Introduction
In 2016, Phil Collins made headlines with a rare and honest interview on BBC Breakfast, marking his return to the public eye after years away from music. The music icon, known for his unforgettable hits like In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds, and Another Day in Paradise, sat down with BBC presenters to talk about his decision to come out of retirement, his health struggles, and his personal battles.
At the time, Collins had been out of the spotlight for nearly a decade, having announced his retirement in 2011 due to health issues, including nerve damage that made it difficult for him to play the drums. On BBC Breakfast, he admitted, “I never thought I’d come back. I thought I was done. I couldn’t drum anymore, I had back surgery, my hands weren’t working properly. I thought that was it.”
Yet, Collins surprised the world by announcing his return with a new compilation album, The Singles, and the promise of live performances. Speaking about the motivation behind his comeback, Collins shared how deeply he missed music. “It got to the point where I was watching documentaries about other musicians and thinking, ‘I miss it, I should be doing this,’” he said.
The BBC Breakfast interview also touched on personal issues. Collins spoke openly about his battles with alcohol after his retirement, admitting it was a difficult chapter in his life. “When I stopped working, I didn’t have anything to do. I became too fond of drinking,” he admitted. “But I’ve put all of that behind me.”
Despite his health issues, Collins was optimistic about returning to the stage. “I won’t be playing drums like I used to — my son Nic will be taking over — but I will be singing, and I’m excited about that,” he told the BBC. The announcement that his teenage son Nic Collins would play drums for him on tour quickly became a major talking point, with many fans moved by the father-son partnership.
The interview highlighted Collins’ humble and down-to-earth attitude. When asked about his incredible success — over 100 million albums sold as both a solo artist and as part of Genesis — Collins remained modest. “I never expected any of it,” he said. “I’m just lucky that people liked what I did.”
Collins also shared warm memories of his time with Genesis and his solo career but admitted that the time off made him realize how important music was to his life. “I’ve been given a second chance to do what I love, and I’m going to enjoy it,” he said with a smile.
The 2016 BBC Breakfast interview marked an emotional and inspiring return for Phil Collins. It reminded fans of his resilience, his honesty, and his undeniable love for music. As Collins stated during the interview, “I’m back because I simply love what I do, and there’s more to give.”