With more records sold than any other artist in history, Phil Collins is only surpassed in popularity by Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney.
But now that he has said goodbye to them in an emotional farewell show, where he quipped that he would now need to get “a real job,” his horde of admirers around the globe are devastated.
He announced his retirement from playing at his farewell gig at London’s O2, when he was joined on stage by Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks of Genesis, due to chronic health concerns.
After COVID-19 caused a postponement of their “The Last Domino?” Tour, the band had come back together. After a 14-year break from live performances, the last tour was announced.
After the performance, Collins appeared much thinner. He quipped to the audience, “After tonight we’ll all have to get real jobs.” Collins stood with his bandmates.
Collins had a dislocation of his top neck vertebrae while playing drums on the 2007 Genesis tour, which required surgery in April 2009.
He lost sensation in his fingers after the surgery, and the only way he could hold drum sticks was if they were strapped to his hands. Since 2015, he has been using a cane. His health problems made him feel worthless and depressed. He acknowledged in September of last year that he had trouble holding a drumstick, and that his son Nicholas Collins would handle the drums.
The renowned musician made a hint that this might be his final tour when he appeared on the BBC Breakfast Show.
“I mean, I can hardly hold a stick with this hand, but I would really love to.” Therefore, some physical obstacles get in the way,” he stated, possibly hinting that this may be his final tour.
Collins remarked, “We’re all men of our age, and I think it probably is putting it to bed to some extent.” “Yes, I believe that generally speaking, I’m not sure if I want to drive anymore.”
Given his musical prowess, it’s difficult to imagine Collins didn’t begin his career as a child actor before landing his first significant role in the West End production of Oliver!
After six years, in 1970, he joined Genesis as their drummer. When Peter Gabriel left the group in 1975, he took over as lead singer.
Collins answered a newspaper ad from the band, who was looking for a drummer, when he was 19 years old.
Following his employment, the band continued to grow, putting out five studio albums and embarking on US tours. Following the departure of lead singer Peter Gabriel, the band held 400 auditions before selecting Collins.
“I felt vulnerable. Phil Collins, the band’s main singer, told LouderSound, “I’d lived my entire life behind the security blanket of a drum kit, and suddenly there was nothing except a microphone stand.”
Additionally, the band sounds different up front. It sounds uncomfortable to hear a different kind of balance up front. To be honest, I didn’t want the position.
“I desired to remain the drummer.” Every Monday, we held auditions for five or six persons, and I would instruct them on what needed to be done. I would teach them some ancient songs, like “Firth of Fifth” or anything, and I would finish up sounding better than everyone else, he said, as we were writing “A Trick Of The Tail.”
And thus [the book of Genesis] was like a family. Is this someone someone we want in our family? Will he be able to blend in with our methods? Regardless, we were unable to locate anyone and were left with me.
He became one of the most popular singers of the 1980s after going solo. After appearing at two fundraising events for Africa in a matter of hours, he made headlines.
Collins played at Wembley Stadium at a single Live Aid event that raised more over $150 million for famine relief for African countries. A few hours later, he took off on a Concorde and flew to Philadelphia to perform for the charity.
He did make a comeback to acting, first starring in the film Buster, which was based on the Great Train Robbery, and then appearing in Miami Vice. Collins’ two hits from the soundtrack peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
The 71-year-old acknowledged last year that he doesn’t practice at home. He gave his farewell performance sitting down.
“I don’t take any action at all. I don’t even practice singing at home. In September, Collins stated to the Guardian, “Practice is what you do.”
“I had to do it this way because these folks are always making fun of me for not doing something. Naturally, things alter when I’m sick and when I perform the show seated. However, I discovered that during my most recent solo performances, the audience continued to listen and engage. Although it’s not how I would have written it, it is what it is,” he went on.
Whether or whether he is able to tour, this legend will always be cherished for the mountains of labor he has done over the years. We hope the best for him.