Phil Collins Opens Up About His Health Struggles at 74: The Impact of Losing His Drumming Ability

Phil Collins’ health has taken a serious turn. At 74, this legendary musician is feeling the effects of years spent performing.

In a recent chat with Mojo magazine, he mentioned, “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore. The truth is, I’ve been very sick.”

Collins last performed with Genesis in March 2022 during their “The Last Domino?” Tour. His former bandmate, Peter Gabriel, attended the concert. Even though he didn’t play, he wanted to witness the end of an era. Gabriel noted, “Phil wasn’t in as great a shape as he used to be, but they did a great job.” During the show, Collins sang while seated, with his son, Nic, handling the drums.

Just seven months later, they discussed their challenges in a documentary titled “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” released on YouTube in December 2024. In it, Collins opened up about the reality of no longer being able to play the drums, saying, “I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”

Collins started drumming at the age of five. The hard work over decades has affected his hands and legs, leading to some tough decisions. He expressed, “If I can’t do what I did as well, I’d rather relax and not do anything.”

Nic also shared insights about the toll of being a musician. He said, “Musicians often think they’re invincible.” He added that his dad’s years of playing drums and his bad posture caused significant health issues over time. Phil has dealt with severe nerve damage since a spinal operation in 2007 and even underwent neck surgery in 2015 due to those long-term effects.

Phil also has drop foot, which makes it hard for him to lift his foot while playing, complicating his drumming career. During an interview, he remarked that he could barely hold a drumstick in one hand. His mobility currently remains uncertain, but he has been using a cane to help him walk.

In an interview from September 2021, a few months before stepping away from music, he noted that his physical challenges were growing. “I’m physically challenged a bit, which is frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son,” he said. “I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore.”