Phil Collins declares ‘I’m not as bad as it looks’ after months in intensive care

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The music icon was honoured for the second time by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this time as a solo artist.

Phil Collins became tearful as he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on Saturday after years of health struggles.

The 75-year-old singer and drummer didn’t perform at the ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre because of ongoing health issues, which have resulted in various procedures and now see him require 24-hour nursing care – but he insisted he would be returning one day.

He vowed on stage: ‘You haven’t heard the last of me. I promise you that.’

The In the Air Tonight singer, who was previously honoured by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of Genesis and appeared with the assistance of two canes, admitted he felt unprepared but insisted things were ‘really not as bad as it looks’.

He added: ‘I grew up wanting to play drums. Everything else has been a happy accident.’

Collins credited his assistant for saving his life after she told him what he had been doing was bad for him and what changes he needed to make, noting he is a ‘well man now’.

He added: ‘I’m not joking when I say without her I wouldn’t be here. I’d be in a box six feet under.’

The music star began suffering in 2007, when he dislocated a vertebra in his neck while drumming on the Genesis reunion tour. This caused severe nerve damage to his hands, meaning he’s previously said he’s no longer able to play.

Performing in such a position behind the drum kit took its toll on him over time too, leading to foot drop, which is difficulty lifting the front of the foot and toes, and means Collins now uses mobility aids due to significant difficulty walking.

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