Phil Collins Admits He’s Lost the Drive for Music
Phil Collins, the legendary voice and drummer behind Genesis, has revealed that his passion for making music has faded. In a recent interview with Mojo, Collins confessed that while he occasionally considers heading to his studio, the creative spark just isn’t there anymore.
“I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens,” he shared. “But I’m not hungry for it anymore.”
A Career Halted by Health Struggles
Beyond his waning motivation, Collins’ health battles have significantly impacted his ability to return to music. “The thing is, I’ve been sick—very sick,” he admitted. Over the years, a series of medical issues have taken their toll.
His struggles began in 2007 with spinal surgery, and by 2014, nerve damage left him unable to play the drums. Then, in 2017, a fall at home led to multiple surgeries and further restricted his mobility.
By 2021, Collins publicly acknowledged how drastically these challenges had altered his abilities. “I can hardly hold a drumstick with this hand, so there are certain physical things which get in the way,” he explained. In March 2022, he officially retired from drumming, calling the transition “a shock.”
A Bittersweet Farewell to Performing
Despite his health setbacks, Collins joined Genesis for their The Last Domino? farewell tour in 2022, though he performed seated while his son, Nic Collins, took over on drums. It was a poignant passing of the torch, marking the end of an era for one of rock’s most celebrated musicians.
As for new music, it’s been over two decades since Collins released an original solo album—his last being Testify in 2002. His most recent work, Going Back (2010), paid tribute to classic Motown hits.
For now, it seems the chapter of creating new music has closed for Collins. While fans may still hope for a resurgence, the legendary artist appears at peace with stepping away from the spotlight, leaving behind a catalog that has already shaped generations of listeners.
