Mike Rutherford, the guitarist for Genesis, spoke with BBC Daybreak during which he was questioned about legendary bandmate Phil Collins, who has recently struggled with his health.
The well-known musician has lately had trouble keeping his health up. Since sustaining nerve damage from a spinal injury in 2007 the singer, 72, has struggled with health problems.
Collins’ condition on whether or not he could still play was the question for Rutherford. He answered, “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.”
Collins would perform while using a stick to navigate around during the band’s final tour. His son Nic was present to play the drums in his stead while he sang the songs. Collins claimed nerve damage as a result of back operation in 2017. Phil commented, “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.”
Genesis‘ final performance was in March 2022, and Collins made remarks from the platform. Collins has acknowledged that he no longer feels the need to go on the road, even though no new tour dates have been revealed.
News of him retiring due to health concerns was there all the way back in 2011 too. Collins initially disputed the reports of his retirement, but he later told his supporters that he wanted to put his family first and take a break from his extremely demanding job. Nic Collins revealed details about his father’s upcoming chapter in a recent conversation.
He told, “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?”
Collins may not be active anymore, but his legacy will always live on in the thoughts and hearts of music lovers everywhere. Collins’ singular approach to drumming influenced numerous generations of young drummers who were moved by his work. Collins achieved unprecedented success with Genesis as well as a solo artist. He also went beyond the music business and established himself as a true icon.
