Music icon Phil Collins recently reflected on the emotional impact of having to retire from playing the drums, a passion he's pursued since childhood. In a new documentary by Drumeo, "Phil Collins: Drummer First," filmed in late 2022, Collins discusses his lifelong dedication to music and the difficult decision to step away from performing. He admitted that the reality of his 2022 retirement is still sinking in, describing the inability to play as a "shock" after a lifetime spent behind the kit.
Collins, now 73, received his first drum set at the age of 3 and quickly developed a natural talent. He joined Genesis in 1970, embarking on a decades-long career of recording and touring. However, the physical demands of drumming eventually took their toll. Collins acknowledges the impact on his hands and legs, revealing the extent of the physical strain.
His son, Nic Collins, also a drummer, provides insight into the mindset of musicians in the '70s and '80s, referencing bands like The Who and Led Zeppelin who often pushed their physical limits for the sake of their performances. Nic believes this "invincible" mentality contributed to his father's current health issues. He describes Collins' back problems, exacerbated by years of drumming and posture issues, as well as "drop foot," a condition that has resulted in a loss of sensation in one of Collins' feet, affecting his ability to operate the drum pedals.
Collins now relies on a cane for mobility and has accepted the reality of his drumming limitations, stating his preference to refrain from playing altogether rather than perform at a diminished capacity. He expresses hope that he might regain the ability to play someday, but acknowledges the possibility that his drumming days are behind him. In a 2009 interview, Collins had already alluded to the physical challenges of drumming, revealing that he had to tape drumsticks to his hands to manage the pain caused by spinal cord compression.
Fellow musician Leland Sklar, who collaborated with Collins on his solo work, expresses a shared hope for a potential return, while acknowledging the severity of Collins' health challenges.
Collins' final performance with Genesis took place on March 26, 2022, at London's O2 arena, marking the end of an era for both the band and the iconic drummer.
