The Last Domino: 7 Emotional Moments From Phil Collins' Final Concert

The curtain officially closed on one of rock music's most storied careers on March 26, 2022, marking the definitive end of Phil Collins' live performance era. The date, which is still a point of emotional reflection for millions of fans, saw Collins take the stage for the final time as the frontman for the legendary band Genesis. This historic night at the O2 Arena in London was the final stop on "The Last Domino?" Tour, a farewell journey that became a poignant testament to the band’s five-decade legacy and Collins’ personal resilience despite significant health challenges.

The concert was more than just a gig; it was a deeply moving cultural moment, one that saw the final performance of the core trio—Collins, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks—together on stage. As of the current date in late 2025, Collins remains officially retired from touring, making the details of this London show the last chapter in his incredible live story. The evening was packed with deep cuts, stadium anthems, and an unforgettable final speech that cemented its place in music history.

The Man Behind the Microphone: A Phil Collins Biography Snapshot

Phil Collins, a musical polymath, is one of the few artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a member of Genesis and once as a solo artist. His journey from a prodigious drummer to a global superstar is a narrative of relentless creativity and evolution.

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• Full Name: Philip David Charles Collins
• Born: January 30, 1951, in Chiswick, London, England
• Age (as of late 2025): 74 years old
• Primary Roles: Drummer, Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, Actor
• Main Bands: Genesis (1970–1996, 2006–2022), Brand X
• Key Solo Albums: Face Value (1981), No Jacket Required (1985), ...But Seriously (1989)
• Key Awards: Eight Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award (for "You'll Be in My Heart" from Tarzan)
• Health Status (Post-Retirement): Collins has been open about his struggles with nerve damage, spinal issues, and a foot drop, which severely limited his ability to drum and required him to perform seated during "The Last Domino?" Tour.
• Family Connection: His son, Nic Collins, took over drumming duties for the final tour, a pivotal and emotional element of the farewell shows.

The Last Domino? Tour: The Historic Farewell

The "Last Domino?" Tour, which ran from September 2021 to March 2022, was a bittersweet affair. It was the first time Genesis had toured since the "Turn It On Again" Tour in 2007. The tour title itself, with the question mark, hinted at the finality of the endeavor, yet left a sliver of hope that the band might one day return. The reality of Collins' physical condition, however, made the London O2 Arena show the definitive conclusion.

The Touring Lineup: Passing the Torch

The emotional weight of the final performance was amplified by the unique lineup. The trio of Phil Collins (vocals, seated), Mike Rutherford (guitar, bass), and Tony Banks (keyboards) were the heart of the show. They were supported by two crucial touring musicians who had long been part of the Genesis extended family:

• Daryl Stuermer: A long-time collaborator who handled additional guitars and bass.
• Nic Collins: Phil's son, who sat in the legendary drum stool. Nic's powerful and precise drumming was a highlight of the tour, a symbolic passing of the torch that allowed the music to be performed with the energy it deserved, while his father watched proudly from his chair.

This configuration allowed Genesis to perform their complex, genre-spanning catalog with both technical mastery and deep emotional resonance. The band's performance was a tribute to their progressive rock roots and their subsequent commercial pop success.

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The Final Setlist: A Journey Through Five Decades

The setlist for the final show on March 26, 2022, was a masterclass in career-spanning curation, blending the band’s progressive rock epics with their biggest pop hits. It was designed to give every generation of Genesis fan a moment of nostalgia and celebration.

The Core Set: Hits and Deep Cuts

The show began with the "Duke's Intro" medley, combining "Behind the Lines" and "Duke's End," setting a dramatic tone. The setlist was a powerhouse of Genesis entities, including:

• "Turn It On Again" (The perfect opener for a sing-along)
• "Mama" (A dark, atmospheric track showcasing the band's theatrical side)
• "Land of Confusion" (A politically charged anthem that felt relevant even decades later)
• "Home by the Sea" / "Second Home by the Sea" (A progressive rock staple from the Genesis album)
• "Fading Lights" (A poignant deep cut that became an emotional centerpiece)
• "Invisible Touch" (The massive 1986 global hit)
• "I Can’t Dance" (The iconic, humorous track from the We Can't Dance album)

The Emotional Encores and Final Song

The closing moments were reserved for the band's most tender and fan-loved songs. The first encore included the gentle acoustic track "Follow You Follow Me," a song that perfectly encapsulated the enduring connection between the band and their audience. The final, definitive song of the night—and of Genesis's live career—was "The Carpet Crawlers." This track, originally sung by Peter Gabriel, brought the band's journey full circle, ending with a song from their progressive rock era, a powerful nod to their origins.

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The Final Bow: Phil Collins' Last Words and Peter Gabriel's Presence

The atmosphere at the O2 Arena was electric, charged with the knowledge that this was the end of an era. The audience, a mix of long-time Genesis loyalists and younger fans drawn in by the historic event, gave the band a thunderous ovation.

The Emotional Cameo

One of the most significant and moving moments of the night occurred off-stage. Original Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, who left the band in 1975, was spotted in the audience. His presence, alongside the band's current members, provided a rare moment of unity for the entire Genesis family, a powerful symbol of camaraderie that resonated with the band’s deep history and the mutual respect between the musicians.

The Final, Iconic Speech

Before the final songs, Phil Collins addressed the crowd one last time. His comments were delivered with his signature dry wit, but carried a profound weight. Seated at center stage, he looked out at the massive London crowd and delivered the words that instantly became a legendary quote:

"Tonight is a very special night. Of course, we're playing in London. It's the last stop of our tour, and it's the last show for Genesis. After tonight we all have to get real jobs."

This understated, humorous farewell was a classic Collins moment, acknowledging the gravity of the occasion while deflecting the sentimentality with a lighthearted joke. It was the final, definitive statement on a career spanning over 50 years.

Life After The Last Domino: Phil Collins' Retirement

The retirement of Phil Collins was necessitated by a series of debilitating health issues, including nerve damage, a dislocated vertebra in his neck, and a condition known as "foot drop." These ailments made it impossible for him to continue the physically demanding role of a drummer and severely restricted his mobility as a vocalist.

As of late 2025, Collins is enjoying his retirement, focusing on his health and spending time with his family. While rumors occasionally surface, his representatives have consistently confirmed that he is alive and retired, despite the circulation of false reports. The legacy of his final concert, however, is not one of sadness, but of triumph—a legendary artist, alongside his bandmates and his son, delivering one final, spectacular performance to close the book on one of rock’s most influential chapters. The "Last Domino?" Tour was a perfect, poignant farewell, ensuring that the final sound of Phil Collins live was a thunderous ovation, not a whimper.