Introduction
Phil Collins Opens Up About His Health: “I’ve Been Very Sick”
For decades, Phil Collins has been a towering figure in the world of music. With his unmistakable voice, unforgettable melodies, and powerful presence behind the drum kit, he’s earned a place among the legends. But in recent years, Collins has faced a different kind of challenge — one that has nothing to do with stages, awards, or sold-out arenas. It’s a personal and painful battle with his health.
In a series of candid interviews and during his 2021–2022 “Genesis: The Last Domino?” tour, Collins shocked fans by revealing just how serious his condition had become. “I’ve been very sick,” he said plainly, his voice filled with both vulnerability and quiet strength. “I can barely hold a drumstick anymore.”
The news hit hard for fans who grew up watching him pound the drums with unmatched energy. Collins, now in his early 70s, suffers from a combination of nerve damage, back issues, and diabetes-related complications. After undergoing surgery on his spine in 2009 and again in 2015, he was left with limited mobility in his hands and legs. The once-vigorous performer now often sings seated, supported by a cane, with his son Nic Collins taking over drumming duties on tour.
Despite these physical limitations, Collins hasn’t lost his spirit. “I miss playing the drums,” he admitted. “That’s what I’ve always done. But I’m still here. I’m still singing. That means something.”
Indeed, his resilience has inspired millions. Far from fading quietly into retirement, Collins has continued to perform in recent years — not out of obligation, but out of love. Love for music, for his fans, and for the joy it brings him.
But there’s no denying the toll it’s taken. During the Genesis farewell tour, audiences noticed how frail he appeared, sitting for the entirety of the shows, sometimes visibly exhausted. And yet, every night, he gave what he could, delivering emotional renditions of classics like Follow You Follow Me, Invisible Touch, and In the Air Tonight. The applause wasn’t just for the music — it was for the courage.
Phil Collins has never shied away from honesty in his lyrics, and now, in his personal life, he shows that same raw openness. “Aging is hard. Illness is hard. But I’m grateful,” he said. “Grateful I can still do this, even in a small way.”
As fans reflect on his remarkable career, the image of a man who refuses to quit despite pain becomes part of his legacy. Phil Collins isn’t just a legendary musician — he’s a symbol of endurance, humility, and grace in the face of adversity