Legendary Genesis drummer Phil Collins has revealed that he faced a life-threatening health crisis more than two years ago, a situation so dire that his family was called to his bedside to say their final goodbyes. The 75-year-old musician disclosed that he was hospitalized in April 2024 as a result of heavy drinking that had spiraled out of control.
Collins recalled the gravity of the situation, noting that his manager had contacted his five children due to urgent concerns that he would not survive. The musician explained that doctors were forced to discuss difficult decisions with his family, including whether to keep him on life support as his kidneys and other organs began to fail. While he was physically present, Collins noted that he has no memory of his loved ones visiting him to say goodbye. He acknowledged that the outcome could have easily been fatal, stating, "It could all have gone so terribly wrong."
The health emergency followed a period of intense struggle. Collins was first rushed to the hospital in November 2023. Although he was discharged shortly before Christmas, his condition necessitated a return to intensive care weeks later, resulting in a seven-month hospital stay. Reflecting on his recovery, the drummer expressed gratitude, adding, "I was very lucky to have come out of that. Needless to say, I haven't had a drink since."
Beyond the complications caused by alcohol, Collins has navigated significant long-term physical challenges. He continues to deal with the aftermath of a 2007 spinal injury that caused nerve damage and vertebrae issues in his upper neck. These conditions, combined with multiple knee and spine surgeries, have left him physically frail and reliant on crutches for mobility. He noted that he requires a 24-hour live-in nurse to assist with his daily medication. During that interview, he remarked that his kidneys were "messed up" due to his previous excessive drinking, summarizing his recent years as "a difficult, interesting, frustrating last few years. But it’s all right now."
Despite these ongoing health struggles, Collins made a rare public appearance in May, using crutches to attend a 50th-anniversary event for The King's Trust at Buckingham Palace. Looking ahead, the musician is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.
"Because there were some decisions to be made about 'Do we keep Phil on life support?' kind of thing," he said. "My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye. But I don't remember them coming; I didn't have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn't see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong."
"It is just one of those things that happened, and it all caught up with me, and I spent months in hospital," he told the BBC. "It's just been a difficult, interesting, frustrating last few years. But it’s all right now."
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