Phil Collins appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday morning and fans of the former Genesis drummer and singer were alarmed to see how he had been affected by illness
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Phil Collins has admitted he can ‘barely hold a drumstick’ in one of his hands, as he addressed his declining health on Thursday’s BBC Breakfast.
The 70-year-old performer has been suffering from ill health for the past 15 years with him suffering an injured vertebrae in his upper neck which has led to crippling nerve damage.
He also has acute pancreatitis and after his TV appearance, fans rushed to social media to share their concerns for the ailing singer.
Phil spoke candidly about his future and admitted that the band he plays with will be retired after their upcoming tour.
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Speaking about how he joined Genesis in 1970, saying about the audition: “I thought I might get £10 a eek for a few months until they saw through me and then I’d be back out on the street again.”
By 1975, he was the voice of the band and this helped him launch a successful solo career in the 80s and 90s.
Nowadays, his ability to perform has been restricted by his illness and on BBC Breakfast that while with his son playing drums on stage, he is unable to join him.
Phil said: “I’m kind of physically challenge a bit which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son.”
Phil was then asked: “Are you able to do any drumming at all these days?”
He replied: “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.”
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The former Genesis drummer was then asked: “You said that putting it to bed is what this tour is.”
“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.”
Fans of the singer shared their concerns on Twitter, with one writing: “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.”
Another posted: ““Oh god, Phil Collins has failed dreadfully. I really hope they get on the road. #BBCBreakfast”
While a third wrote alongside a sad, crying emoji: ““Phil Collins on #bbcbreakfast”
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Phil told a press conference in 2016 about how his pancreatitis began : “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.”
He was just hours from death when rushed to a hospital in Switzerland, where he heard the doctor ask his family whether his will was in order.
The harrowing situation came to a head when he was rushed to a Swiss hospital with acute pancreatitis.
Speaking to the Mirror about this ordeal Phil said: “My organs were kind of f****d. It was spirits, corrosive stuff.”
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