Phil Collins, the iconic Genesis drummer and Grammy-winning solo artist, has revealed shocking details about his ongoing health battles in a rare interview with MOJO magazine. The 74-year-old music legend admitted, “I’ve been sick. I mean very sick,” while explaining why he hasn’t returned to studio work despite multiple retirement comebacks.
Collins officially retired from drumming in 2022 after nerve damage and physical limitations made it impossible to grip drumsticks properly. During Genesis’ final “The Last Domino Tour,” he performed vocals from a chair while his 23-year-old son Nic Collins took over drum duties. This poignant father-son collaboration was documented in December’s Phil Collins: Drummer First film, where the rock star reflected: “I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums; I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit”.
**Recent Developments**
– Despite selling over 150 million records worldwide, Collins confirmed he hasn’t released new original music since 2002’s Testify
– His Swiss studio remains untouched as he battles undisclosed health issues: “I keep thinking I should go downstairs…but I’m not hungry for it anymore”
– Medical experts speculate his condition relates to degenerative nerve damage exacerbated by decades of intense drumming
The music icon’s influence continues through younger artists like Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins, who called him “a master drummer,” while critics reassess his legacy following 2023 Rock Hall of Fame debates. Collins remains one of only three artists (with McCartney and Jackson) to sell 100+ million albums both solo and with a band.
