Phil Collins: ‘I’m really bad at retiring’ | Sunday night

Introduction

Still Not Done: The Musician Who Can’t Quite Say Goodbye

For many artists, retirement is simply a word — one that sounds definitive but rarely sticks. In the world of music, where creativity and performance are often as vital as breathing, stepping away from the stage is easier said than done. Few embody this paradox as vividly as legendary performers like Phil Collins, who once quipped, “I’m really bad at retiring.” But he’s far from alone.

Whether it’s the roar of the crowd, the rhythm of the band, or the feeling of something left unfinished, many iconic musicians find themselves returning to the spotlight after announcing their farewells. It’s not always about fame or money — more often, it’s about purpose, identity, and the lifelong relationship with music.

For decades, [insert musician’s name] has shaped the sound of a generation, producing timeless hits and captivating live audiences around the world. So when they first announced their retirement, fans were stunned — and, frankly, skeptical. After all, this wasn’t the first time an artist had said goodbye, only to return with a tour, an album, or a surprise performance that reignited everything.

Behind the curtain, though, the journey isn’t always glamorous. Health issues, aging, and the emotional weight of letting go all play a role. For some, the body begins to betray the spirit — hands that once danced across piano keys now ache with arthritis, and voices that soared begin to tremble. Yet, there’s a resilience in musicians that’s hard to ignore. Performing becomes a lifeline — a way of remembering who they are and why they started.

There’s also the audience to consider. Generations of fans grow up with the music, attaching it to their lives, their stories, their emotions. The bond between performer and listener becomes deeply personal. Walking away from that isn’t just about career — it feels like abandoning a part of oneself, and the people who’ve been along for the ride.

In recent years, we’ve seen more artists embracing “partial” retirements — stepping back without stepping away entirely. One final tour, or a “last” album that somehow leads to one more. Maybe it’s not indecision, but acceptance: that music, for these artists, isn’t a job they can clock out from. It’s who they are.

Phil Collins summed it up best: “I don’t think I’ll ever retire in the conventional sense. I might stop touring, I might slow down, but music will always be part of my life.” That sentiment echoes through the industry, among legends who continue to create, perform, and inspire — even when they’ve earned the right to rest.

So maybe retirement, in music, is just another stage — not the end, but a softer verse in a lifelong song.

Video