Music legend gives heartbreaking update on deteriorating health - 'I've used up my air miles'
Rock band Genesis singer, Phil Collins, has opened up in a honest chat about his deteriorating health in a brand new documentary series on his life. The 73 year old music icon, who had worldwide musical acclaim with hits that have spanned generations from In The Air Tonight to Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now), last performed two years ago in a wheelchair, sparking concern amongst his loyal fans.
In the two-hour show, the legend shared a heartbreaking confession, admitting that he feels as though he has 'used up my air miles' and how bashing on the drums over his decades in the music industry has physically impacted adversely on his body. Speaking about how his hands, feet and body have suffered from years of entertaining large crowds, he said: "If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack of it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles. It’s still kind of sinking in a bit. I've spent all my life playing drums.
"To be suddenly not be able to do that is a shock. If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything."
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The special, called Phil Collins: Drummer First, also features Phil''s son Nick, who now plays with Genesis, too. Fans can hear Nick explain that his dad needed major surgery as a direct impact of being in music. He said: "He had big surgery on his neck that stemmed from all those years playing drums and bad posture." Ove the years, Phil suffered from an injured vertebrae in his upper neck which in turn has left him with crippling nerve damage.
He also has 'foot drop' which means he has to wear orthopedic shoes, and acute pancreatitis - where a person's pancreas becomes swollen and inflamed over time.
Fans have been keeping a watchful eye over Phil after upsetting scenes of him performing during his last ever Genesis gig in March 2022, performing in a wheelchair. Last year, Genesis guitarist, bassist and close friend of Phil's, Mike Rutherford said: "As you know, Phil is a bit… He’s much more immobile than he used to be, which is a shame, but at the tour, he was in good spirits.
“He’s fine now at home, enjoying life. He’s worked so hard over the years. I think he’s enjoying his time at home."
Younger generations will know Phil's famous actress daughter, Lily Collins, famous for her role in hit show Emily in Paris. He also has four other children. He is estimated to be the second wealthiest drummer in the world, only beaten by Beatles icon Ringo Starrr, and has a net worth of £198m.
