Phil Collins' nerve agony

Mar 26, 2010, 17:31 GMT

Phil Collins has to tape his drumsticks to his hands.

The former Genesis star has suffered severe nerve damage to his hands and admits he now finds it incredibly difficult to play his instrument.

He explained: "The first time I picked up the drum sticks after my neck surgery, they flew across the room because I couldn't grip them.

"When I play, I've had to tape the sticks to my hand. It's like wearing a condom. It's very strange. It really cramps your style."

It is not only in his performing career that the 59-year-old star's problems are causing him difficulty - he finds many basic day-to-day tasks virtually impossible.

He explained: "I can't let go of the spoon or the knife when I eat. I can't open a car door. I won't get gruesome with you, but there's a lot of things I can't do. I'm left handed."

However, the 'You Can't Hurry Love' hitmaker is hopeful he may soon get relief from his problem.

He added to Rolling Stone magazine: "I'm having an operation soon and there's a good chance of it improving over time."

Phil, 59, is hopeful he will be able to overcome his affliction in order to play live with Genesis again - but only if former frontman Peter Gabriel has time.

He said: "My hands are way down to picking the order of that possibility. Three years ago I didn't know I'd be in this position and three years from now it may not be like this. I think the main thing is Peter's schedule and the speed he works anyways."