Full Breakdown
Phil Collins Reveals Near-Fatal Alcoholism and Ongoing Health Struggles
8/3/2026, 8:54:02 PM
Near-Death Hospitalization
In November 2023 the 75-year-old musician was admitted to a Swiss hospital for complications from long-term alcohol abuse. He remained under intensive care for seven months, during which his kidneys and other organs began to fail. In April 2024 Collins was unconscious, and his manager summoned his five children, fearing he would die without life-support intervention.
Health History and Ongoing Issues
Collins’ alcohol crisis caused damage to his pancreas and kidneys, and he has lived with diabetes since 2016. Decades of drumming have also taken a toll on his musculoskeletal system; he has undergone five knee operations and relies on crutches for mobility. Earlier spinal surgery left him unable to play drums on the Genesis reunion tour in 2021, restricting his role to vocals.
Official Statements & Responses
Collins told interviewers that he considers himself “very lucky” to have survived the ordeal and that he has not consumed alcohol since the hospital stay. He indicated that his health has improved enough to contemplate a return to music in some capacity and plans to attend his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in November, though not to perform. On a personal note, he expressed a desire to find a romantic partner again, acknowledging that “it’s probably too late” and that he is “not a very social person.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing,” — Phil Collins, his long-time manager
- “I was very lucky to have come out of that,” — Phil Collins, his long-time manager
- “I had five operations on my knee now,” — Phil Collins, his long-time manager
- “I’d love to be in love again,” — Phil Collins, his long-time manager
- “I think it’s probably too late for that,” — Phil Collins, his long-time manager
