Phil Collins seen in rare picture with footballer son after match

Edinburgh Live

19-05-2025

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This past weekend, music icon Phil Collins was spotted cheering on his son Matthew during a key match, as the two shared a heartwarming moment in a rare photo together.
The 'In The Air Tonight' hitmaker has five kids, including Nicholas and Matthew with ex-partner Orianne Cevey, as well as his daughters Joely, Lily, and eldest son Simon, 48.
Orianne, who became Phil's wife in 1999 after meeting him in Switzerland where she worked as his translator, parted ways with the musician in 2008 after nearly a decade of marriage.
Matthew, a budding footballer for Austrian team WSG Tirol saw his father journey to Austria to watch him play, despite their side losing 3-2 against Hartberg in the play-offs on Saturday, the Collins family stayed on to lend their support post-game.
WSG Tirol coach Manuel Ludwiger admitted he had no clue about the famous lineage of his new signee. He said: "We Google the players we take on trial to find out about their past careers, it was only then that we found out Matthew is Phil Collins' son. We haven't signed him as a publicity stunt. It is purely down to his footballing ability."
Phil opened up about his boy's zeal for the beautiful game, reckoning that from a tender age, Matthew had the makings of a pro. "Matt loves music, but loves his football even more," he proclaimed.
"He is certain he'll turn professional. 'The other day he said: 'Another five years and I'll be gone'."
Genesis legend Phil Collins has candidly shared that his ailing health has stifled his passion for music-making.
The iconic 74-year-old, who hung up his sticks in 2022 due to aggravating physical struggles linked to a 2007 back injury, reflected on his poignant journey and recent challenges, including a type 2 diabetes diagnosis he received in 2017.
Opening up to Mojo magazine, he revealed: "I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I'm not hungry for it anymore."
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The revered drummer and songwriter, whose accolades include Grammy triumphs and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, confided: "The thing is, I've been sick, I mean very sick."
Phil first discussed his spine woes publicly in 2009, explaining: "My vertebrae have been crushing my spinal cord because of the position I drum in. It comes from years of playing."
Despite the setbacks, Phil assured: "I can't even hold the sticks properly without it being painful. I even used to tape the sticks to my hands to get through. Don't worry, I can still sing."
Last year saw the release of "Phil Collins: Drummer First," an intimate documentary reflecting on Phil's storied career behind the drums rather than the microphone. Filmed over two years, the potent documentary captures the heart-rending reality as Phil confronts the loss of his drumming capabilities, facing the finality of never gracing the stage again.
The reality is still slowly setting in for Phil, who at 71, is grappling with the loss of his lifelong passion for drumming. Sitting at his drum kit, clutching his sticks, he reflected: "It's still kind of sinking in a little bit. You know, I'm 71. I've spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.
"If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I will have a crack at it. I just feel like I've used up my air miles. To be suddenly not be able to do that is a shock. If I can't do what I did as well as I did it, I'd rather relax and not do anything."
Phil found his physical decline deeply mentally challenging, telling saying: "I'm not a singer who plays the drums. I'm more of a drummer who sings a bit."