Introduction
Phil Collins: “I’m Terrible at Retirement”
For many artists, the idea of retiring from the spotlight is an opportunity to rest, reflect, and enjoy life away from the demands of touring. For Phil Collins, however, retirement has been more of a revolving door than a final curtain call. Despite repeated announcements that he was stepping away from the stage, the legendary singer, drummer, and songwriter admits that he has never been particularly good at staying retired.
“I’m terrible at retirement,” Collins has confessed more than once, a statement that feels almost like an unofficial motto. His career has been a series of comebacks — each one fueled by an irresistible pull toward music. Even when health issues, including serious nerve damage and back problems, limited his ability to play drums, Collins found ways to return, often with a microphone in hand instead of drumsticks.
Collins’ first attempt at retirement came in 2002, after decades of relentless work with Genesis and as a solo artist. At the time, he wanted to focus on raising his young children and enjoying a quieter life in Switzerland. Yet, within a few years, he was back — contributing to film soundtracks, working on memoir projects, and even joining Genesis for a reunion tour in 2007. The joy of performing proved too powerful to resist.
His most recent comeback was perhaps the most surprising. In 2015, Collins announced yet again that he was “retired no more,” launching the Not Dead Yet tour in 2017. The title was both humorous and defiant, acknowledging the rumors about his health while proving that his voice — soulful, emotive, and instantly recognizable — remained strong. Despite needing to perform seated due to physical limitations, audiences around the world welcomed him back with sold-out shows and standing ovations.
Part of Collins’ struggle with retirement comes from his deep connection to music as a form of communication. From the driving beats of “In the Air Tonight” to the tender ballads like “Against All Odds,” Collins’ songs have always been personal. For him, stepping away isn’t just about leaving the stage — it’s about silencing a part of himself that has been active for over five decades.
Even now, as he deals with ongoing health challenges, Collins hasn’t entirely ruled out future musical projects. While large-scale tours may no longer be possible, the possibility of studio recordings or special performances still lingers. Fans, too, hold onto hope, knowing that Collins’ “goodbye” has never been truly final.
Ultimately, Collins’ self-proclaimed failure at retirement is less about indecision and more about passion. Music has been the constant thread in his life, surviving changes in the industry, personal trials, and the passage of time. For Phil Collins, it’s not just a career — it’s who he is. And perhaps that’s why, no matter how many times he says he’s stepping away, there will always be a part of him ready to return, proving once more that he’s not done yet.