Phil Collins admits he can 'barely hold a drumstick'
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Monday’s performance at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Berlin wasn’t the first time Collins has had to sit for a concert. One of the things fans have noticed most about Genesis gigs is the drummer and singer’s frail appearance.
The star underwent surgery for his back in both 2009 and 2015 which caused crippling nerve damage that affected use of his most prized possession–his drumming hands.
He said: “I’m kind of physically challenged a bit, which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there.”
“I can barely hold a [drum] stick with this hand, so there are certain physical things which get in the way,” Collins added.
An official statement on his Facebook page, explaining why the star had to cancel a few shows in 2017, revealed that Collins developed ‘drop foot’ or ‘foot drop’ after one of his back operations.
Foot drop is a condition caused by damage to the nerve running down your leg that controls the muscles in your foot.
As well as making it difficult for Collins to walk, his drop foot has caused him to fall over and give him nasty injuries which led to hospitalisation.
‘Drop foot’ can also be caused by sports injuries, crossing your legs for a long amount of time, hip replacement surgery and having a slipped disc, states the NHS.
There are several treatments for foot drop that the NHS offers, including physiotherapy to strengthen your leg and foot muscles.
They may also suggest braces, splints or shoes that make the foot more stable.
Using a walking aid such as a stick is one of the NHS’ main tips for people with the condition.
During and after the gig, fans were quick to comment on how “frail” the star looked while wishing him well.
One tweet read: “Omg! He is so unrecognizable. I love me some Phil Collins (Genesis). May God bless him and his health.”
In an interview with USA Today, Banks, who plays the keyboard, revealed that it would be their “final” tour.
More about foot drop
The peroneal nerve is what controls the muscles in your foot.
Mayo Clinic highlight a number of other things that can increase the risk of drop foot:
- Wearing a leg cast
- Prolonged kneeling
- Muscle and nerve disorders
If you attend your GP because of the condition, you may be referred to get an X-Ray to find out more about what caused the condition.
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