Phil Collins Issues Rare Update On His Health: ‘Taken Its Toll’

Phil Collins, the legendary drummer and frontman of Genesis, has opened up about his declining health in the newly released documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First. The film, which was released on December 18, offers a deeply personal glimpse into the life of the 73-year-old music icon, who candidly addresses the physical toll his career has taken.

“I’m not a singer that plays a bit of drums; I’m more of a drummer that sings a bit,” Collins says about himself, a statement that encapsulates his enduring identity as a percussionist first and foremost. While millions around the world know him for his chart-topping solo hits like ‘In the Air Tonight’ and ‘Another Day in Paradise,’ Collins reminds fans that drumming is the foundation of his artistry—and the source of his greatest sacrifices.

The documentary, filmed over several days at the Château de l’Aile in Vevey, Switzerland, features Collins alongside his son, Nic Collins, a talented drummer in his own right. The two reflect on Collins’ remarkable five-decade career, covering everything from his early days in Genesis and Brand X to his groundbreaking Disney soundtrack for Tarzan and his celebrated solo endeavors.

Peter Gabriel at The 29th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York USA on 04_10_2014

But what stands out most is Collins’ frank discussion of his health. “It’s taken its toll,” he admits, referring to the years of intense drumming, grueling tours, and the physical strain of live performance. Collins, who retired from touring in March 2022, has battled significant health issues for years, including nerve damage and back surgeries that have impacted his ability to play drums. He now performs seated and has handed much of the drumming responsibilities to Nic, who joined Genesis for their final tours.

“I mean, the fallacy about the ‘In The Air [Tonight]’ Phil is that it was all carefully thought out, you know, that’s the Phil that I did that particular take on that particular day,” he said. While Collins is no longer the energetic performer fans remember from the 1980s, his presence remains commanding. The documentary highlights Collins’ resilience and his passion for music, even as he navigates the challenges of aging and physical limitations. “If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” Collins explained.

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“If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles,” the drummer said.

His son Nic, who has stepped into his father’s shoes behind the drum kit, speaks movingly in the film about Phil’s influence. “I think that’s really what it is with my dad. It is just this kind of sense of you’re a drummer, you’re invincible, and you do what you do. But you don’t know it’s gonna take a toll in the long run,” Nic said.

Collins’ health struggles are not new to longtime fans. In recent years, he has been open about his battles with a series of ailments, including a spinal condition that makes it difficult for him to hold drumsticks. Despite these setbacks, the documentary emphasizes his legacy as one of music’s most influential drummers—a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of what percussion could bring to pop and rock music. As the film makes clear, Phil Collins may no longer wield the sticks, but he remains, in every way, a drummer first.

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