Phil Collins broke down in tears during an emotional speech at his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, admitting he "can't believe" how his life has turned out. The 75-year-old Genesis frontman and drummer made a rare public appearance at the ceremony on Saturday, November 14, in Los Angeles, California, having not performed on stage since 2022.
Collins has been open about the health problems that forced his retirement, including five knee surgeries, and was seen using two canes to walk onto the stage. He received a standing ovation from the audience, including his daughter, actress Lily Collins.
Emotional Induction Speech
He was inducted by Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who said Collins' track "In The Air Tonight" gifted the world "arguably the most bada** drum fill of all time," before performing the song alongside Cynthia Erivo.
In his speech, Collins said: "I grew up just wanting to play the drums. Everything else has been a really happy accident. I can't believe, when I look back, how life has gone." He also vowed to fans that "you haven't heard the last of me."
Family Support and Solo Honour
Three of Collins' five children joined him at the ceremony: Lily, daughter Joely, and son Nic. Genesis were previously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, but Collins has now received the honour as a solo artist.
Reflecting on the honour on Instagram, Collins wrote that he is "glad it's happened now," adding: "I always appreciated it and I always realised that I was lucky to have that kind of success, but when it actually happens, it's a pat on the back, it's like 'you done good.'"
He said: "I was thrilled because I'd turned 75 this year and I thought, 'It's all coming together at a certain time.'" Collins also noted: "It wraps up what has been a wonderful life in music."
Health Struggles in Recent Years
Collins' health has declined in recent years after he first dislocated a vertebra while drumming with Genesis in 2007. The injury led to severe nerve damage in his hands and affected his ability to play. A 2015 surgery left him with a drop foot, and in 2017 he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
