musicians, people in bands in general, had this thought that they were invincible.’.

Nic highlighted the long-term consequences of his father's dedication to his craft, saying, ‘I think that’s really what it is with my dad—is just this kind of sense of ‘you’re a drummer, you’re invincible, you do what you do.’

‘But you don’t know it’s gonna take a toll in the long run.’



The documentary also touches on the emotional aspect of Phil's journey.

In a previous interview on BBC Breakfast in September 2021, he expressed his frustration at his physical limitations, saying, 'I'm kind of physically challenged a bit, which is very frustrating 'cause, you know, I'd love to be playing up there with my son.'

‘I can barely hold a stick with this hand, so there are certain physical things which get in the way.’

When asked if their reunion tour, The Last Domino? Tour signalled the end of the group, Phil admitted, ‘We’re all men of our age, and I think—to some extent—yeah, it probably is putting it to bed.’

‘Just generally, for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore,’ he added.

You can watch the documentary below:


Have you faced similar challenges in your own life? How have you adapted to changes in your health as you've gotten older? Share your experiences in the comments below.