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.”
Lol let me guess, every song is Wipeout to him?
You are right. I’ve met many people that self medicate their pain by alcohol, but they usually can’t afford to go to a pain specialist, and the heavy legal hand makes doctors afraid to prescribe proper meds sometimes.
But those with some money have no excuse.
I have no ID what you talkin’ bout.............
Thank you for that bit of education. I am a layperson when it comes to drums, I admit. But I do have lots of real-world experience with lower back pain. Regardless of whether you're sitting on a throne, or a stool that looks like a throne--it's not great for your back health over the long term.
I was wondering how Neil Peart’s back is holding up after all these years, seeing that Rush is back on tour now.
I love The Who, but when Moonie died, that should have been the end, they weren't The Who anymore. Pete could have done well enough with his solo stuff.
Sad ping. I know you’re a fan.
After 22 years of playing professionally, my hearing’s not real great, and I’ve had to stop playing a couple of times due to repetitive strain.
Many saxophone players are using a shoulder harness instead of a neck strap, to try to avoid injury.
Two countries separated by a common language, eh, wot?
The rest of us were in 4/4 ...”
From Supper’s Ready:
VI. “Apocalypse in 9/8 (Co-Starring the Delicious Talents of Gabble Ratchet)”
Wow, I never knew my pastor looked so much like Phil Collins.
“What was that beat, Bill? The rest of us were in 4/4 ...”
- - — -
LOL! I know a guitarist who is the same way.
What kind of music do you play?
“Slumped in a stool night after night doesn’t seem that healthy to me.”
You’re not kidding. When I was a baby diaper rash was hell!
For decades, the Grand Ol’ Opry would not allow drums on stage
- - - - -
WS Holland (Cash’s drummer) was the first to play a full set of drums at the Opry, IIRC.
<Geldof on the other hand...
What a shock. I don’t have much reason to see Geldof these days and still think of him as ‘Pink.’ Wow - he’s only 2 years older than I am but he looks a lot worse for wear.
They should develop a ‘belly strap’ to hold the sax....................
When Ringo was a Beatle, he had only one snare, two toms, a bass a high-hat cymbal and two, I believe the term is crash cymbals. Somebody will correct me if I’m wrong. Ringo made it work. I think that’s his current kit even today.
Sorry to hear about Phil. Ringo had surgery on his right shoulder two or three years ago. It was related to his job. There must be other issues at play with Phil. I wish him well. Pain, whatever the cause, is nothing anyone wants to have to deal with.
*pain, posture & paradiddle ping*
Contemporary Spanish Christian music, mostly, also Jimmy Buffett selections, some popular country, and bluegrass.
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