All-Time Best Phil Collins Songs

Years of drumming and poor posture took a serious toll on his body, leading to lasting health issues including drop foot and nerve damage. He suffered a spinal injury in 2007 during a Genesis reunion tour, and after surgeries in 2009 and 2016, he developed nerve damage that makes it impossible for him to hold drumsticks properly. He now uses a cane to help with walking and his son Nic has taken over drumming duties for Genesis.

Yes, Phil Collins has essentially retired from performing due to his health issues. He stated that Genesis' 2021-2022 'The Last Domino' tour would be his final tour with the band, and he's been open about being 'physically challenged' and frustrated that he can no longer play drums like he used to. While he hasn't officially announced complete retirement from all music activities, his performing days appear to be over.

Phil Collins originally joined Genesis as their drummer in 1970 when he was just 19 years old. He became the lead singer by accident in 1975 when original frontman Peter Gabriel left the band. The remaining members auditioned around 400 singers but couldn't find the right fit, so Collins, who had been doing backing vocals, stepped up to the microphone. What started as a temporary solution became permanent, and he successfully led Genesis through their most commercially successful period in the 1980s.

Phil Collins had massive solo success in the 1980s with hits like 'In the Air Tonight' (1981), 'Against All Odds' (1984), 'Sussudio' (1985), 'One More Night' (1985), 'Another Day in Paradise' (1989), and 'I Don't Care Anymore' (1982). 'In the Air Tonight' is probably his most iconic song, known worldwide for its haunting atmosphere and that legendary drum break. Many of his biggest hits dealt with themes of love, loss, and relationships, often drawing from his personal experiences.

Phil Collins has been married three times. His first marriage was to Andrea Bertorelli from 1975-1980, with whom he had a son, Simon. His second marriage was to Jill Tavelman from 1984-1996, and they had daughter Lily Collins (who became a famous actress). His third marriage was to Orianne Cevey from 1999-2006 and then again from 2016-2020, with whom he had two sons, Nicholas and Matthew. His divorces, particularly the first one, heavily influenced his songwriting.

This is another persistent Phil Collins myth that's been exaggerated over the years. While Collins did communicate with his second wife Jill Tavelman via fax during their separation (since he was living in Switzerland and she was in Los Angeles), he didn't literally 'divorce her by fax.' The story got blown out of proportion by the media. Collins has addressed this myth in interviews, explaining that while fax communication was involved during their separation, the actual legal divorce proceedings were handled properly through lawyers.

Phil Collins wrote and performed several songs for Disney's 'Tarzan' (1999), including the Academy Award-winning 'You'll Be in My Heart.' This song became one of his biggest hits of the late 1990s and earned him an Oscar for Best Original Song. He also contributed other songs to the Tarzan soundtrack like 'Two Worlds' and 'Son of Man.' The Disney connection introduced his music to a whole new generation and showed his versatility as a songwriter beyond rock and pop music.