Phil Collins 'Not as Strong' as Peter Gabriel Remembers During Genesis' Last Concert, Singer Recalls

Former Genesis singer Peter Gabriel recalled the last time he played with the band and saw Phil Collins before announcing his retirement.

Genesis held the final show of its 47 dates tours on March 26, 2022. The emotional farewell concert, which was part of its The Last Domino? Tour, ended at London's 02 Arena.

At that time, Gabriel did not perform with the band but chose to attend as an audience and cheer his former bandmates Collins, Tony Banks, and Mike Rutherford.

Phil Collins' Health Deteriorated Amid Genesis Concert

Recalling that time, the singer sat for an interview with Uncut and shared what he thought of Collins upon seeing him.

For what it's worth, the former Genesis drummer decided to retire as his health continuously deteriorated in the past years. According to Gabriel, Collins did not look as healthy as he could remember him.

"There's a lot of history there," he said. "It was lovely to see Phil [Collins] again, though he wasn't as strong as I remember him. But it brought back a lot of memories. I was very glad I was there. I had been there at the beginning, so I should be there at the end."

Collins first sparked retirement rumors when he appeared on "BBC Breakfast" in September 2021. He told the show that he had been struggling with playing the drums as he could barely hold the sticks with his hands.

Per Collins, he dislocated some vertebrae in his upper neck during the last Genesis tour. The health issue affected his hands. Although the surgery on his neck was successful, he was yet to regain his hands' function.

The neck injury even contributed to the pain he has been feeling due to the spinal injury he sustained following repeated damage to his vertebrae. It worsened over time because of the position he followed while playing the drums.

Peter Gabriel Having More Fun Being a Soloist Than in a Band

Gabriel left Genesis in 1975 but joined the members during the band's reunion in 1982. Since his departure, he started focusing on solo endeavors instead.

Ahead of the release of his new album, "i/o," the singer said he enjoys his career outside a band.

He told the news outlet that he fell in love with the freedom of being able to control everything he wants: what, when, and how he wants them.

Aside from his new album, Gabriel will also start his tour this year.

Tags

Phil Collins, Genesis