Phil Collins recently opened up about a severe struggle with alcoholism that nearly claimed his life. In a candid conversation with the Sunday Times, the 75-year-old musician shared the details of his health crisis that began after he stopped taking medication intended to curb his drinking. The situation escalated to a point where he required hospitalization for seven months starting in November 2023.
During that period, his condition reached a critical stage as his kidneys and pancreas began to fail. Collins noted that his family and friends were called to the hospital to say goodbye, fearing he would not survive. Despite the gravity of the situation, the singer stated he has no memory of these visits. He credited his survival to luck and has remained sober since that time.
This recent health scare follows a decade of physical challenges for the artist. Collins has previously dealt with significant neck and spinal issues that prevented him from playing the drums, limiting his role to vocals during his final Genesis tour in 2021. He also manages diabetes, a diagnosis he received in 2016.
Throughout his career, Collins established himself as a dominant force in British music. His work with Genesis transformed the group into global chart-toppers, and his solo career produced numerous hits that defined the 1980s and 1990s. While these health issues forced him away from the stage and into retirement, he remains a key figure in rock history. His recovery marks a personal turning point after years of managing multiple, overlapping health difficulties.