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Phil Collins Hands Nerve Damaged: Drummer's Genesis Reunion Tour?

by Jacob Zinn | March 27, 2010 at 12:58 pm

2729 views | 18 Recommendations | 4 comments

Phil Collins is still making music, despite suffering from nerve damage to his hands that make it extremely difficult for him to drum.

Last September, the 59-year-old musician announced he would never be able to drum again following a surgery to correct dislocated vertebrae in his neck that resulted in nerve damage to his hands.

He couldn’t grip his drumsticks, hold cutlery properly or open a car door. But now he said he’s adjusting to his condition as he finishes up a record of Motown covers.

When I play, I’ve had to tape the sticks to my hand,” said Collins. “It’s like wearing a condom. It’s very strange. It really cramps your style.

Phil Collins Hopes to Tour with Genesis

Collins is preparing for an operation that he hopes will improve his abilities and open possibilities to tour with Genesis in the future.

In March, Genesis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, though they did not perform at the ceremonies. Keyboardist Tony Banks has doubts that Collins will recover enough to play his best in concert.

He has to play the drums and play some quite complicated things,” said Banks. “It’s one of the many reasons it won’t happen.

After 7-year hiatus, the band reunited in 2006 and toured Europe and North America in 2007. Collins joined Genesis on drums in 1970 and became the lead singer in 1975 when Peter Gabriel pursued a solo career.

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Pat Garcia

at 20:19 on March 27th, 2010

I hope he recovers totally. I hope he can accomplish great things in the process.

Rory Cripps

at 20:18 on March 27th, 2010

I wish him well! He is a great and major talent! His music is the type of music that millions have listened to and have been touched by for over 40 years! That's real music!

Ryan Clear (not verified)

at 21:02 on April 14th, 2010

Who said he had to drum?! :) I think the entire band (and I mean entire) needs to close the Genesis chapter with an epic world tour. They need to do it not only for the fans but for themselves. The band is truely epic and needs to close on an epic note! Please tour one more time. Just sing Phil!