Phil Collins, 71, Delivers Powerful Performance In Berlin Despite Health Battles

On March 7, 2022, Phil Collins walked onto the stage at Berlin’s Mercedes-Benz Arena for a special night with Genesis. Though visibly frail, he remained determined and performed alongside longtime bandmates Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks. Seated for the entire show, Collins still captivated the crowd, proving that his passion for music hadn’t faded.

The Last Domino? Tour marked a long-awaited reunion for the legendary trio after years of breakups and uncertainty. They kicked off the set with Behind the Lines and Duke’s End from their 1980 album Duke, before diving into fan favorites like Mama, Follow You Follow Me, Invisible Touch, Throwing It All Away, and I Can’t Dance.

The audience fell into a hushed silence as Phil took his place at the center of the stage, his presence alone commanding attention. With every lyric, his voice—seasoned by years of experience and emotion—cut through the air, stirring memories and deep feelings.

Fans watched, fully aware they were witnessing a moment far bigger than just a performance. It was resilience, passion, and history wrapped into one. As the final note lingered, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation—not just for the song, but for the man who had poured his heart into every word.

Phil Collins has faced a series of serious health challenges over the years. It began in 2009 when he injured a vertebra in his upper back during a performance, which led to severe nerve pain. Once known for his drumming, Collins later lost feeling in his fingers after surgery, making it impossible to play without taping the drumsticks to his hands.

His health struggles didn’t stop there. In his 2016 autobiography, he opened up about battling alcohol abuse after retiring. The following year, he revealed he had type 2 diabetes and had undergone hyperbaric treatment after a diabetic abscess on his foot became infected. A back surgery also left him with foot drop, requiring him to use a cane to walk. Despite these setbacks, his impact on music remains undeniable.