Fans worried for Phil Collins after rare TV interview

A downcast Phil Collins revealed he can’t even hold a drumstick anymore in a rare TV appearance that has fans worried.

Phil Collins has left fans worried as he revealed he can barely hold a drumstick anymore in a rare interview.

The music legend, who has sold more than 250 million records worldwide as a solo artist and member of rock band Genesis, has been plagued with health issues in recent years.

Now aged 70, Phil told BBC Breakfast that he can no longer play the drums at all.

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.”

Phil Collins speaks to the BBC: “Physical things get in the way.”

When asked if he could still play his favoured instrument, he answered: “No. No, I would 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.”

Genesis are gearing up for a UK reunion tour this October and November with Phil’s son Nic playing the drums.

Phil previously described the gigs as “putting it to bed” and he stood by his downbeat analysis this morning.

He said: “Well, you know, you say things as we are all men of our age and I think to some extent, yeah, I think it probably is.”

Collins on stage in Brisbane in 2019. Picture: AAP/David Clark

Viewers were saddened to see the musician looking frail.

One wrote on Twitter: “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!”

Another posted: “Aww just seen Phil Collins on BBC Breakfast. He doesn’t look at all well.”

A third said: “Wow. Watching Phil Collins speak, again, what a reminder to live life to the full and awareness of our time on earth.”

The 80s icon has had a spate of health issues since a spinal injury in 2007.

He injured vertebrae in his upper neck which led to crippling nerve damage.

Collins on stage in 2016. The star’s health has declined in recent years. Picture: AFP PHOTO / GETTY

He also had acute pancreatitis – where the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen over a short period of time.

The condition, caused by heavy drinking, nearly cost him his life, with Phil previously saying: “My organs were kind of f****d. It was spirits, corrosive stuff.”

He realised he was just hours away from death when he heard the doctor ask his family if his will was in order.

Phil also suffers from “foot drop” which sees him now wearing orthopaedic shoes.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.