Phil Collins Explains Why He's Retiring From Music

One of the biggest stars of the 80s and 90s is hanging up his drumsticks.

Fans of Phil Collins could be excused for feeling like they've been dropped into a land of confusion by a recent spate of contradictory reports suggesting that the former Genesis frontman is walking away from the music business.

But now the singer has weighed and explained why he is indeed "calling it a day" when it comes to his career, reports the USA Today.

In a note posted on his website, the 60-year-old drummer and pop star addressed the series of rumors that started due to an interview with British lad mag "FHM." In that story, Collins hinted that he might be hanging up his drumsticks due to nerve damage, back pain and loss of hearing from years of performing.

That article was met with a stern denial from the "In the Air Tonight" singer's publicist, who flatly told "People" that Collins had no plans of retiring.

But as Collins lays out, none of those reasons fully explain why he's walking away from the spotlight.

"Greetings to all, I've decided to write this in response to the articles that surfaced last weekend regarding my retirement. Why they were printed at all is a mystery, as I haven't spoken to anybody in the press for a few months," he wrote.

Collins says that he's not stopping due to injury, bad reviews or lack of fan appreciation. His real reason for quitting? Family.

"I am stopping so I can be a full time father to my two young sons on a daily basis," he wrote.

He did note that some of the things that had come out were "mentioned" in interviews but that they were "not meant to be headlines" and that he's come off sounding like a "tormented weirdo" due to the stories.

"None of this is true," he said.

Collins was one of the most decorated and successful musicians of the 80s and 90s. As a solo artist and member of Genesis, he owns multiple Grammy and American Music Awards and also an Academy Award for best original song. He also recorded nine number one singles and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Genesis. He is also one of three artists - the others being Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney - who have sold over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as a part of a group.

Selected Reading: USA Today, People, Time

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