Phil Collins bids farewell to his last concert with band Genesis
English singer-songwriter Phil Collins announces his departure from the industry while confirming his last concert at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, March 26.
Along with his band, Genesis, 71-year-old Collins performed while sitting on a chair because he “can no longer stand or hold a drumstick.” Nicholas Collins filled in the band as the drummer, while his father is still on the vocals.
Collins was joined by bandmates, keyboardist Tony Banks and guitarist Mike Rutherford, on stage. They reunited after 14 years for one final tour called The Last Domino?.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, the hitmaker discussed the struggles he is facing while performing because of his declining physical health.
While drumming on stage during his 2007 concert, Collins dislocated his vertebrae in his upper neck. This caused him to undergo surgery but, unfortunately, the operation made him to lose the feeling in his fingers. From then on, he could only play the drums if the sticks were taped to his hands.
In 2012, he was rushed to a Swiss hospital due to acute pancreatitis with low chances of survival. But he was admitted to intensive care, before later going into rehab in Wiltshire. He also quit drinking after doctors confirmed “total damage” of his pancreas.
Actress Lily Collins paid tribute to her father on Instagram, saying “50 years of songs later and still generations more to celebrate you long after this tour has finished…” She also thanked the band and her brother, Nic.
Collins has written and sung hit songs including Against All Odds, One More Night and You’ll Be in my Heart, which won him an Oscar for Best Original Song.
