Genesis musician Phil Collins has shared details regarding his battle with severe alcoholism. In a recent interview, the 75-year-old artist opened up about a health crisis that occurred in 2023. During this period, he required a seven-month hospital stay as his organs struggled to function. He stated that his kidney and pancreatic health reached a critical point, and at the time, people arrived to say their goodbyes because his condition was so dire.
Collins describes the relapse as a process that grew out of isolation. He noted that he began drinking wine upon waking to fill the time, which led to a dangerous physical decline. He had previously spoken about his struggles with alcohol following his 2006 divorce, but this recent event highlights the severity of his long-term health challenges. He is currently sober and has not consumed alcohol since his 2023 hospitalization.
Despite his recovery, the health consequences remain. Collins currently deals with permanent scarring on his pancreas and long-term damage to his kidneys. His retirement from touring in 2022, following the final Genesis show, was also driven by physical limitations including back issues and a foot injury. He noted that while he misses performing, he focuses on spending time with his family.
At the end of 2025, Collins gathered his family for a holiday celebration at a hotel in London. He described the event as a significant moment of reconnection. His daughter, Lily Collins, shared that she was moved to tears during the gathering, reflecting on the fact that these moments were once in doubt. Collins now lives with the awareness of how close he came to a different outcome, emphasizing the value of his current sobriety.