Phil Collins was forced to perform from a chair on stage with his band Genesis – hours before it was announced the band had been hit by covid.
The ageing rocker took to the stage in Glasgow on Thursday night as part of the Last Domino Tour but had to remain seated throughout the performance.
And on Friday afternoon it was announced Genesis had postponed the remaining dates after positive coronavirus tests within the band.
The four shows were due to be played at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Friday night and London’s O2 Arena on October 11, 12 and 13.
The rock band, known for songs including I Can’t Dance and That’s All, said they are “devastated” by the news, but the safety of the audience and their touring crew takes priority.
A statement said: “Following guidance and advice from the Government, it is with huge regret that the final four shows of Genesis’ Last Domino? Tour… have had to be postponed due to positive Covid-19 tests within the band.
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“We are working to reschedule them as soon as possible and will announce the new dates through our website and social media channels as soon as possible. All tickets will remain valid and ticket holders will be contacted by their ticket providers.
“This is a hugely frustrating development for the band who are devastated with this unlucky turn of events. They hate having to take these steps but the safety of the audience and touring crew has to take priority. They look forward to seeing you upon their return.”
Meanwhile, Phil, 70, has been struggling with his health for a while and has already confessed that he can “barely hold” drumsticks during a recent BBC interview.
Despite having to remain seated throughout the show on Thursday, the music legend still performed a hefty back catalogue of the band’s greatest hits for delighted fans at the SSE Hydro.
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Phil wowed the audience with his impressive vocals.
Concern grew for the superstar last month when he admitted he can no longer hold a drumstick, seeing his son take the reigns.
He shared: “I’m kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son.”
Asked directly if he could play the instrument he added: “No. No, I would love to but, you know, I mean I can barely hold a stick with this hand, so there are certain physical things that get in the way.”
Phil – who has sold over 250 million records worldwide in his career – also described the tour as “putting it to bed”.
He said: “Well, you know, you say things as we are all men of our age and I think to some extent, yeah, I think it probably is.”
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The singer has been plagued by health problems since he suffered a crippling spinal injury while drumming in 2007 that led to damage to his neck vertebrae and nerve compression.
Since then he has undergone two spinal operations in 2009 and 2015 which left him with further nerve damage.
He also suffers from diabetes and previously developed acute pancreatitis due to being an alcoholic for a brief time when he struggled to cope with retirement and his third divorce.
He developed a foot droop due to his spinal operation which has left him prone to falling so he now walks with a cane to aid his mobility.
Fans on Twitter expressed their concern over his wellbeing after seeing him on BBC Breakfast.
One wrote: “Aww just seen Phil Collins on BBC Breakfast. He doesn’t look at all well.”
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Another added: “Shocked and sad to see #PhilCollins physical health and wish I could see #Genesis ‘Put to Bed’ U.K. tour. First fell in love with Genesis in the mid 80s as a teen, progressing to Phil Collin’s unique multi-gifted musical genius as a solo artist. Come to Bristol or Cardiff!”
A third contributed: “Wow. Watching Phil Collins speak, again, what a reminder to live life to the full and awareness of our time on earth.”
Genesis are shortly due to return to the US for their first tour in 14 years, kicking off in Chicago on November 15.
The tour will also visit Washington DC, Charlotte, Montreal, Toronto, Buffalo, Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
