Phil Collins' former Genesis bandmate Steve Hackett reflected on the drummer's heartbreaking health battle that led to his retirement.
Genesis' fans received a heartbreaking update from Collins when Genesis marked the last stop of its The Last Domino? Tour at the O2 Arena in 2022. Due to his health issues, the drummer decided to step down from his career as a musician and announced his retirement from the music industry.
The "In the Air Tonight" singer has not shared a new update after that show, but his bandmate said he did not deserve the things that had happened to him.
Phil Collins' Health Deteriorated Over The Past Years
In his interview with The Telegraph, Collins' bandmate opened up about the drummer and showed "visible emotion" while sharing his feelings and thoughts.
"I mean, my God. I'll always love Phil," said Hackett. "Sorry, I'm without words. He doesn't deserve what happened to him."
Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks joined Collins in his final Genesis show. Nic, Collins' son, stood in for him in some numbers.
Collins left Genesis in the 1980s to pursue a solo career. He became one of the most sought-after solo musicians afterward, but he still returned to where his heart belongs: with his band.
However, his 2007 injury took a toll on his health and eventually injured his upper neck's vertebrae and left lasting nerve damage.
Collins' other bandmates previously shared more details about his deteriorating health. In March 2023, Peter Gabriel told Uncut that the "Against All Odds" singer did not look as healthy as he could remember him when he watched the O2 Arena show.
Meanwhile, Mike Rutherford added that Collins became much more immobile than he used to be.
"He's fine now at home, enjoying life. He's worked so hard over the years. I think he's enjoying his time at home," he continued.
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What Phil Collins Said About His Health and Retirement
During his interview with "BBC Breakfast," Collins admitted to being barely able to hold a stick with his hands because of his injury.
"Somehow, during the last Genesis tour, I dislocated some vertebrae in my upper neck, and that affected my hands," he said. "After a successful operation on my neck, my hands still can't function normally. Maybe in a year or so, it will change, but for now it is impossible for me to play drums or piano."
Before his final retirement, Collins took a break from music in 2011 due to health problems. At that time, his representatives debunked the claims he would retire since the drummer only wanted to quit to focus on his family.
He returned to the spotlight in 2015 and continued performing until his retirement.
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