Back in 2021, Phil Collins went on the show BBC Breakfast and explained that he would be singing on stage during his upcoming tour with the band Genesis, but he would not be playing the drums. Instead, his son Nic Collins would be playing the drums. This wasn’t just a way to add his son to the band. No, Collins explained that he was physically unable to hold a drumstick with one of his hands due to nerve damage from back surgery he had in 2015. He said, “I’d love to but you know, I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. So there are certain physical things that get in the way.”
The tour dates were finally set after having been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but before the tour even started, Collins believed it very well might be the last time the band toured together. He explained, “We’re all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed. I think yeah, I think just generally for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore.”
Fast forward to March 2022, and Collins officially announced that he would no longer perform live on stage again. He was seated in a chair on stage, which is how he has had to perform during the tour due to health issues. He said into the microphone, “Tonight is a very special night. Of course, we’re playing in London, and it’s the last stop of our tour.” The audience cheered, and Collins continued, “And it’s the last show for Genesis.” The audience booed and clapped at the same time, but the booing quickly changed to cheering.
After her dad’s announcement, Collins’ daughter, Lily Collins, wrote on Instagram, “Tonite marks the end of an era. To have witnessed this last show was truly the memory of a lifetime and an event I shall hold in my heart forever. Endlessly grateful doesn’t begin to do it justice. So much love was left on that O2 stage and an even bigger amount shared between an audience who didn’t want it to end.”
Do you think deciding not to tour was the right decision for Genesis? Do you think Collins’ health issues, such as not being able to play the drums, played into this decision?