Phil Collins Talks About Recovery From Neck Surgery

Posted by Mitch Michaels on 03.29.2010

Phil says he can barely pick up a pair of drum sticks...

While Phil Collins wrapping up a new solo set of Motown covers, he continues to recover from neck surgery that has him nearly unable to play the drums.

"The first time I picked up the drum sticks after my neck surgery, they flew across the room because I couldn't grip them," he says. "When I play, I've had to tape the sticks to my hand. It's like wearing a condom. It's very strange. It really cramps your style."

"I can't let go of the spoon or the knife when I eat," Collins said. "I can't open a car door. I won't get gruesome with you, but there's a lot of things I can't do. I'm left handed. I'm having an operation soon and there's a good chance of it improving over time."

Collins' condition kept him from performing with Genesis at their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, but it may also prevent any future reunions.

"He has to play the drums and play some quite complicated things," says Genesis keyboardist Tony Banks. "It's one of the many reasons it won't happen."

Collins, though, is hopeful. "My hands are way down to picking the order of that possibility," he says. "Three years ago I didn't know I'd be in this position and three years from now it may not be like this."