Phil Collins provides rare update on his health, revealing he has been very ill.
Phil Collins has recently shared his struggles with his health and how it has impacted his passion for music. The iconic musician, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight,” made the difficult decision to retire from playing the drums in 2022 due to health issues that made it challenging for him to continue. Despite having considered the idea of returning to his studio to work on new music, Collins admitted in a recent interview with MOJO magazine that his health has prevented him from doing so.
“I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore,” Collins said. “The thing is, I’ve been sick. I mean very sick.” This candid insight into his health struggles sheds light on why he has not released any new music since his solo album “Testify” in 2002 and the covers album “Going Back” in 2010.
During Genesis’s final tour in 2022, Collins performed from a chair while his son Nic took over the drums. The emotional toll of not being able to play was evident in the documentary “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” where Collins expressed his shock at the sudden reality of not being able to continue doing what he loved. Playing the drums since the young age of 5, Collins attributed his physical limitations to the toll that years of drumming had taken on his hands and legs.
Reflecting on his current state, Collins shared, “If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything.” His outlook on his health condition addresses the challenges he faces, including a 2015 neck surgery that impacted his ability to play. Despite his love for music, Collins has come to terms with the physical limitations that prevent him from pursuing his musical passion as he once did.
The raw honesty and vulnerability displayed by Phil Collins in discussing his health challenges offer a rare insight into the emotional and physical struggles that have accompanied his musical journey. While his iconic status in the music industry remains unchanged, his decision to step away from making new music serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and well-being above all else. As fans continue to support and admire his contributions to rock music, Phil Collins’ legacy as a talented musician and performer shines brightly, even in the face of adversity.