Miami (AFP) - English rock singer Phil Collins was forced to cancel his first solo concert in more than four years after suffering problems with his voice, American media reported Monday.

The 63-year-old Genesis front man was due to perform at Miami Beach's Fillmore theatre on Saturday in a benefit gig for his charitable foundation, but he pulled out at the last minute.

"We tried to do it, but my voice sounded bad at rehearsal. And at soundcheck it sounded worse," Collins was quoted as saying by the Miami New Times.

Collins has largely withdrawn from live performances in recent years, preferring to spend more time with his family.

Neither Collins, who has sold more than 100 million records, nor the concert organizers have given further details on the nature of the problems affecting the singer's voice.