The Last Domino Falls: 7 Poignant Details From Phil Collins' Final Concert

The curtain closed on a monumental era in rock history on March 26, 2022, when legendary singer and drummer Phil Collins performed what is widely regarded as his final concert. This deeply emotional farewell, which took place at the O2 Arena in London, was the culmination of the Genesis "The Last Domino?" Tour, a reunion trek that signaled the definitive end of the band's touring career. The event was a poignant spectacle, not just for the music, but for witnessing a 71-year-old icon, visibly frail due to severe health issues, delivering his final notes from a seated position. The memory of this night, which featured an unexpected appearance by a former bandmate, remains the definitive closing chapter for one of music's most enduring figures.

As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the music legend remains retired from performing, with his ongoing health struggles confirming the finality of that 2022 night. The articles below delve into the seven most significant and emotional details from that final, historic performance, cementing its place as a crucial moment in rock and roll history.

Phil Collins: A Legendary Profile and The Health Battles That Ended His Touring Career

The story of Phil Collins is one of unparalleled success, both as a band member and as a solo artist. His career spanned five decades, transitioning from a progressive rock drummer to a global pop superstar.

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• Full Name: Philip David Charles Collins
• Born: January 30, 1951 (London, England)
• Primary Roles: Singer, Drummer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
• Major Collaborations: Genesis (1970–1996, 2006–2022), Brand X (1975–1980)
• Key Solo Albums: Face Value (1981), No Jacket Required (1985), ...But Seriously (1989)
• Major Awards: Eight Grammy Awards, an Academy Award (for "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan), two Golden Globe Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (twice: with Genesis and as a solo artist).

Collins' retirement from the stage was necessitated by a series of debilitating health issues. Nerve damage in his hands, which began around 2007, made drumming impossible. This was followed by a dislocated vertebrae in his neck and foot drop, requiring him to perform seated during the entire "The Last Domino?" Tour. Recent updates in 2024 and 2025 confirm that the musician is "very sick" and has been hospitalized for various issues, including knee surgery, reinforcing the fact that his performing days are definitively over.

The Final Domino Falls: March 26, 2022, at the O2 Arena

The final night of "The Last Domino?" Tour was not just the end of a tour; it was the final live performance by the band Genesis. The atmosphere inside the O2 Arena in London was charged with a mixture of celebration and somber finality. Fans knew this was likely the end, but the official confirmation from the stage made it a moment of history.

1. The Poignant On-Stage Announcement

Before the final encore, Phil Collins, seated center stage, addressed the roaring crowd. His voice, though weaker, carried the weight of the moment. "Tonight is a very special night," he announced. "It's the last stop of our tour, and it's the last show for Genesis." The simple, direct statement was met with an emotional wave of cheers, applause, and a sense of disbelief from the audience. This confirmed what had been speculated for months: the band that had defined progressive and pop rock for over five decades was officially done with live performance.

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2. Peter Gabriel’s Unexpected Attendance

One of the most significant and moving details of the night was the presence of original Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel in the audience. Gabriel, who left the band in 1975, had a famously complex but enduring relationship with his former bandmates. His attendance, captured in photos with Collins backstage, symbolized a full-circle moment for the band's entire history, acknowledging the legacy of every era of Genesis. It was a silent, powerful endorsement of the final farewell.

3. The Drumming Torch Passed to Nic Collins

Due to his nerve damage and physical condition, Phil Collins could not play the drums. The role of the drummer for "The Last Domino?" Tour was taken up by his son, Nic Collins. Nic's energetic and technically flawless performance was a beautiful passing of the torch, allowing the music to retain its signature power. The emotional highlight was the "Drum Duet" where Phil, unable to play, watched his son perform the iconic drum break from "In The Air Tonight"—a moment of pure pride and sorrow for the elder Collins.

4. The Final Setlist: A Blend of Eras

The setlist for the final show was a carefully curated journey through the band's history, focusing heavily on the post-Gabriel, pop-rock era that brought them global fame, but also dipping into their progressive roots. The band, consisting of Collins, keyboardist Tony Banks, and bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford, performed a flawless mix of hits.

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• Key Tracks Performed: "Turn It On Again," "Mama," "Land of Confusion," "Home By The Sea," "Domino," "Invisible Touch," and "Follow You Follow Me."
• The Emotional Closer: The final song of the night, before the band took a final bow, was the haunting, progressive classic "The Carpet Crawlers."

5. Lily Collins’ Heartfelt Tribute

After the show, Phil’s daughter, actress Lily Collins, posted a deeply moving tribute on social media. She spoke of the "memory of a lifetime" and how witnessing the final show was an event she would "hold in her heart forever." Her words underscored the personal and family significance of the farewell, highlighting the immense effort her father put into performing despite his physical limitations.

The Legacy: Why The Last Domino? Will Echo Forever

The final Genesis concert was more than a performance; it was a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll and the sheer will of a performer. Phil Collins, seated and singing, proved that the voice and the songs could carry the show, even when the drummer's hands could not. The tour itself, which spanned across North America and Europe, was a massive success, proving the timeless appeal of the band's catalog.

6. The Visible Physical Struggle and Triumphant Voice

Throughout the tour, Collins’ physical frailty was undeniable. He was often wheeled out onto the stage and remained seated for the entire duration of the concert. Yet, his voice, the instrument that defined his solo career with hits like "In The Air Tonight" and "Another Day in Paradise," remained remarkably strong, a final, defiant stand against his deteriorating health. This contrast between his physical struggle and vocal power was the central, compelling narrative of the entire farewell tour.

7. The Final Words: "We’re All Going to Have to Get Real Jobs Now"

Despite the overwhelming emotion of the night, Phil Collins injected a moment of his trademark dry British humor. After announcing the finality of the Genesis show, he quipped to the audience, "We’re all going to have to get real jobs now." This lighthearted sign-off provided a much-needed release for the emotional tension in the arena, concluding the career of a rock legend not with tears, but with a final, endearing laugh. The show closed with the band embracing, a final, definitive salute to their incredible journey together.