Introduction
“I Can Barely Hold a Drumstick”: Phil Collins, 70, Sparks Concern Among Fans
Phil Collins, one of the most iconic singer-drummers in rock history, has sparked worry among fans after admitting that his health struggles have left him unable to play the drums as he once did. At 70, the former Genesis frontman and solo superstar is confronting the realities of aging, chronic illness, and a career that pushed his body to the limits.
In a candid interview ahead of Genesis’s reunion tour, Collins revealed that physical issues stemming from back surgery and nerve damage have drastically reduced his ability to perform behind the kit. “I can barely hold a drumstick with this hand,” he confessed, raising concern about whether fans would ever again see him deliver the thunderous drumming that defined classics like “In the Air Tonight” and “Invisible Touch.”
The revelation was met with an outpouring of support on social media. Fans shared memories of his legendary performances, from his electrifying 1985 Live Aid set to his decades of chart-topping solo hits. Many expressed sadness that the man who once commanded arenas with both voice and rhythm is now physically limited. Yet, there was also admiration for his bravery in speaking openly about his struggles.
Collins’s health issues are not new. He has battled a series of ailments over the past two decades, including hearing loss, diabetes, and severe back problems. A spinal injury sustained in the early 2000s forced him to retire from drumming for a time, as it caused nerve damage that made gripping sticks extremely painful. Though he returned to the stage in the mid-2010s with his “Not Dead Yet” tour, he performed mostly seated, relying on other musicians to handle the drumming.
For Genesis fans, the 2021–22 reunion tour was meant to be a triumphant farewell. Yet even then, Collins performed from a chair, his once dynamic stage presence muted by frailty. His son, Nic Collins, took over drumming duties, allowing Phil to focus solely on vocals. The arrangement was emotional: audiences saw a father passing the torch while still lending his unmistakable voice to the band’s catalog.
Collins has made peace with his limitations, though he acknowledges the difficulty of letting go of the instrument that defined so much of his life. “I’d love to be up there playing,” he admitted, “but I just can’t do it anymore.” His words carried the weight of both resignation and gratitude—for the music he’s made, the fans who have stayed loyal, and the chance to still sing despite the challenges.
The concern surrounding Collins highlights a larger truth about rock’s golden generation: many of its greatest stars are aging, and with them go the physical abilities that once seemed untouchable. For fans, watching Collins struggle is heartbreaking, but it is also a reminder of the humanity behind the legend.
Though his drumming days may be behind him, Phil Collins’s legacy is secure. His voice, his songwriting, and his contributions to Genesis and solo music will continue to resonate. And even if he can no longer hold a drumstick, his music has already left an indelible mark on the world.