Phil Collins opens up about his declining health
He revealed he can "barely hold a drumstick"
Last updated 9th Sep 2021
Phil Collins has opened up about his declining physical health as he prepares to go on tour.
In a rare interview with BBC Breakfast, the Genesis drummer revealed that his current health prevents him from being able to play as he would like.
Detailing the challenges he faces, the 70-year-old said: "I’m kind of physically challenged a bit, which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son."
Phil, who joined Genesis in the 1970s, announced his departure from the band in 1996.
The group have since reunited on several occasions, and were due to embark on their 'Last Domino?' tour in 2020, before it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Phil's son Nicholas now drums with his father's band. His daughter Lily recently got married to Charlie McDowell.
When asked if he was able to drum at all, the 'In The Air' hitmaker added: "No. 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."
Phil was pictured using a wheelchair and a walking stick in 2019 during a rare public appearance and has previously recalled that the 'Last Domino?' tour was a way of putting the band "to bed".
He added: "Yeah, well you know, you say things. I mean, we’re all men of our age and I think to some extent yeah, I think it probably is putting it to bed.
"Just generally, for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore."
Check out these musicians and their famous children, including Phil Collins:
Ringo Starr and Zak Starkey
Zak Starkey is the son of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr. Zak's dad must have made a big impression, as Zak is now a hugely successful drummer in his own right. Zak has performed with artists including: Oasis, The Who, Johnny Marr and Paul Weller.
John Lennon and Julian Lennon
Julian Lennon was born in April 1963 to John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia and is the half-brother of Sean Lennon. He had a close bond with Paul McCartney and after his parent's divorce in 1968, McCartney wrote 'Hey Jude' to console the five year-old.
John Lennon and Sean Ono Lennon
Sean Ono Lennon is the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. He has enjoyed a career in music just like his famous father. Sean's godfather is Elton John!
Courtney Love, Kurt Cobain and Frances Bean Cobain
Frances Bean Cobain was born in 1992 to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and lead singer of Hole, Courtney Love. She is an artist, model and musician.
Bob Geldof, Peaches Geldof and Pixie Geldof
Bob Geldof had three daughters with ex-wife Paula Yates - Fifi, Peaches and Pixie. He later adopted his ex-wife and Michael Hutchence's daughter Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily Hutchence. Peaches Geldof sadly passed away in April 2014 aged 25.
Sir Paul McCartney, Stella McCartney and Mary McCartney
Former member of The Beatles Sir Paul McCartney has five children: Heather, Mary, Stella, James and Beatrice. Heather McCartney is a potter and artist, Mary is a photographer, James is a musicians and songwriter, Stella is a famous fashion designer and Beatrice is still studying!
Elvis Presley, Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie is the only child of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley! Like her father, she has pursued a successful music career as a singer-songwriter. She has been married four times, including to Michael Jackson and Nicolas Cage.
Mark Ronson and Mick Jones
Mark Ronson is a DJ, songwriter and record producer and has worked with artists including: Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Miley Cyrus. He was born in London and raised in New York City. His stepfather is Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones.
David Bowie and Duncan Jones
Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones was born in May 1971 and is the son of musician David Bowie and his first wife Angie. He is a film director, producer and screenwriter.
Berry Gordy and Redfoo
Redfoo, aka Stephen Kendal Gordy, is the youngest son of legendary Motown Records boss Berry Gordy. Redfoo is best known for being one half of musical duo LMFAO with his nephew Sky Blu, who released their hit song 'Party Rock Anthem' in 2011.
Phil Collins and Lily Collins
Lily Collins is the daughter of Genesis star Phil Collins. She is an actor and model and was recently nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2021 for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy for Netflix show Emily In Paris.
Mick Jagger and Georgia May Jagger
Georgia May Jagger is the daughter of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. and American supermodel Jerry Hall. She has three siblings from her parents and a number of half-siblings on her father's side. She is a model and designer and has worked with brands including Rimmel and Mulberry.
Noel Gallagher and Anais Gallagher
Anais Gallagher is the daughter of Oasis star Noel Gallagher and ex-wife Meg Matthews. She works as a model and photographer and has worked with artists including her dad Noel, Blossoms and Inhaler.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus
Miley Ray Cyrus (born Destiny Hope Cyrus) is the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus and wife Tish Finley. They both appeared as father and daughter in hit Disney channel series Hannah Montana. They performed together during Miley's slot at Glastonbury Festival in 2019. Billy Ray Cyrus has six children.
Lenny Kravitz and Zoe Kravitz
Zoë Isabella Kravitz is the daughter of Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet. She is an actress, singer and model and has starred in a number of movies including Fantastic Beasts, The Batman and High Fidelity.
George Harrison and Dhani Harrison
Dhani Harrison is the son of The Beatles guitarist George Harrison and wife Olivia Harrison. He is a musician, composer and songwriter.
Liam Gallagher: Lennon, Gene and Molly
Liam Gallagher has three children - Lennon, Gene and Molly. Lennon Gallagher is the eldest child of Oasis star Liam Gallagher and actress Patsy Kensit and is pursuing a career in modelling. Gene Gallagher was born in 2001 to Liam Gallagher and singer Nicole Appleton. Molly Moorish is the daughter of Liam Gallagher and Lisa Moorish. Molly only met her father in 2018 but has since taken her father's surname as Molly Moorish-Gallagher. She is a model and the subject of Liam's track 'Now That I've Found You'.
Bruce Springsteen and Jessica Springsteen
Jessica Springsteen is the second child of the 'Born to Run' hitmaker and wife Patti Scialfa. She has represented the US Equestrian team and his a show jumping champion rider.
Read more:
18 of your favourite music icons and their famous kids
Paul Young: Where is the 80s heart–throb and pop sensation now?