Music legend Phil Collins seen in rare appearance amid health battle
Music legend Phil Collins seen in rare appearance amid health battle
Phil Collins was out in force to support his son Matthew as he played for Austrian football club WSG Tirol at the weekend, with the music legend making a rare appearance
Singer and drummer Phil Collins has been candid about his health struggles
(Image: undefined via Getty Images )
Music icon Phil Collins made a rare public appearance this weekend to support his son Matthew Collins during a crucial match with Austrian football team WSG Tirol. The father and son were spotted together in the stands, capturing a rare moment in a heartfelt photo after the game.
Best known for timeless hits like In the Air Tonight, the 74-year-old musician shares Matthew and Nicholas with ex-wife Orianne Cevey, along with three other children: Joely, Lily, and Simon, 48. Phil met Orianne in the 1990s while she was working as his translator in Switzerland. The two married in 1999 but later parted ways in 2008.
Despite WSG Tirol's narrow 3-2 defeat to Hartberg in the play-off on Saturday, Phil stayed to show support for his 20-year-old son and the team.
Phil Collins' footballer son Matthew, 20, shares rare Instagram snap with his father as he supports him at game
Interestingly, Matthew's connection to the Genesis frontman wasn't immediately known when he joined the squad. Head coach Manuel Ludwiger explained, "We Google the players we take on trial to find out about their past careers, it was only then that we found out Matthew is Phil Collins' son. We haven't signed him as a publicity stunt. It is purely down to his footballing ability.", reports the Mirror.
Phil has openly discussed Matthew's deep-seated passion for football, recalling a conversation that showed his son's confidence in becoming a professional player. "Matt loves music, but loves his football even more," Phil noted.
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Orianne Cevey and Phil Collins divorced in 2008 after nine years together
(Image: Getty Images )
"He is certain he'll turn professional. The other day he said, 'Another five years and I'll be gone.'" For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
Earlier this year, Phil candidly shared news about his deteriorating health that's led to a complete lack of interest in creating music. The legendary drummer and singer, who hung up his sticks in 2022 due to escalating physical difficulties stemming from a spinal injury in 2007, gave a touching update on his wellbeing, having also been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2017.
Speaking to Mojo magazine, he said, "I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I'm not hungry for it anymore."
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member added, "The thing is, I've been sick, I mean very sick."
Recounting his long battle with spinal issues since 2009, he said, "My vertebrae have been crushing my spinal cord because of the position I drum in. It comes from years of playing.
"I can't even hold the sticks properly without it being painful. I even used to tape the sticks to my hands to get through. Don't worry, I can still sing."
In the poignant documentary released last year, 'Phil Collins: Drummer First', which was filmed over two years, Phil revisits his journey, placing emphasis on his drumming rather than his famous vocals. The deeply emotional film depicts the gifted artist grappling with the harsh reality that drumming, an art form once intrinsic to his life, had slipped away, and his days performing live were conclusively behind him.
In the documentary, Phil addresses the impact of his health on his ability to play drums, saying: "It's still kind of sinking in a little bit. You know, I'm 71. I've spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.
"If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I will have a crack at it. I just feel like I've used up my air miles," and confessed: "To be suddenly not be able to do that is a shock. If I can't do what I did as well as I did it, I'd rather relax and not do anything."
Phil also expressed how his physical decline has affected him mentally: "I'm not a singer who plays the drums. I'm more of a drummer who sings a bit."
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