Phil Collins’ Near-Death Hospitalization Highlights Ongoing Health Struggles

In April 2024 the 75-year-old Genesis frontman was unconscious in a Swiss intensive-care unit after a relapse into heavy drinking caused his kidneys and other organs to begin failing. His longtime manager summoned Collins’ five children to his bedside while doctors considered whether to keep him on life support. Collins later described the episode as a “brush with death” and said he has not consumed alcohol since.

Phil Collins Reveals He Nearly Died in 2024 After Drinking Caused His Organs to Shut Down

Collins has spoken publicly about alcohol abuse since his 2006 divorce. He previously used Antabuse, which induces illness if alcohol is consumed, but stopped taking it, leading to a resurgence of drinking. Earlier health crises include type 2 diabetes (diagnosed 2016), a 2007 spinal injury that caused nerve damage, and multiple knee surgeries that now require him to walk with crutches.

Phil Collins Reveals He Nearly Died From Alcohol Abuse: “People Were Coming To Say Goodbye”

• Nov 2023 – First admission to a Swiss hospital for alcohol-related complications.

Phil Collins Details 2024 Health Crisis That Nearly Killed Him: "I Haven't Had a Drink Since"

• Dec 2023 – Discharged a few days before Christmas.

Phil Collins Details 2024 Health Crisis That Nearly Killed Him: "I Haven't Had a Drink Since"

• Early 2024 – Readmitted; condition worsened in April 2024.

Toronto Sun

• April 2024 – Unconscious, family called to bedside; life-support decisions discussed.

Phil Collins Opens Up About Why His Personal Life Has Become So Difficult

• Seven-month stay – Remained in hospital until late 2024, then discharged.

Hollywood Reporter

• Nov 14 (scheduled) – Set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

Phil Collins Reveals He Nearly Died From Alcohol Abuse: “People Were Coming To Say Goodbye”

• Hospitalization lasted seven months.

Hollywood Reporter

• Collins has undergone five knee operations and multiple spine surgeries.

Phil Collins Reveals He Nearly Died in 2024 After Drinking Caused His Organs to Shut Down

• His pancreas is permanently scarred; his kidneys “barely function.”

Phil Collins Reveals He Nearly Died From Alcohol Abuse: “People Were Coming To Say Goodbye”

• He lives with a 24-hour live-in nurse to manage medication.

NME | New Musical Express

• He is unable to hold drumsticks due to nerve damage and now performs seated when possible.

Phil Collins Reveals He Nearly Died From Alcohol Abuse: “People Were Coming To Say Goodbye”

Collins’ disclosure underscores the severe health risks of untreated alcohol addiction, even for high-profile individuals with access to medical care. His public commitment to sobriety may encourage broader conversations about addiction and long-term disease management. The upcoming Hall of Fame induction on Nov 14 will mark his second recognition (first as a member of Genesis in 2010) and will occur while he remains unable to perform live.

Phil Collins Opens Up About Why His Personal Life Has Become So Difficult

Collins told The Sunday Times that his kidneys were “packing up” and that doctors faced a decision about life support. He described feeling “very lucky” to have survived and emphasized that he “hasn’t had a drink since.” He noted his health has improved enough to consider returning to the studio, though he is not match-fit for a full concert. His manager confirmed that the family was called to his bedside during the crisis. Collins’ live-in nurse and ongoing medical regimen were highlighted in interviews with BBC’s “Eras” podcast and Variety.

Variety Magazine

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

Fox News (website)