Phil Collins, 73, admits it’s ‘still sinking in’ that he will not perform again after retirement for health issues My voice never fade details here

Phil Collins has confessed he is still coming to grips with the fact that he will not be able to perform again, after his retirement in 2022.

The 73-year-old former Genesis frontman stepped away from live concerts after suffering long-standing neck and back issues.

Now the musical legend, known for his iconic drumming and powerful vocals, has starred in a new documentary, Phil Collins: Drummer First.

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In a moving scene, the frail-looking musician makes an emotional return to his personal drum set, sitting at the instrument and holding a pair of sticks.

He also candidly discussed the way he feels about the realization that he will not be able to play concerts anymore, in footage filmed in 2022.

‘It’s still kinda sinking in a little bit,’ he said. ‘You know, I’m 71. I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.’

Holding the drumsticks for the first time in years, a visibly overwhelmed Phil admitted: ‘It just feels so strange to hold a pair.

‘If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I will have a crack at it,’ he said.

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‘I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles.’

The documentary, created by the online drum education platform Drumeo, features tributes from other drumming legends, including Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater.

While Chad praised Phil for his unique sound, saying ‘Phil Collins’ drumming has such a unique sound and style that you know immediately when you hear it,’ Mike claimed he is ‘really criminally underrated as a prog icon.’