Phil Collins has shared a poignant update about his health in the new documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, released on December 18. The 73-year-old music legend revealed that he can no longer play the drums, a skill that defined his illustrious career.
“I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” Phil admitted, reflecting on his decades as a drummer for Genesis and his solo tours.
Phil retired from drumming after his final performance with Genesis in March 2022. He explained, “If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything. If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it.”
His son Nic Collins, who has been playing drums in place of his father during recent tours, shared insight into the toll Phil’s passion took on his body. “Musicians, people in bands, had this thought that they were invincible,” Nic said. “But you don’t know it’s gonna take a toll in the long run.”
Phil joined Genesis in 1970 as their drummer, later becoming the lead vocalist. The band went on hiatus in 2000, briefly reuniting in 2006 and again for a final tour in 2022. His last performance featured Nic on stage and his daughter Lily Collins in the audience.
The documentary sheds light on Phil’s legacy as one of the greatest drummers in music history while highlighting the emotional challenges of stepping away from the instrument he loved. Fans can watch Phil Collins: Drummer First to explore his journey.
