During a recent interview with Meagan Panici of WZRD Chicago, Steve Hackett commented on Phil Collins’ current health condition, suggesting that the singer is not doing well.
Recalling Genesis’ 2010 induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the guitarist said:
“I think as the evening wore on, it became more and more emotional, and I could see that Phil [Collins], who had not been well and is still not, he was up and he was clapping, and he was moving, along with whatever it was.”
Genesis’ Memorable Night At The Induction
Hackett went on to give the details of that night:
“Whether it was Carol King or it was Eric Burdon of the Animals doing something or the Ronettes or Jimmy Cliff… And the celebration of not just artists who were living but also writers who brought some of these songs to the floor and some years later, of course, they celebrated the late great Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield with the Paul Butterfield Blues and all of that.”
Hackett’s Support For Yes’s Induction
The rocker also talked about the impact of Yes on them:
“So it’s a great great thing, and yes, we’re not inducted during their time, but I was working with Chris Squire at the time. He was desperate to come along that evening, and I said, ‘I could not get any ticket. I tried my best.’ And they were inducted, and I said so to the press. I said if we’re being inducted as the first progressive band to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, then it would be nice if Yes were, as well, because I knew that Phil was a huge Yes fan.”
Just a year before Genesis’ induction, Collins had undergone surgery on his upper neck to address a problem that initially arose during his drumming on the 2007 Genesis tour. After the surgery, he experienced a loss of sensation in his fingers, and he could only hold drumsticks if they were secured to his hands with tape. The singer continued to experience health problems later on, too.
Mike Rutherford had also given an update on Phil’s current health back in March, speaking to Smooth Radio. He mentioned that Collins was not as mobile as he used to be. However, during the tour, Phil was in good spirits. He was back home and doing well.
You can watch the full conversation below.
