Frail Phil Collins, 70, is forced to SIT on stage as Genesis reunion tour kicks off after admitting he can ‘barely hold a drumstick’
- The I Can’t Dance hitmaker performed his best-loved hits during his band’s first live performance since their Turn It On Again Tour thirteen years ago
- The star has been seen using a wheelchair after undergoing back surgery following a fall in his bathroom in 2017
- In April 2009, Phil had surgery to repair dislocated vertebrae in his upper neck, which occurred while drumming on the 2007 Genesis tour
- In a tragic turn of events, the operation caused him to lose feeling in his fingers and could only hold drum sticks if they were taped to his hands
- In 2010, Phil stated he was suffering depression and had even debated suicide but stopped himself at the thought of his children
Phil Collins remained seated on Monday evening as Genesis’ The Last Domino? reunion tour kicked off in Birmingham amid the singer’s health concerns.
Taking to the stage at the city’s Utilita Arena, the talented musician, 70 – who has suffered with health issues over recent years – stayed in his chair during the entire show.
The I Can’t Dance hitmaker leant against a microphone stand while performing his best-loved hits during his band’s first live performance since their Turn It On Again Tour thirteen years ago.
Talented: Phil Collins was back in his element on Monday evening as Genesis’ The Last Domino? reunion tour continued in Birmingham
In his element: The musician threw his arms into the air while on stage
It follows a BBC Breakfast interview earlier in September, where he confessed to no longer being able to play the drums.
Twitter was awash with worry from viewers and fans, who noted his weakened state as he was interviewed about Genesis, during which he said: ‘No [I can’t still play the drums]. I’d love to. But I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand.’
The star’s health woes have been well-documented in recent years and he has been seen using a wheelchair after undergoing back surgery following a fall in his bathroom in 2017 and various mobility issues followed.
Rocking out: Phil rocked out on stage and appeared delighted to be back performing
Main man: Taking to the stage at the city’s Utilita Arena, the talented musician, 70 – who has suffered with health issues over recent years – remained seated during the entire show
Comeback: It marked the band’s first live performance since their Turn It On Again Tour thirteen years ago
Taking a bow: The group took a bow as their adoring fans cheered them on
Bandmates: Phil joined his bandmates Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks in waving to the crowds
Beaming: Mike and Tony beamed from ear to ear while belting out hits
Easy does it: Phil slowly made his way around stage with a cane
Staying hydrated: Phil kept a bottle of water on a table next to him in a bid to stay hydrated
Tambourine: The music icon banged away on a tambourine
He attended the wedding of his daughter Lily to Charlie McDowell over the weekend, however it is unclear when the BBC interview was filmed.
Speaking on-screen, he said: ‘I’m kind of physically challenged a bit, which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son…
‘No [I can’t still play the drums]. I’d love to. But I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. There are certain physical things that get in the way…
Staying warm: Phil stayed warm on stage in a zip-up jacket
Animated display: Phil still put on an animated display for his loyal fans
Having a blast: Phil seemingly had a blast throughout the much-anticipated performance
Visuals: The performance featured impressive visuals
Shocking: The show follows a BBC Breakfast interview earlier in September, where he confessed to no longer being able to play the drums.
‘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 any more.’
Twitter users penned: ‘Saw Phil Collins on tv this morning and he looked really old that’s a bit sad isn’t it… Shocked and sad to see #PhilCollins physical health and wish I could see #Genesis ‘Put to Bed’ U.K. tour…
‘First fell in love with Genesis in the mid 80s as a teen, progressing to Phil Collin’s unique multi-gifted musical genius as a solo artist. Come to Bristol or Cardiff….
‘Saw Genesis being interviewed on the box this morning, Phil Collins doesn’t look too well… Just watched the #Genesis piece on ‘@BBCBreakfast, Phil Collins looks in a very bad way…
Concern: Fans flooded Twitter with tweets detailing the appearance
Changes: Speaking on-screen, he said: ‘I’m kind of physically challenged a bit, which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son’
‘I’ve just seen Phil Collins on TV looking so frail says he can lo longer hold a stick to drum he was sat down singing at a concert how sad this is…
‘Aww just seen Phil Collins on bbc breakfast. He doesn’t look at all well… Just saw Genesis on the news. Phil Collins looks and sounds really unwell…
‘Gosh Phil Collins isn’t looking too good (sorry) , bless him , I hope they aren’t just using him for another tour. Not sure if it’s a good idea. Please take care Phil. Sending my love to you.’
Health: ‘No [I can’t still play the drums]. I’d love to. But I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. There are certain physical things that get in the way’
Congrats! He attended the wedding of his daughter Lily to Charlie McDowell over the weekend, however it is unclear when the BBC interview was filmed
MailOnline contacted a Phil’s representatives for comment at the time.
In April 2009, Phil had surgery to repair dislocated vertebrae in his upper neck, which occurred while drumming on the 2007 Genesis tour.
In a tragic turn of events, the operation caused him to lose feeling in his fingers and could only hold drum sticks if they were taped to his hands.
In 2010, Phil stated he was suffering depression and had even debated suicide but stopped himself at the thought of his children.
Way back when: Phil is pictured with his wife Jill Tavelman and daughter Lily Collins in 1991
Four years later, he revealed he still could not properly play the drums due to an undiagnosed nerve problem rather than arthritis.
In 2015, he underwent a spine operation and announced the following year that he was still unable to drum with his left hand. Doctors said he would be able to play again but only with step-by-step practice.
In January 2017, the iconic hitmaker revealed that he is a type 2 diabetic and had received treatment with a hyperbaric chamber after he developed an infected diabetic abscess on his foot.
Phil announced his comeback tour in October 2016 after coming out of retirement.
Worried: His fans were left concerned following the appearance
The musical icon had planned to kick off his return with five nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall with tickets for the shows selling out in 15 seconds. But following a fall on the way to the bathroom a year later, the British singer was forced to cancel.
In the hotel room fall he hit his head on a chair as he fell, and was forced to have stitches for a severe gash near his eye
A statement was released at the time, which read: ‘Phil suffers from “drop foot” as a result of a back operation which makes it difficult to walk.’ Since then his mobility and health problems have persisted.
Throwback: Phil looked healthier when pictured in 1984
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