In a new interview on BBC Breakfast, Mike Rutherford mentioned the health struggles of bandmate Phil Collins. The influential musician has recently been struggling to maintain his health.
When asked about his condition to play with the band, Rutherford said (via The Independent), “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”.
On the group’s farewell tour, Collins would sing and be seen walking with a stick to move around. Although he sang the songs, his son Nic was on hand to play the drums in his place. Collins had cited nerve damage after undergoing surgery on his back in 2017, saying (via CNN), “I’d love to, but you know, I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. So there are certain physical things that get in the way. I’m kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son”.
Rutherford said that Nic stepping in for his father was the best solution, saying, “it was really nice to have the two of them side by side”. The last Genesis gig took place in March of 2022, with Collins remarking from the stage (via Rolling Stone), “Tonight is a very special night. It’s the last stop of our tour. And it’s the last show for Genesis… After tonight we’ve all got to get real jobs”.
While no new tour dates have been announced, Collins has confirmed that he doesn’t feel the need to take to the road anymore, saying, “We’re all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed. I think just generally for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore”.
In 2011, there were widespread reports about Collins’ retirement due to health concerns. Although Collins initially denied the retirement rumours, he later told his fans that he wanted to focus on his family and take a step back from his intensely demanding career. During an interview last year, Nic Collins opened up about the next chapter in his father’s life.
While talking about the change in pace, Nic said (via Rolling Stone): “I also do think that my dad is probably excited about the next step in his life. Music has given him so much, but he’s also given so much to it. His career has pretty much determined his life for the past 50 years. I think for him to be able to take a step back and not have that pressure that he’s had for decades, I think is going to be nice for him. For me, I think that was that, but who knows?”
Although Collins might not be active anymore, his legacy has undoubtedly been immortalised in the hearts and minds of music fans all over the world. Achieving unprecedented success with Genesis as well as a solo artist, Collins’ unique approach to drumming inspired multiple generations of young drummers who were moved by his work. He also transcended the music industry and became a bonafide icon, working with directors such as Steven Spielberg.
The recipient of almost every imaginable prestigious accolade – ranging from the Grammys to the Oscars, Collins has solidified his place in the pantheon of the greatest musical talents of his generation. Even though he has achieved almost everything there is to achieve, Collins still misses the drums. After the 2022 Genesis gig, Nic Collins revealed: “I know that my dad misses playing the drums, and I know the fans wish they could see him. I wish he could play as well.“
