PHIL Collins has shared a heartbreaking new health update as he admitted he feels like ‘I’ve used up my air miles’.
The Genesis singer, 73, opened up on his deteriorating health in a new documentary series about his life.
5
5
In the two-hour special, Phil reveals how years of bashing drum sets has physically impacted his body.
The In The Air Tonight singer’s hands, feet and body have suffered from decades of entertaining crowds.
Phil said: “If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack of it.
“But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles.
“It’s still kind of sinking in a bit.
“I’ve spent all my life playing drums.
“To be suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.
“If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything.”
During the special called Phil Collins: Drummer First, viewers also hear from his son Nick, who now plays with Genesis.
He candidly says how his dad had “big surgery on his neck that stemmed from all those years playing drums and bad posture”.
Over the years Phil has sustained an injured vertebrae in his upper neck which has led to crippling nerve damage.
He sparked concern among fans during his last ever Genesis gig in March 2022 when he performed in a wheelchair.
Genesis guitarist and bassist Mike Rutherford said last year: “As you know, Phil is a bit… He’s much more immobile than he used to be, which is a shame, but at the tour, he was in good spirits.
“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.”
Phil is the father of five children, including Emily In Paris star Lily Collins.
5
5
How old is Phil Collins and what are his health problems?
SUPERSTAR musician Phil Collins is known around the world thanks to his incredible songwriting and drumming talents.
But behind closed doors he has been battling ill health and been divorced three times.
Phil Collins is an English singer and instrumentalist, who is best known for being the drummer in the rock band Genesis.
The star was born in West London on January 30, 1951, and is 70 years old.
Phil’s career in the entertainment industry spans five decades, having started out as a child actor.
He is estimated to be the second wealthiest drummer in the world, beaten only by Beatles legend Ringo Starr, and has a net worth of £198M.
Having enjoyed a wealth of success in the 80s and 90s, Phil’s later years have been plagued by ill health.
Over the years he has sustained an injured vertebrae in his upper neck which has led to crippling nerve damage.
He also has acute pancreatitis – whereby the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen over a short period of time.
Phil also suffers from “foot drop” which sees him now wearing orthopedic shoes.
Phil has been married three times.
His ex wives are:
- Andrea Bertorelli (1975 to 1980)
- Jill Tavelman (1984 to 1996)
- Orianne Cevey (1999 to 2008)
He has five children, Lily, Simon, Joely, Nicholas and Matthew.