Posted on 07/25/2011 5:47:43 AM PDT by Red Badger
Phil Collins had to be helped out of an awards ceremony after being hit by crippling pains all over his body.
The fragile pop legend was due to present a gong to Ringo Starr but the lingering effects of a spinal injury struck and he was forced to leave, supported by two aides.
And Who guitarist Pete Townshend also joined the list of crock stars as he was spotted wearing two hearing aids to help combat deafness and tinnitus caused by years of loud music.
Former Genesis drummer Collins, 60, chatted to stars including Bob Geldof ahead of presenting Ringo with the Icon Award at the Mojo ceremony in London on Thursday. There he revealed: “I’m on my last legs. I couldn’t come back to music even if I wanted to.
“All these aches and pains, can’t do it any more.” A Mojo spokesman added: “Phil was unwell and unfortunately had to go home.”
Collins vowed to retire from music last March after a string of illnesses left him weak, lethargic and unable to drum ever again.
His ordeal began with the back injury in 2009 after decades of pounding his kit caused vertebrae to crush his spinal cord.
Collins, who has two young sons Nicholas and Matthew, with third and since divorced wife Orianne Cevey, insisted nothing could tempt him back into music.
He said before the awards ceremony kicked off: “I was tired of staying in a different hotel every night when touring.
“All those years on the road has taken it out of me. Now I spend all of my days doing nothing, just lying down watching daytime TV and Sky News.
“I just about manage to pick my boys up from school. I couldn’t come back, I’ve lost touch, I don’t know Plan B’s music or Lady Gaga’s. But tonight I’m here for Ringo.
“His award is well overdue, and that’s why I had to come out tonight.”
But pains in his arms, legs, back and other parts of his body meant he couldn’t last the distance at the three-hour event. As he was taken home, fears were also raised over Townshend’s health. Roger Daltry said his bandmate, 66, is “almost stone deaf”. He added: “When we last performed he had to stand right next to the speakers to hear anything.
“I don’t know what Pete will do. It could mark the end of the band doing live shows.”
Townshend’s problems began in the 60s when Who star Keith Moon blew up his drum kit live on stage and left him deaf in one ear. Decades of standing next to loud amps have also taken their toll.
The star said: “I have severe hearing damage. It’s manifested itself as tinnitus, ringing in the ears at frequencies that I play guitar. It’s painful and frustrating.
“I’ve no idea what I can do about this. I am unable to perform with in-ear monitors. In fact, the more they increase the more unbearable tinnitus I suffer after shows.”
Sad. I grew up listening to Genesis and Phil Collins.
I’ve always loved the man’s voice. It’s very distinct and enjoyable.
Lord, keep this man safe through his trials.
Sad. Didn't know drumming can cause injuries...
Things could be worse, Phil.
Sad...
Phil Collins put on one of the best concerts I’ve ever attended.
I’m from the 80s, too ;-), and I’ve always enjoyed Phil’s singing. And he could keep rhythm, unlike the drummer in my band (my son) who tends to flake out and start playing something totally different. “What was that beat, Bill? The rest of us were in 4/4 ...”
after decades of pounding his kit caused vertebrae to crush his spinal cord
Does this make much sense?
Is it just me, or is anyone else having trouble with this piece?
I can't help noticing that a lot of big stars who get on stage slurring their words and being totally "out of it" sometimes excuse their behavior by saying "I have to take the pills to deal with the ... with the ... the back pain. Yeah, that's the ticket."
Meanwhile, you have someone like Phil Collins who shows up, does the best he can for Ringo, and is a real trooper. But he actuall does have backpain, and he does not appear to be self-medicating, and has to be helped away because he has a legitimate health problem. I think he's being a real man about this.
Sad.
I bet the injuries from Repetitive Motion Syndrome are awful!..........
My good friend who is a drummer and also a big fan of Phil Collins says that Phil’s posture behind the drum set was terrible — very slouched and hunched — and he is sure that is what is causing Phil’s physical problems now.
It’s British English...............
Not a fan of Phil...but still sorry to hear that he is ailing.
Knowing his condition and limitations, you would think he would arrive later in the evening to present the award & then leave.
Message to ALL...the word is “trouper” NOT ‘trooper’.
A “kit” is a “drum kit,” which is the same thing as a “drum set.”
Sorry about that. I knew the correct word, but the fingers went wrong.
Try getting a drummer to play 6/4! A good drummer will get it done. A bad drummer will say, like my cousin, “But that’s not a fraction!”
"Sad. Didn't know drumming can cause injuries..."
Neither did I...53 years ago when I did my first on-stage gig. Now I can play better than ever (blues is the best) and I can do a five-set night with no problem.
But, like Collins, I can't load and set-up my drum "kit" without serious help from the bass player.
Having had back trouble myself, you never know when you’ll have a spasm. They can come on unexpectedly and be very debilitating.....
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