Phil Collins Shares Sad Health News, Says He Can ‘Barely Hold’ a Drumstick
Phil Collins, the legendary drummer and frontman of Genesis, has shared heartbreaking news about his health, revealing that his physical condition has deteriorated to the point where he can “barely hold” a drumstick. The 74-year-old music icon, known for his powerful voice and iconic drumming, opened up during an interview that has left fans around the world emotional.
Over the past decade, Collins has battled a series of health setbacks, including issues with his back, nerves, and mobility. After undergoing back surgery in 2009 and again in 2015, he developed nerve damage that severely affected his ability to play drums — the very craft that propelled him to stardom in the 1970s and ’80s. In recent years, he’s often performed seated, and during Genesis’s farewell tour, his son Nic Collins took over drumming duties onstage.
In a candid conversation, Collins admitted, “I can barely hold a stick with this hand, so there are certain physical things which get in the way.” His voice carried a mix of acceptance and sadness — a man who once commanded the stage with explosive energy, now humbled by the fragility of his own body.
The news comes as Genesis concluded their final tour, “The Last Domino?” which was intended to be a celebration of the band’s legacy. Fans were thrilled to see the trio — Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford — back together after over a decade, but it was impossible to ignore Collins’ visibly frail appearance onstage. He often performed from a chair, using a microphone stand for support, and needed assistance to walk.
Still, despite his physical challenges, Collins remained determined to give his fans a meaningful farewell. “I don’t really do anything on the road,” he previously joked, but his presence alone was enough to bring stadiums of fans to tears. Each night, as the familiar beats of “In the Air Tonight” echoed through the arenas, audiences cheered, not just for the song — but for the resilience of the man behind it.
Collins’ struggles serve as a sobering reminder of how time can reshape even the most towering of talents. Once known for performing both vocals and drums simultaneously — a rare feat in rock music — he is now navigating a new chapter of life marked by physical limitation.
Despite the challenges, Collins remains grateful. “I’m lucky I can still sing,” he said. “That’s something.” While drumming may be behind him, his voice — raw, soulful, and instantly recognizable — continues to connect with millions.
For fans, the news is bittersweet. Phil Collins’ music shaped a generation, and his vulnerability now only deepens their admiration. Though he may never drum again, his legacy is already carved in the rhythms of rock history — and in the hearts of those who grew up with his sound.
