Genesis drummer and vocalist Phil Collins joined huge crowds at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena on Monday night for the first leg of the band’s emotional reunion tour.
The first leg of The Last Domino Tour was the band’s first live gig in 14 years, and included hits like Land of Confusion and Invisible Touch – along with more low-key tracks like Fading Lights and Duchess.
15,000 fans were delighted by Phil’s performance as he belted out plenty of Genesis’ greatest hits, and they received numerous standing ovations throughout the evening of music.
The musician was snapped sitting on a chair in front of a microphone with his arms raised in the air, sporting dark jeans, a zip-up hoodie and a light blue t-shirt.
The band will go on to play gigs around the UK in Manchester, Leeds, Glasgow and London before heading to the United States for concerts in Chicago, Washington DC and New York.
(Image: Bav Media)
Their final tour dates are set for December 2021.
The band have admitted that this tour will be their last, with Phil telling Mojo: “This English and American tour, that will be enough for me.”
It comes after an interview with the band on BBC Breakfast left fans concerned over Phil’s health, as he admitted he “can barely hold a stick” to drum with.
His son Nic is currently drumming for the band.
During the interview, Phil admitted: “I’m kind of physically challenged a bit, which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son.”
(Image: Bav Media)
When he was asked if he can still play the drums, Phil said: “No, I’d love to. But I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. There are certain physical things that get in the way.”
Phil had already dropped a hint that Genesis won’t be returning to touring after this, explaining: “We’re all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed.
“I think yeah, I think just generally for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road any more.”
Phil has been suffering from nerve damage since sustaining a spinal injury back in 2007, which damaged the vertebrae in his upper neck.
(Image: Bav Media)
He also admitted he came “close to dying” in 2012 when he was rushed to hospital with pancreatitis.
Speaking a few years later in 2016, Phil explained: “Within months you’re drinking vodka from the fridge in the morning and falling over in front of the kids, you know.
“But it was something I lived through, and I was lucky to live through it and get through it. I was very close to dying.
“My organs were kind of f****d. It was spirits, corrosive stuff.”
During the BBC Breakfast interview, fans had come out in support for Phil and raised concerns about his ill health, with one writing: “Shocked and sad to see #PhilCollins physical health and wish I could see #Genesis ‘Put to Bed’ UK tour.
“First fell in love with Genesis in the mid 80s as a teen, progressing to Phil Collins’ unique multi-gifted musical genius as a solo artist. Come to Bristol or Cardiff!”
Another echoed: “I’ve just seen Phil Collins on TV looking so frail he says he can no longer hold a stick to drum, he was sat down singing at a concert how sad this is.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
