In a recent documentary series, “Phil Collins: Drummer First,” Phil Collins, the 73-year-old Genesis drummer and solo artist, has disclosed that he is no longer able to play drums due to decades of performing. He received his first drum at age three and embarked on his professional journey at five, kindling a passion that would last over half a century.

“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,” Collins shared in the documentary.

Throughout his career, the musician has incurred various injuries. His health issues started in 2007 with a dislocated vertebrae in his neck, resulting in initial nerve damage to his hands. In 2015, his son Nick Collins disclosed that his father had undergone significant neck surgery due to poor posture from drumming, leading to additional nerve damage. Apart from these issues, Collins also suffers from a condition known as “drop foot” that necessitates the use of a cane for movement and the wearing of orthopedic shoes.

“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,” Collins stated.

In March 2022, Collins gave his final Genesis concert in London, England, from a wheelchair. His son Nick has since assumed drumming duties for the band, while Collins served as the vocalist during their Last Domino Tour. By 2021, Collins had revealed that he could “barely hold a stick” with one hand and often had to tape drumsticks to his hands to perform.

The documentary delves into Collins’ remarkable journey from his beginnings as a child drummer to his successful tenure with Genesis, which he joined in 1970, and his subsequent solo career. His accolades include being the second wealthiest drummer globally, trailing only Ringo Starr from the Beatles, with a net worth estimated at over $250 million. He also won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2000 for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Disney’s “Tarzan.”

Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford provided an update on Collins’ current situation: “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.”

In addition to his neck and mobility challenges, Collins also battled acute pancreatitis, which necessitated that he abstain from alcohol for several years. Currently, he can enjoy a few glasses of wine without any issues. His son Nick offered insight into the mindset of musicians in the ’70s and ’80s, noting that they often felt “invincible,” leading to excessive physical exertion.

Collins’ musical legacy continues through his family, with Nick performing with Genesis and Lily Collins, his daughter, finding success as the star of “Emily in Paris.” Lily paid tribute to her father on social media at his final concert, terming it as “the memory of a lifetime” and expressing endless gratitude for his inspiration.