Phil Collins fans hail ‘absolute legend’ as he admits ‘it’s still sinking in’ he can no longer play drums

FCHY, SWITZERLAND: Rock legend Phil Collins recently revealed the reason why he can no longer play the drums. While talking about his retirement, he admitted, "It's still kind of sinking in a bit."

Drumeo dropped a documentary titled 'Phil Collins: Drummer First'. It is an in-depth look at the drumming roots of Collins, who began playing professionally in the late 1960s.

The documentary, which was filmed in late 2022, covers Collins' lifelong love of music, including his decision to give up performing, according to Fox News.

Phil Collins reveals drumming has 'taken a toll on my hands and legs'

Phil Collins, while talking about his retirement, said, "It's still kind of sinking in a bit. I've spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock."

The 73-year-old musician shared in the documentary that he received his first drum as a gift when he was only 3 years old, and he instinctively took to it, per the outlet.

He added that as he grew older, he continued playing and spent decades recording and touring after joining Genesis in 1970. He mentioned that the physical strain of playing turned out to be too much.

Collins said, "The drumming has taken a toll on my hands, legs."

His son, Nic Collins, who is also a drummer, explained that back in the 1970s and '80s, musicians felt like they were "invincible," citing The Who and Led Zeppelin as examples of other rock acts that pushed themselves hard for good shows.

"So, I think that's really what it is with my dad, this kind of sense of ‘You’re a drummer, you're invincible, you just do what you do', but you don't know it's going to take a toll in the long run," Nic said.

Nic described the back problems his father has had for years, some of which he attributes to aging, but added that the problems have been exacerbated by drumming and "bad posture".

The junior Collins also revealed that his father has a "drop foot", also known as "foot drop", which has left the 'Another Day in Paradise' singer with "no sensation" in one of his feet.

Notably, that is the reason why Collins walks with a cane nowadays, and why he can no longer play drums as he can't use that foot to control the pedals.

Collins said in the documentary, "If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything. If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I will have a crack at it."

The legendary drummer added, "I just feel like I've used up my air miles."

Fans recall Phil Collins’ stellar career

Several Phil Collins fans recalled the legendary drummer's iconic career after the release of his new documentary where he revealed that he can no longer play the drums due to health crisis.

One user said, "Phil Collins is one of my favorite musicians of all time. No one connects me back to the 80's like this man!"

Another said, "Phil's drum solo on in the air tonight is absolutely legendary!!!!.."

A person also stated, "I am 72 and I watched Genesis live in 1973... LEGENDS!!" whereas one mentioned, "I will always be grateful and blessed that I got to see Phil Collins in LA at Staple center in 2004 with my older brother who passed away in 2016. We had such an amazing time at the show! Phil was a master class. Concerts these days can’t compare to a Phil Collins show."

A user wrote, "As a 80's kid, I loved listening to him. and I still do today."

Another commented, "Absolute legend. His legacy is in good hands through his son, Nic."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online