Phil Collins Faces Health Challenges While Receiving 24-Hour Care: Reflecting on a Tough Few Years

Phil Collins in London in June 2017.
Credit:

Brian Rasic/WireImage

Health Update on Phil Collins

• Phil Collins disclosed he requires a 24-hour live-in nurse due to persistent health issues.
• The 74-year-old musician faces ongoing challenges following five knee surgeries.
• While he has experienced a “difficult” few years, Collins reports that he is doing okay.

Phil Collins has candidly discussed his current health struggles as he approaches his 75th birthday. In a recent appearance on the BBC podcast Eras, he shared details about the significant challenges he has faced over the past few years.

During the interview with host Zoe Ball, Collins stated, “It’s an ongoing thing. I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do. I’ve had challenges with my knee. I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.”

Collins elaborated on his experiences, mentioning hospitalization-related complications, including contracting COVID-19. He said, “I got COVID in hospital. My kidneys started to back up. Everything seemed to converge at the same time.”

The renowned artist, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight,” revealed he has undergone five knee surgeries and noted, “I only have one that works.” Despite these difficulties, Collins maintains that he can walk with the help of crutches.

Phil Collins in Glasgow in October 2021.
Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns

Reflecting on his journey toward recovery, Collins acknowledged the impact of alcohol on his health. He shared that he has quit drinking and recently marked two years of sobriety, expressing relief after stepping back from touring: “I enjoyed coming off tour. Coming off the road, I thought, right, I’m gonna do all those things that I couldn’t do.”

Despite having faced significant health challenges, Collins commented on the last few years as “difficult, interesting, frustrating,” although he asserted, “But it’s all right now.”

Last year, a representative clarified that Collins was recovering from knee surgery, quelling rumors surrounding his health. In earlier interviews, he has stated that his ongoing health issues have diminished his motivation to pursue new music, saying, “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore.”

In 2022, Collins formally retired from drumming, citing health concerns that hindered his ability to play. This decision occurred alongside Genesis’s final tour, marking the end of an era for the legendary band.