Phil Collins discussed his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction as a solo artist and hinted at a possible return to touring, speaking on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Collins reflected on his induction and what it means for his future in music. He also addressed whether he might return to the stage, despite health challenges that have affected his career in recent years.
“I was thrilled,” Collins said. “Because, you know, I turned 75 this year, and I thought, well, it’s all coming together at a certain time, kind of retiring.”
He explained that he has a working studio in his home where he spends time with unfinished material. “I mean, I’ve got a studio that’s totally in working order downstairs in the basement of my house, and I keep saying to myself, I should go down there. I’ve got ideas. I’ve got things I’ve finished. I’ve got things that I’m half finished. So who knows? I’m now back to being where I think I could do it.”
Collins acknowledged the pull of performing after a lifetime on stage. “Once you’ve been on stage all your life and tasted that, it’s difficult to stop. I never say exactly never. Every now and again, I think about, well, going out on the road again. You can’t do that kind of thing just for a half a dozen shows, because it’s not financially practical. So I do think every now and again that I haven’t finished.”
He viewed his Hall of Fame induction as a meaningful milestone for both himself and his family. “I think getting inducted into the Hall of Fame is a lovely way to end it, a full stop at a lovely sentence. It’s been a very profound last two or three years for the kids and also for me. It’s got to be very special to have them seeing their dad go up and pick this award up.”
Collins made these remarks following his recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. The comments offer insight into his thoughts on the possibility of a future return to music and performance.
Collins has faced significant physical obstacles over the years. A spinal injury in 2007 caused severe nerve damage that resulted in drop foot, a condition that impaired his ability to walk and play the drums. He has also undergone five knee surgeries and dealt with kidney problems. Collins has a 24-hour live-in nurse to manage his medication.
The drummer’s health struggles led to his retirement from performing after Genesis completed its final tour in 2022. During that tour, called “The Last Domino?”, Collins performed seated throughout the concerts. At his last show on March 26, 2022, at London’s O2 Arena, he sat in a wheelchair. Collins stated that performing would require him to be “match fit,” a standard he does not currently meet.
Collins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010 and now joins a select group of artists including Eric Clapton, Stevie Nicks, and each of the Beatles who have been inducted twice. His solo induction comes with the Hall’s 2026 class. Despite ruling out performing at his induction ceremony, Collins has left open the possibility of touring again in the future, a shift from earlier statements in which he suggested he could not see that happening.
