Phil Collins makes emotional return to the drum kit after years of suffering debilitating spinal injury

Drumming legend Phil Collins has revealed his thoughts on the future in a new interview. Photo / Supplied

Legendary drummer and Genesis frontman Phil Collins has revealed it was “still kind of sinking in” that he may never play drums again in an emotional new documentary filmed at his drum kit.

Collins, 73, hasn’t been near a kit since he handed the reins of his drumming legacy over to son Nic in 2022 during the Genesis farewell tour, retiring from touring after years of debilitating back pain because of a spinal injury.

Titled Phil Collins: Drummer First, the documentary sees Collins, with sticks in hand, reflect on his monumental career and health troubles from a drumming perspective.

“I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock,” he told interviewers.

The Easy Lover singer also admitted it “felt strange” to hold a pair of drumsticks again after not doing so for two years.

“I’m not a singer who drums a bit,” he said, “I’m Phil Collins, and I am a drummer.”

Reports of Collins' last concert appearances sparked concerns for his health.

Fans at the Genesis reunion shows in 2022 reported the rocker was in “desperate need of a rest” and looked “frail”.

His health has been in decline over the past 15 years as he continues to struggle with the effects of his upper neck injury, as well as a bout of acute pancreatitis.

“The drumming has taken its toll on my hands and legs,” the Grammy-award winner said in the new documentary.

Collins' drumming colleagues such as Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy and John Legend drummer Rashid Williams, as well as Nic Collins, all feature in the documentary.

Most conveyed their shock and sadness at the legend’s retirement.

“It breaks my heart. I was first a fan of his drumming and was shocked at how he slayed behind the instrument,” Whitesnake drummer Tommy Aldridge said.

“It’s terribly sad that somebody so talented and someone so good at that has had it taken away from them,” Ed Sheeran collaborator Mark Pusey said.

Phil Collins has opened up about his future as a drummer in a heartbreaking new documentary. Photo / Supplied

Collins, known for his commitment to his craft, also revealed he would prefer to give the best performance he could than disappoint fans.

“If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” he said.

He also hasn’t fully discounted that there could be a glimmer of hope.

“If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles.”

From 1970 to 1996, Collins was a valued member of Genesis, playing drums, percussion, and performing vocals on albums and concerts. The group reunited in 2006 and last performed in 2022.

He also found widespread fame in his solo career in the 1980s when he released No 1 hits such as In the Air Tonight, Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now), Sussudio and Another Day in Paradise.

Phil Collins had multiple No 1 hits in the 1980s. Photo / WireImage

Collins was last in New Zealand in 2019, for a special performance at Napier’s Mission Estate Winery concert, where he was mostly sitting in a chair and using a walking stick.

Despite his visible ailments and lack of drumming, the singer was described as having a “powerful” voice and put on an “amazing concert”.