Introduction
Phil Collins Admits: “I’m Terrible at Retirement”
For decades, Phil Collins has been a defining voice in music, both as the drummer and lead singer of Genesis and as a solo artist with a string of global hits. But while his songs have endured, Collins himself has struggled with the idea of stepping away from the stage. In a candid conversation, the legendary musician recently admitted, “I’m terrible at retirement,” revealing that even after announcing his departure from touring multiple times, the lure of performing continues to pull him back.
Collins’ retirement announcements have been almost as famous as his comebacks. He first stepped away from music in the early 2000s, citing health concerns and a desire to focus on family life. At the time, he was dealing with nerve damage in his hands, which made drumming—his first love—painful and difficult. “I thought it was time to let it go,” he recalled. “But the truth is, music never really lets go of you.”
Despite his intentions, the calls from fans and fellow musicians kept coming. Genesis’ 2007 reunion tour was supposed to be a “one last time” event, but a decade later, Collins returned to the stage for his Not Dead Yet solo tour in 2017. The title itself was a tongue-in-cheek nod to the fact that he simply couldn’t stay away. “Every time I say I’m done, I start missing it,” Collins confessed. “It’s not just the music—it’s the connection with the audience, the energy, the feeling that for a couple of hours, we’re all part of something special.”
Collins’ struggle with retirement isn’t just about fame or nostalgia. It’s also about identity. After more than 50 years in the industry, performing is deeply woven into who he is. “When you’ve been doing this your whole life, it’s hard to know what ‘retirement’ even means,” he said. “I don’t play golf, I’m not one for sitting around. Music has always been my work and my joy.”
Still, Collins is realistic about his physical limitations. In recent years, he has performed seated on stage, unable to drum due to his ongoing health issues. His son, Nic Collins, has stepped in on drums, carrying the family legacy forward. “Watching Nic play is a joy,” Collins said proudly. “It’s like seeing a younger version of myself, but better. He’s the reason I can still go out there—because he brings that power to the music.”
As for whether retirement will ever truly stick, Collins smiles and shrugs. “Maybe one day. Or maybe not. I’ve learned not to make promises I can’t keep. I just know that as long as I can sing, as long as people want to hear it, I’ll keep coming back.”
For Phil Collins, retirement isn’t a destination—it’s a pause button he keeps forgetting to press. And for his fans, that’s not a bad thing at all.