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WHEN appearing on the BBC on Wednesday, (01/21), 2026, Phil Collins expressed his frustration at the loss of physical independence and the heavy burden he is currently carrying. The father of star Lily Collins said medical assistance is now an inseparable part of his daily life.
“I have a nurse who lives here 24 hours a day because I can’t do much of anything on my own anymore,” said Phil Collins.
Quoted from US Magazine, Collins’ declining health is a long-term impact of his career as a professional drummer. He has undergone at least five knee operations. However, the procedure was not able to completely restore his mobility and he only had one functioning knee.
In addition to knee problems, the “In The Air Tonight” singer also suffers from severe nerve damage to his hands and chronic spinal problems. This nerve problem forced him to stop playing drums. “I could barely hold a drumstick with this hand. There were certain physical obstacles that were in the way,” Collins said in an interview describing how much impact the injury had on his musical career.
Focus on Recovery in Retirement
Quoting from People, Collins has completed his Genesis farewell tour in 2022, now fully focused on pain management and quality of life in his old age. The presence of a medical team at his house was arranged to ensure the musician received quick treatment, especially to help with motor movements which are currently very limited.
Even though he had to spend his retirement with full medical assistance, support from his family, including his son Nic Collins who replaced him on drums on the last tour, became a strength for the musician. This news also answers fans’ questions about the reason Collins continued to appear using a wheelchair in recent years before finally deciding to take a complete break from the world stage. [tempo.co/photo special]
