Phil Collins has opened up about the full extent of his drumming injuries, and whether he’s ever likely to get behind the kit again ahead of his long-awaited comeback tour.
Yesterday saw the Genesis turned solo icon announce his long-awaited return to the stage with the ‘Not Dead Yet Tour’ – including a residency at London’s Royal Albert Hall. He’s also rumoured to appear at Glastonbury.
Speaking at a press conference at the Royal Albert Hall with Jools Holland, Collins revealed his mysterious affliction that has stopped him from playing drums.
“I’ll never play the way I used to,” he said. “Something happened on the Genesis reunion tour. At the end of each show, I had a drumming duel with Chester Thompson, and one night something happened. It just went. I tried everything – bigger drumsticks and so on, but it just never came back. It’s a mystery what happened, I just couldn’t get it back. But I’m 65 and I played drums since I was five. I’d like to have the choice about being able to play, but I’m not going to cry myself to sleep about it.
“I had back surgery a year ago, I’d messed my hips up as well. That was a year ago and as of now I have a dropped foot, which means I have no feeling in it. I walk with a cane, but I’m hoping that gets better.”
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Collins also revealed that his son Nicholas would be taking over drum duties for the upcoming tour, adding: “He’s learned from watching John Bonham, Chad Smith and me, so he’s got some balls when he plays. He takes notes very well. It can obviously be awkward when it’s family, they might not take criticism, but Nick is great at taking advice.
“We’ve played three short charity shows in Europe together, seven-song things, and the band have been very impressed with him.”
Phil Collins’ upcoming ‘Not Dead Yet’ tour dates are below. Tickets are on sale from 9am on Friday 21 October.
London, Royal Albert Hall (June 4, 5, 7, 8, 9)
Cologne, Lanxess Arena (11, 12)
Paris, Accors Hotel Arena (18, 19)