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Phil Collins reveals he can “barely hold a drumstick anymore”

With eight Grammy awards under his belt, Genesis drummer and lead singer Phil Collins is one of the most prominent musicians there are. He is one of only three musicians, alongside Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, who have sold more than 100 million albums both as a solo act and a member of a band.

Born on January 30, 1951 in London, England to parents who possessed creative spirits, Collins fell in love with making music.

When he was just five, his uncle made him a drum kit out of tambourines, triangles, cymbals and toy drums, Collins recalled. “The old cliché is, ‘Well, at least it will keep him quiet’,” he told Interview Magazine.

Soon after, he found himself performing in shows at his parents’ boating club.

“When I started playing seriously, the English beat thing was just happening, the Shadows and bands like that. It was the very early ’60s,” Collins recalled.

“I remember buying Please Please Me. I used to put the record player on very loud and set up my drums so I was facing the mirror, that way you don’t look at what you’re doing.

“Then when I was fourteen I went to a teacher to learn to read drum music. I figured when this rock-and-roll thing finished I would have to make a living playing in a dance band or in an orchestra pit. So I learned to read drum music, but I found that my capacity for reading was not anywhere near as good as actually playing by instinct.”

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It was in the 1970 that Collin’s life changed forever. He was already playing in some bands when he came across an ad by a group called Genesis which was looking for a drummer. He decided to get in touch with them and the rest is history. In the first years of Collins being part of it, the group released five albums with singles that reached the charts.

After the founder and lead singer of Genesis left the group, Collins took his place. He was both a singer and a drummer. Speaking of his new role, he said he didn’t really feel comfortable, but as the group failed to find a singer, he simply stepped in.

Besides being a member of Genesis, Collins also had a very impressive solo career. With smash hits such as In The Air TonightYou Can’t Hurry Love and I Don’t Care Anymore he soon became one of the best in the music industry.

When he decided to leave the group and focus on his solo career, Collins said: “Having been with Genesis for 25 years, I felt it time to change direction in my musical life.

“For me now it will be music for movies, some jazz projects and of course my solo career. I wish the guys in Genesis all the very best in their future. We remain the best of friends.”

However, in 2017, he decided to reunite with the band. Last year, they announced a world tour, The Last Domino, but had to put it on hold because of the pandemic.

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And as fans were looking forward to seeing the group on stage together, Collins gave an interview with BBC Breakfast which made many concerned about his health. He and his band mates announced that it will be Collins’ son Nicholas who would do the drumming and Collins will only sing.

“Nic is a great drummer, but he is capable of sounding like early Phil. For Mike and I, that was always quite exciting,” Genesis band member Tony Banks said.

“It means you can play some of the songs that you haven’t played with Phil as the drummer for a long time.”

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Speaking of why he’s not getting behind the drums, the musician revealed: “I’d love to but you know, I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. So there are certain physical things that get in the way.

“I’m kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son,” adding that he doesn’t know if he wants to be touring any longer.

“We’re all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed,” he said. “I think yeah, I think just generally for me, I don’t know if I want to go out on the road anymore.”

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During the past few years, Collins experienced certain health issues which left him struggling to get on his feet. Speaking to Billboard, he revealed that after a surgery in 2009, he was left with dislocated vertebra, nerve damage. He had also suffered a foot fracture that left him feeling like he’s walking “on sticks.”

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78-year-old Susan Sarandon criticized for her clothing – has the perfect response for haters

Susan Sarandon is perhaps one of the most iconic actresses of her generation. Apart from holding her own on screen, the actress is known for never holding back in real life either.

So when people started questioning her decisions, she decided to school them.

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Susan Sarandon has had an impressive career in Hollywood and is still going strong. Her role as Janet Weiss in the 1975 cult classic musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show cemented her worth as a talented actress. After that, she went on to star in numerous movies, which earned her critical acclaim, including the much-loved Thelma & Louise. She received a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her portrayal in the film. The actress ultimately earned an Academy Award for her role in Dead Man Walking.

The actress has always been a proponent of body positivity and always likes to express herself with her fashion choices. She has quite an unapologetic personality and is vocal about the causes she supports.

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It was during a red carpet event that the actress was wearing a white jacket with a black bra which raised some eyebrows. A journalist went as far as to say her outfit was “totally inappropriate.”

But instead of trying to defend herself with words, the actress decided to use a picture. She posted an old picture of herself in her underwear, proudly displaying her figure. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, and Sarandon shut up anyone who was questioning what was ‘appropriate’ for her and what wasn’t.

The actress is not bothered about aging and focuses on what feels important to her. She said in an interview, “When your sense of time has an ending and isn’t finite, like how it feels when you’re young.” She added, “When you have an understanding that time is precious—you have a tendency not to waste energy on the small stuff and only to surround yourself with people who are vital, curious, brave, and adventurous.”

As for what she does to maintain her beauty, she simply said, “If you want to age gracefully, probably laugh a lot, and get the normal amount of exercise, and eat well and stay out of the sun would be the main things,” Sarandon stated. But the actress added, as is having an amazing makeup and hair team to help you keep looking good.

Susan Sarandon is surely one of a kind! The actress marches to the beat of her own drum and does not pay attention to anyone who has something negative to say about her. What do you think of her response to haters? Let us know in the comments.

Make sure to share this piece with your friends and family so that next time they face criticism, they can adopt a strategy similar to Susan!

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Jaden Smith and Willow Smith Grammy 2025 outfits criticized

The Grammy Awards which took place this weekend have made a lot of headlines as they do every year. While a lot of people are talking about those who won and those who didn’t, there are some focusing on different things.

Some people are looking at what the guests of the Garmmy Awards wore on the prestigious night.

Keep reading to learn more about what certain celebrities got the ire of the public for their stylistic choice.

Jaden Smith seemed to have something on his mind when he arrived at the 2025 Grammy Awards. The 26-year-old walked the red carpet with his sister Willow Smith and both siblings seemed to have confused a lot of people with their choice of wardrobe.

Jaden Smith wore a fairly standard black tuxedo but what stood out was that he had a black castle fitted onto this head.

People of course, zeroed in on the headpiece, a lot of them confused about his choice to wear such a thing. “Talk about having a roof over your head,” one person hilariously commented.

“Knowing Jaden Smith somebody prolly told him he’s living in his own head so he said bet,” another person quipped about Will Smith’s son.

A third found it quite funny as well saying, “Looks like a Halloween outfit for a 5 year old.”

Someone hilariously added something which a lot of people could agree with, saying, “Prayers up to the person that has to sit behind Jaden Smith tonight at the Grammys.”

“Whoever told him this was a good idea doesn’t like him,” another commenter wrote referring to Smith’s team.

Other people were genuinely curious to know about what the reason behind such an outfit could be. One exasperated person wrote about Jada Pinkett Smith’s son, “‘What the hell is even that?’ How do you expect anyone to take you seriously with a frigging house oh [sic] your head?”

Another angry netizen said, “This is beyond creative license. This is just flat out stupidity.”

Another comment simply said, “If people are so desperate for attention, maybe they should do something that makes the world a better place rather than looking the most foolish.”

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His sister, Willow Smith who was nominated for multiple awards at the show did not wear any such statement piece on her head. The artist managed to make a statement with a bedazzled bra, matching bottoms which she topped off with a black blazer, platform heels, and a lot of statement gold jewelry.

“She was confused. She thought she was going to a strip show,” one person commented scathingly about Willow’s outfit as well. “Sad that these young people have no boundaries or sense of decency.”

Another criticised the look similarly saying, “Really! I can’t wait until we go back to events where people look elegant and refined.”

A third eagle-eyed netizen said, “She looks uncomfortable, anything for attention.”

As for the inspiration behind the headpiece, it was made by Abodi Transylvania, and according to them is meant to be a “bold, modern design inspired by Transylvanian history and the vampire legends of the Bathori.”

The 2025 Grammys took place in Los Angeles Crypto.com Arena. Trevor Noah hosted the award show for the fifth year in a row, as per the Daily Mail.

The show said it will be raising fund for fire relief efforts after the devastating fires in the Pacific Palisades which began last month.

What do you think about Jaden Smith and Willow Smith’s outfit choice for the 2025 Grammys? Let us know in the comments.

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Amazing benefits of burning bay leaves

The ancient herb known as the bay leaf has served both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years, offering unexpected health benefits along the way.

Unveiling the Spiritual, Historical, and Health Aspects of Bay Leaves

The Bay Leaf: A Time-Honored Herb with Unforeseen Perks

For countless generations, individuals have harnessed the leaves of the Bay laurel plant (Laurus nobilis) to impart flavor to an array of dishes. Going beyond mere culinary uses, these leaves have also played a role in spiritual practices and, interestingly, have demonstrated potential health advantages. This exploration delves into the spiritual significance, historical context, and potential health benefits of bay leaves, shedding light on the intriguing practice of burning them.

Historical Significance

The utilization of bay leaves traces back to ancient Greece, where these leaves garnered renown for their medicinal properties and symbolic representations of valor and triumph. According to Greek mythology, the transformation of a nymph named Daphne into a bay laurel tree by the god Apollo established the link between divinity and bay leaves.

The aromatic laurel plant associated with the Delphic Oracle in ancient Greece was believed to aid in predicting the future. However, it’s worth noting that the sweet bay, lacking the potentially hazardous toxic effects required for inducing a prophetic state, was not the actual plant used by the Oracle. Instead, oleander, sometimes mislabeled as sweet bay, was revealed to be the plant of choice.

Culinary Applications

Beyond its historical and spiritual significance, bay leaves have found a place in kitchens for their distinct flavor and fragrance. These leaves, with their robust texture, are commonly added whole to dishes such as sauces, marinades, stews, and soups, enhancing the overall taste. Bringing a subtle earthy undertone, bay leaves are particularly popular in Mediterranean and Indian cuisines.

Medicinal Advantages

Apart from their culinary allure, bay leaves boast potential health benefits. Laden with essential oils, tannins, and various compounds with anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, they may offer:

1. Digestive Relief: Bay leaves have been historically used to alleviate digestive issues like bloating, indigestion, and constipation.

2. Respiratory Support: Inhaling steam infused with bay leaves may aid in alleviating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and congestion.

3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Compounds within bay leaves exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for managing conditions like arthritis.

4. Diabetes Management: Some studies propose that bay leaves may assist in regulating blood sugar levels, making them potentially useful for individuals with diabetes.

Spiritual Significance

In various cultures, bay leaves carry profound spiritual meaning. The ancient Romans utilized bay leaves as a form of prayer, attributing prophetic abilities to them. Revered as the plant of the Sun God Apollo, bay leaves symbolized knowledge, protection, and cleansing.

Contemporary spiritual practices have embraced the burning of bay leaves, often under the term “smudging.” This ritual is believed to purify the environment, expel negative energy, and invite positive energy into the space. The burning may involve additional herbs like sage or palo santo, dispersing the smoke over the area or individual.

Burning Bay Leaves

When engaging in the act of burning bay leaves, a dried leaf is ignited, allowing the smoke to permeate the surroundings. This ritual can be conducted in diverse settings, including homes, meditation spaces, and ceremonial events. The smoke is thought to cleanse the air, fostering a serene atmosphere. While there is some evidence supporting the calming effects of burning bay leaves, individuals with respiratory conditions, like asthma, should exercise caution.

In Conclusion

The bay leaf transcends its role as a mere culinary herb, boasting a rich history, spiritual significance, and potential health benefits. Whether enhancing the taste of food or participating in ceremonies, bay leaves continue to captivate and inspire people worldwide. As with any addition to health routines, consulting a healthcare practitioner ensures suitability for individual needs before incorporating bay leaves into one’s regimen.

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