Phil Collins, 74, opens up about serious health decline: “It all caught up with me”
Music legend reveals he now needs 24-hour care after years of health struggles and surgeries
In a rare and emotional interview, Phil Collins shared that he now requires full-time nursing care as he continues to battle multiple health issues, marking a sobering chapter in his legendary life.
Phil Collins, the voice behind hits like “In the Air Tonight” and the longtime drummer and frontman of Genesis, has faced declining health for years. In his recent appearance on the BBC’s Eras podcast, just ahead of his 75th birthday, the iconic artist opened up about the daily reality of living with serious medical complications.
“I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication,” Collins revealed. “I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.”
Over the past two decades, Collins has undergone five knee surgeries, which left him with only one working knee. He now depends on crutches and sometimes a cane to get around. His condition, known as drop foot—caused by nerve damage from a spinal procedure in 2007—has made walking even more difficult.
Back in 2009, after surgery on his upper neck due to damage from drumming, he lost sensation in his fingers. At the time, he could only hold drumsticks if they were taped to his hands, essentially ending his drumming career.
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“I spent months in hospital”
Collins also spoke about the impact of past alcohol use on his health. During the pandemic, he was hospitalized for kidney issues, which he partly blames on heavy drinking during his time off the road. He has since stopped drinking and is now two years sober.
“I’d probably been drinking too much… my kidneys were messed up,” he said. “It all caught up with me.”
Despite the tough journey, Collins seems at peace. “The last few years have been difficult, interesting, frustrating,” he admitted. “But it’s all right now.”
Collins gave his final live performance in 2022 at London’s O2 Arena during Genesis’ The Last Domino? tour. Too unwell to play drums, he performed seated while his son, Nic Collins, took over on drums — a touching moment that symbolized a passing of the musical torch.
Phil Collins began performing at just 12 years old, acting in films like A Hard Day’s Night and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. But by 18, he left acting to pursue music. He joined Genesis in 1970 as their drummer and later became their lead singer, propelling the band to worldwide fame.
He went on to win multiple Grammys and release chart-topping solo hits, earning fans across generations with his unique voice and emotional storytelling.
Though his health has forced him to retreat from public life, Collins’ influence on music remains strong. He has inspired countless musicians, and his songs still resonate with fans around the world.
As he faces the next stage of his life, Collins is honest, reflective, and unafraid to show vulnerability — reminding us that behind every legend is a human story.
“It’s all right now,” he said simply — a quiet but powerful statement from a man who has given so much through his art.
What’s your favorite Phil Collins memory or song? Let us know.
