Phil Collins is Plotting a Comeback

Rolling Stone is reporting that Phil Collins is gearing up for a comeback.

Although Phil is temporarily sidelined due to major back surgery, he says his agent is already planning a tour. Additionally, all of his solo albums are getting the reissue treatment, complete with bonus cuts, demos and alternate takes of some of his best known solo tracks.

"I'm no longer officially retired," he said. "The horse is out of the stable and I'm raring to go."

Collins last solo album, "Testify," was released in 2002 but after touring in support of that release, Phil went through a number of personal battles that led him to retreat from the public spotlight. A divorce, followed by his struggle with alcoholism, left Phil feeling less than inspired.

"It left me with a lot of time on my hands to think about what happened," he said. "I went through a few bits of darkness; drinking too much. I killed my hours watching TV and drinking, and it almost killed me. But I haven't had a drink in three years."

Phil says he's not sure if a new album or a tour will come first but he's already began rehearsals with his band. Further, Collins may actually be stepping behind the drum kit for the first time in years.

A dislocated vertebra in his neck that caused nerve damage in his hands left him unable to play.

"After this surgery, though, the doctor said to me that my vital signs were all there," he said. "He said to me, 'If you want to play drums again, all you have to do is practice.'"

Regardless, Phil says at the very least, he can still sing, play piano and write songs.

Of course, news of Phil Collins coming out of retirement will certainly lead to Genesis fans wondering about a potential reunion.

"Let's start with this [solo] bit first," he said. "I love the guys. I would just prefer to do this first. For now, let's just see how this goes."