Phil Collins Reveals Near-Death Hospitalization Linked to Alcohol Addiction

In November 2023 the 75-year-old former Genesis frontman was admitted to a Swiss hospital for complications related to his alcohol use. After an initial discharge before Christmas, he was readmitted a few weeks later and placed in intensive care, where he remained unconscious for an extended period. Collins later said he spent seven months in intensive care before being released. He described a critical moment when doctors considered whether to keep him on life support.

The Independent

Collins has spoken publicly about a lifelong struggle with alcohol, which intensified after personal setbacks such as the end of his third marriage in 2006. The singer also manages several chronic conditions: a 2007 spinal injury that left him using crutches, Type 2 diabetes, and a series of knee surgeries—five operations in total. He now relies on a 24-hour live-in nurse to monitor medication and health needs. Collins disclosed that his pancreas is permanently scarred and his kidneys “barely function,” consequences he attributes to his past drinking.

The Independent

• Hospitalization: admitted November 2023; seven months in intensive care.

The Independent

• Family: five children—Joely, Simon, Lily, Nicholas, Matthew.

The Independent

• Medical interventions: five knee surgeries, ongoing dialysis-related monitoring for kidney impairment.

The Independent

Collins told the Sunday Times that he was “very lucky” to survive the ordeal and that he has not consumed alcohol since. He emphasized the seriousness of his condition, noting that his organs were failing and that family members were summoned to say goodbye. Despite the health setbacks, he confirmed plans to attend his upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction later this year, marking his second appearance after the 2010 Genesis induction.

Deadline Hollywood

• “My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up,” — Phil Collins

Rolling Stone

• “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.” — Phil Collins

Rolling Stone

• “I was very lucky to have come out of that,” — Trending Stories Phil

Rolling Stone

• “I’ve been sick, I mean very sick,” — Phil Collins

Deadline Hollywood