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What happened to Phil Collins and why he retired in 2022?
The iconic British artist from the band Genesis closed a chapter of more than five decades of career.
Phil Collins is a 73-year-old British musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He is known worldwide both for his solo career and for being the drummer and later the lead vocalist of the rock group Genesis. His talent and versatility made him one of the most notable artists of his generation, with a career spanning more than five decades. In 2022, he retired from music and the main cause is the complicated health situation he has faced for years.
Born on January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London, Collins showed an early interest in music, learning to play the drums from a young age. As a teenager, he participated in various school bands before dedicating himself completely to music.
His first major appearance on the music scene was as the drummer for Genesis in 1970, after a successful audition. With Genesis, Collins was initially noted for his skill on drums, but in 1975, after the departure of vocalist Peter Gabriel, he assumed the role of lead singer and ushered in a new era for the group.
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Under his leadership, Genesis reached new levels of commercial success. The band adapted their progressive sound to a pop-oriented approach. This not only expanded his fan base, but also paved the way for Collins’ solo career, which would begin in the early ’80s.
In 1981, Collins released his first solo album, “Face Value,” which included the hit “In the Air Tonight.” This track, famous for its drum solo, became an instant hit and defined Collins’ signature sound. That sound was a fusion of pop, rock and R&B elements, accompanied by introspective lyrics. This success was consolidated with the release of successive albums, such as “Hello, I Must Be Going!” (1982) , “No Jacket Required” (1985) and “…But Seriously” (1989).
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Collins remained a towering figure in pop music, racking up numerous chart hits and receiving several awards, including multiple Grammys.
In addition to his music, Collins also ventured into film and television, both as an actor and composer. His contribution to the soundtrack of the Disney film “Tarzan” (1999) earned him an Oscar for Best Original Song for “You’ll Be in My Heart.” Beyond his solo career and with Genesis, Collins has collaborated with a wide variety of artists and participated in charity projects and events, such as the Live Aid concert in 1985.
What happened to Phil Collins?
On 26 March 2022, at a final concert at London’s O2 Arena career, the band announced their retirement and thus marked the end of their live. The reason behind this decision is Collins’ complex health situation, which has prevented him from facing the rigors of world touring.
The origin of Phil Collins’ health problems dates back to 2007, during a Genesis reunion tour, when he suffered a spinal injury. The next surgeries were in 2009 and 2016 and sought to alleviate nerve damage caused by a dislocated vertebra.
Bandmate Mike Rutherford, noted that these interventions left Collins “more immobile” than ever. In 2016, Phil Collins admitted in a press conference that he could no longer play the drums as before and described his inability to regain his ability despite efforts.
The inability to hold his drumsticks without pain after a fifty-year career led Collins to retire from live drumming after his first surgery. Later in 2016, he underwent a second operation that allowed him to perform one last tour, “Not Dead Yet ,” in 2017, and thus passed drum duties to his son Nicholas, who received praise for his talent.
Phil Collins’ official retirement from live performances was announced alongside Genesis’ final tour, affected by health issues and the COVID-19 pandemic that delayed numerous dates. Collins’ physical limitations led him to perform shows sitting down and face difficulties rehearsing and maintaining his voice. Despite these obstacles, the singer found a new way to connect with his audience.
Collins’ health complications continued to worsen. His reduced mobility, compounded by “foot drop” after his back surgery in 2016, and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes , have significantly limited his ability to perform. Added to this is a fall in 2017 that required hospitalization.
Genesis’ last concert in 2022, while an emotional moment for the band and fans, symbolized the end of an era. Mike Rutherford and Nicholas Collins expressed mixed feelings about the retirement. Although Mike highlights Collins’ positive attitude and his enjoyment of time at home, Nicholas suggests that, although it may possibly be the end, the door is never completely closed.
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Throughout his career, Phil Collins has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. His influence on pop music is indisputable. He left a legacy that includes a vast discography and a mark on generations of musicians.
