Phil Collins’ former Genesis bandmate Steve Hackett has spoken out on the music icon (Picture: Rex)
Former Gensis star Steve Hackett has thrown his support and sympathy behind bandmate Phil Collins, declaring that he ‘doesn’t deserve what happened to him’.
The 73-year-old music icon suffered a spinal injury in 2007 and has struggled with his mobility – including being able to perform – in recent years.
He even appeared on stage in a wheelchair for his last ever Genesis show in March 2022.
Collins and Hackett, now 74, joined Genesis after its founding by Peter Gabriel, guitarist and Bassist Mark Rutherford and keyboardist Tony Banks, in 1970 and 1971 respectively.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of their album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, an era-defining opus.
Although the five of them ‘still talk’ according to Hackett, he left the band in 1977, not long after Gabriel, missing the rock group’s heyday as hitmakers with Collins as frontman and songs like Mama, Turn It On Again and I Can’t Dance.
(Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford, Tony Banks and Peter Gabriel of Genesis in 1975 (Picture: Chris Walter/WireImage)
He also missed their 2022 reunion, calling Genesis ‘a strange band’.
‘They ask you, and then when you say yes they say… surplus to requirements. It’s so competitive,’ he told The Telegraph.
However, despite what might be more of a strained relationship between the band now, the interviewer described him as showing ‘visible emotion’ when he’s asked about Collins, who also went on to forge a wildly successful solo career.
(Picture: Getty)
‘I mean, my God. I’ll always love Phil,’ Hackett shared, before adding: ‘Sorry, I’m without words. He doesn’t deserve what happened to him.’
The Against All Odds singer revealed in September 2021 that he was ‘barely able’ to hold a drumstick in one of his hands as he spoke about being ‘physically challenged a bit’ ahead of the Genesis tour.
In March last year, guitarist Rutherford revealed that the Two Hearts chart-topper was ‘much more immobile than he used to be’.
However, during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, the musician said Collins had been ‘in good spirits’ for their most recent shows.
‘He’s fine now at home, enjoying life,’ he added.
(Picture: Getty)
‘He’s worked so hard over the years, I think he’s enjoying his time at home.’
On Tuesday, Collins’ official Instagram account shared a throwback photo of him with Gabriel as he wished his former bandmate a happy birthday.
‘Happy birthday to @itspetergabriel, here’s to you!’ the caption read, alongside a photo of them both grinning together.
Collins, who eventually left Genesis in 1996, has had his son Nic Collins, 22, fill in on his behalf behind the drums on recent tours.
(Picture: Getty)
In Jun 2019, Collins was pictured making a rare public appearance while using a wheelchair and a walking stick.
In 2016, he recalled the back surgery he underwent the previous year, stating: ‘I’d messed my hips up as well. That was a year ago and as of now I have a dropped foot, which means I have no feeling in it.’
Over a decade ago, the Sussudio star explained to fans that while touring with Genesis, he ‘dislocated some vertebrae’ in his upper neck, which impacted his hands.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.