Phil hangs up the sticks

Phill Collins can't play drums anymore, evidently. A spinal condition, evidently from too many years on the kit, has rendered it too painful to even hold sticks anymore.

Really a shame, as Phil is one of 70's prog rock's most accomplished drummers. We saw their comeback tour a couple of years ago, and while I wasn't altogether surprised by much on that giant and brilliantly lit stage (good show, great production, intelligent and thoughtful setlist, a shade bloodless in its delivery...), I was genuinely amazed at how good a drummer Collins still was in his late fifties, and especially after a protracted layoff. Thunderous and quick as a stampede of wild horsea, almost as if he hadn't missed a step since 1977.

One wonders now what role he'd play in any Gabriel-era Genesis reunion - during Gabriel's time, Collins sang only a smattering of backup, and lead only on a couple of ballads. Who'd drum? Chester? Manu Katche?

Maybe Bill Bruford could be coaxed out of retirement?

Then again...shouldn't prog rock be left to those young and idealistic and strong enough to play it with vigor?