Phil Collins May Never Drum Again
- Posted on Sep 10th 2009 3:00PM by John D. Luerssen
- Comments (40)
Phil Collins says he may never play drums again after an operation to repair dislocated vertebrae in his neck has left him unable to hold his drumsticks. Surprisingly, the Genesis drummer/frontman and solo star -- who is also unable to play the piano -- has taken an optimistic position about his predicament."Stuff happens in life," the 58-year-old Collins told the Daily Mirror at a Prince's Trust party earlier this week. "There isn't any drama regarding my 'disability' and playing drums. Somehow during the last Genesis tour I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck and that affected my hands."
"After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can't function normally," Collins explained. "Maybe in a year or so it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano. I am not in any 'distressed' state -- stuff happens in life."
Collins reveals the damage was a result of his poor drumming posture during Genesis' 2007 World Tour, which caused his vertebrae to crush his spinal cord. In April 2008, Collins announced his musical retirement, telling the London Times that he had no plans to tour or make another album. He said he would be spending much of his time tending to his Alamo memorabilia collection but would continue to write songs, simply because he didn't know how to stop.
Reader Comments(1 of 2)
Genesis 1992at 9-13-2009
I saw Phil at the Genesis show at Ohio State University in 1992. He is one of the greatest and most revolutionary drummers of all time. Whether in Genesis or Brand X or in his solo career or whatever he's shown that he's got various talents in playing many instruments, singing, music writing, acting (Miami Vice, Buster, A Hard Day's Night, etc. - he's a trip), producing and more. He's a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to entertainment and I hope he recovers from this completely. But even if he can never drum again he still has many God-given talents to utilize and he's got a sunny perspective of the situation. We always will need multi-talented stars like Phil Collins, his work will always shine.
Jat 9-13-2009
I saw him in 1980, and was a big "classic" Genesis freak. I'm glad you mentioned "Brand X". You're also a Freak! Hearing Phil sing Sanskrit lyrics (Sun in the night) on Moroccan Roll is a treat. My best wishes and prayers to him for a speedy recovery.
Jesat 9-13-2009
I've never been a Phil Collins fan, but I really do hope that he recovers and is able to play the drums again. He is a very talented musician. I wish him the best in his recovery.
Sashaat 9-13-2009
I happen to find this man incredibly handsome.
Back to topic: I hope Phil recovers soon. Many blessings.
Bonnieat 9-13-2009
I have always been a Phil Collins fan and wish him a speedy recovery. I,too,have had neck surgery to remove a herniated disc from my spinal cord...(C5-6 to be exact),and had it replaced with a cadaver bone. It did take a while to recuperate. When getting an MRI on the area today it still shows scarring on my spinal cord,but I have full mobility,not too much pain and almost 100% use of my arms and fingers. Phil...it will take awhile but you'll come back as strong as ever !!!
Caroleat 9-13-2009
I, too, had an operation on my cervical spine due to a car accident. It's been over ten years and I have yet to recover my hand and arm strength. I had a lot of physical therapy with almost no results. I certainly hope that is not the case with Phil.
Michaelat 9-13-2009
That is so sad, considering music is the life of this musician. It seems like, from what he stated here, he's taking it well. Of his music, I really remembered and like 'Against All Odds'. Hopefully he can overcome and beat the odds. Best Wishes Phil.
Rockinat 9-13-2009
Thats the saddest thing i ve ever read about "the" finest musician Ive ever seen on the stage
time heals everything
ERICat 9-13-2009
PHIL GAVE US NOTHING BUT THE BEST AS A PERFORMER! I WISH HIM NOTHING BUT THE BEST FOR HIS HEALTH & FUTURE.
Reat 9-13-2009
That is sad.....to be so passionate about something and not be able to express it is just very sad.
Reat 9-13-2009
Thank you Phil for all the years of enjoyment....You are a true talent I wish you nothing but the best.
pj stocktonat 9-13-2009
Phil,
You've inspired me to learn the drums, you are a master at your craft. We met some years back, you're gentleman with great humor. Take care of yourself. My best to you and for your health and happiness.
Jat 9-13-2009
Sad. I hope he can recover quickly.
art uncapableat 9-13-2009
good riddance,genesis was never the same since peter gabrial left,bring him back
Steven Hashimotoat 9-13-2009
Your comments reveal your ignorance. Although I was never a Genesis or Phil Collins fan, whenever any musician becomes physically incapable of performing music it's a tragedy. Since I must assume that you are a fan of music of other kinds, you reveal that you are immature and ignorant of the true nature of music and of musicians. I would bet that every true musician in the world sympathizes with Collins' plight, and the fact that you do not shows that you are neither a musician nor a true lover of music.
The Reflexat 9-13-2009
I too am a big fan of Peter Gabriel, and I doubt Mr. Gabriel has such nasty feelings towards Mr.Collins. I hope Phil recovers from his injury. I'll even keep him in my prayers. But then "art uncapable" probably has a spite issue against prog rock and new wave. Just another Troll pretending to be someone, trying to start a rift in something it hates. Go away greedy glory. You've killed us! What more do you want?
TNT1976at 9-13-2009
I'm a huge Peter Gabriel fan, too. I read somewhere that Peter and Phil are cousins. Though I'm not as great of a fan of Phil's, I do wish him the best. Talented musicians seem to run in the family and it's a shame to be unable to express yourself using your God-given talents.
flat topat 9-13-2009
I liked Phil's music back in the day, both solo & with Genesis. But with the way he's treated all three of his wives - or so I've heard - let's just say I love the smell of karma in the morning.
Floydgenesisnutat 9-13-2009
Flat top you stupid son of a bitch! What next you saying David Gilmour losing Rick Wright was coming to him. Phil retired from music last year when he told The London Times and announced at his Ivor Novello Awards that he was quitting music to be with his two sons. His first marriage crumbled because his first wife CHEATED on him whilst he was touring with Genesis on the And Then There Were Three Tour in 1978. Second marriage was ruined partially thanks to his first wife hooking Phil up with an ex-girlfriend from his school days. His third marriage it was Orianne who gold dug Phil. Those marriage things are paled to his ex-bandmate Steve Hackett whose ex-wife is trying to take Steve to cleaners claiming she owned his music. I pray and hope Phil can get back into drumming and playing the piano again. Surgery takes time to heal. In the last two years, both Genesis and Pink Floyd ended. Will be one year Tuesday when Rick Wright passed away.
APat 9-13-2009
I don't wish Phil Collins anything bad...whatever happened in his marriages is in the past and that has nothing to do with his current condition. If you feel karma is playing a part in any of this, be careful who you call your friends. That's not an admirable train of thought you convey...and as for the person who commented "good riddance"...tha same to you. Phil isn't dead, he's just in a state where he can't play the drums or piano due to nerve damage. Anyone who wishes such things on anyone deserves to deal with the same issues themselves...tenfold. My personal take on the parting oif Peter Gabriel and Genesis was, and still is, great. I liked both Peter and Genesis better after the split...and we got that much more music out of them all...all of it quite admirtable in my humble opinion. I don't see anyone as being any better or worse for it. Get better Phil, your REAL fans appreciate you and wish you all the best.