Phil Collins health update as Genesis’s Mike Rutherford reveals pop legend is ‘much more immobile’
AN update on the health of musician Phil Collins says the star is “much more immobile” than he once was.
The legendary rock star sparked concern among fans during his last ever Genesis gig in March 2022, as he performed in a wheelchair.
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.
And issuing an update on the 72-year-old star, Genesis guitarist and bassist Mike Rutherford said: “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.”
Mike spoke about Phil’s condition as he promoted his upcoming tour with Mike + The Mechanics.
During the tour, Phil’s son Nic will be playing the drums and he’s also played the drums for their farewell tour, with the skill clearly running in the family.
Mike continued to tell BBC Breakfast: “I always support the dads because I’m this generation. Phil’s the most amazing drummer, but Nic is fantastic too. Like his dad, but a bit different.”
Phil can no longer hold a drumstick due to the nerve damage, and is forced to walk with a stick and often uses a wheelchair
The star has also spoken about how his acute pancreatitis came about, and told a press conference in 2016: “Within months you’re drinking vodka from the fridge in the morning and falling over in front of the kids, you know.
“But it was something I lived through, and I was lucky to live through it and get through it. I was very close to dying.”
The harrowing situation came to a head when he was rushed to a Swiss hospital with acute pancreatitis.
He realised he was just hours away from death when he heard the doctor ask his family if his will was in order.
Speaking to the Mirror about this ordeal Phil said: “My organs were kind of f****d. It was spirits, corrosive stuff.”
Phil is the father of five children, including Emily In Paris star Lily Collins.