A Near-Death Experience
Legendary musician Phil Collins, 75, has publicly disclosed a severe health crisis that occurred in 2024, revealing that he nearly died following a period of intense alcohol abuse. In an interview with The Sunday Times, the former Genesis frontman described how his organ systems began to seize up, leading to a prolonged hospitalization during which his family was prepared for the worst.
Collins explained that his drinking habits escalated after he stopped taking Antabuse, a medication designed to deter alcohol consumption. The resulting intake caused catastrophic damage to his pancreas and kidneys. During his time in intensive care, his condition became so critical that family members, including his daughter Lily Collins, were called to his bedside to say their goodbyes while medical professionals weighed the necessity of life support.
Reflecting on Recovery
“There were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing,” Collins told The Sunday Times. “My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye. But I don’t remember them coming, I didn’t have any idea this was going on.”
Collins, who has been sober since the 2024 crisis, described his survival as a stroke of immense luck. The musician has faced a long history of physical challenges, including nerve damage, spinal surgeries, and diabetes, which have already restricted his ability to play the drums—a skill that defined his early career. He now relies on crutches for mobility and performed seated during his final Genesis tour, “The Last Domino?” which concluded in 2022.
Upcoming Recognition
Despite his health struggles, Collins continues to receive high-profile recognition for his decades of work. He is scheduled to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on November 14, 2026, adding to his 2010 induction as a member of Genesis. However, Collins confirmed he will not perform at the upcoming ceremony, noting that he misses his ability to play drums, which has been central to his life since childhood.