Phil Collins’ Health Struggles Have Opened the Door for His Son to Carry the Torch

For decades, Phil Collins has been one of the most recognizable figures in popular music. From his thunderous drumming with Genesis to his legendary solo career, Collins has built a legacy that few in the industry can match. Yet in recent years, health struggles have forced him to step away from the spotlight in a very different way, enabling a new chapter in the Collins family story—one where his son, Nic Collins, has taken over as drummer.

Phil Collins’ health decline has been well-documented. A long history of back and nerve problems has made it increasingly difficult for him to play drums, the instrument that first brought him international acclaim. Multiple surgeries left him with limited mobility, and in recent years, he has often performed sitting down or leaning on a cane. Despite these challenges, his passion for music never diminished. Rather than abandoning the stage entirely, Collins found a solution that allowed the music to live on: turning to his son, Nic.

Nic Collins, born in 2001, grew up surrounded by music. As a teenager, he displayed natural rhythm and skill on the drums, clearly influenced by his father’s style but also bringing his own energy to the kit. By the time Phil announced his return to the stage with the “Not Dead Yet” tour, Nic was ready to step into an extraordinary role: drumming alongside his father, carrying on the percussive heartbeat of songs that defined a generation.

For many fans, watching Nic play during Genesis’ final tour, The Last Domino?, was both emotional and inspiring. While Phil sang from his chair, visibly limited by health struggles, Nic provided the powerful drumming that gave new life to classics like “Invisible Touch,” “Mama,” and “I Can’t Dance.” It was a passing of the torch that felt both symbolic and practical—proof that even as Phil’s body slowed, his music could continue through his son.

Collins himself has spoken with pride about Nic’s role, noting that his son’s presence allowed him to keep performing when otherwise he might have been forced into complete retirement. “I can’t really hold drumsticks the way I used to,” Collins admitted in interviews, “but watching Nic play—it’s like seeing a part of me up there.”

For Nic, the experience has been more than a career break. It has been a chance to connect with his father’s legacy on the deepest level. Fans and critics alike have praised his technical ability, stage presence, and humility. While some initially questioned whether the young Collins could truly fill such big shoes, his performances quickly silenced any doubts.

Phil Collins’ health struggles have undeniably changed the trajectory of his career, but they have also brought about a unique family bond on stage. In many ways, the sight of Nic drumming behind his father represents resilience, continuity, and love. It reminds fans that while time inevitably takes its toll, music—and family—has the power to endure.

At this stage, it seems unlikely that Phil Collins will ever fully return to the drums. But with Nic carrying on the rhythm, the Collins legacy remains secure. For fans who grew up on Genesis and Phil’s solo hits, it is both bittersweet and deeply moving to see father and son sharing the same stage—one generation passing the beat to the next.