The former Genesis star stepped away from the spotlight in 2011, insisting he was giving up his career to spend more time with his family.

Phil's retirement did not last long as he recently confirmed he is working on a new album and plans to hit the road for a tour in 2016, but news of his return has divided music fans.

A petition has now been launched on Change.org in a bid to stop the musician from hitting the road again, and the 'Phil Collins Must Be Stopped' campaign has garnered a swell of support.

"Phil Collins has announced he is 'no longer in retirement'. There is far too much suffering in the world as it is. This must be stopped," reads a statement posted alongside the petition, which is addressed to the United Nations.

The petition had garnered more than 800 signatures as WENN went to press.

"I'm no longer officially retired," Phil recently told Rolling Stone magazine. "The horse is out of the stable and I'm raring to go. My kids are now 10 and 14 and they want to see what their dad does.

"They were in nappies when I was last on the road. They love my music and I'd like to take them out so they can enjoy it."