Phil Collins, the British musician best known for his work with Genesis and his solo career, has spoken openly in recent interviews about the ongoing health challenges that have significantly affected his daily life. As he approaches his 75th birthday, Collins has confirmed that he now relies on continuous medical support to manage multiple long-term conditions.
Collins has largely stepped back from public life since the conclusion of Genesis’s farewell tour in 2022. However, in a rare interview with the BBC’s Eras podcast, he offered a detailed and personal update about his health, explaining how these issues have influenced both his lifestyle and his ability to continue performing.
Phil Collins confirms need for 24-hour care
In the BBC interview, Collins stated that he currently has a 24-hour live-in nurse who helps ensure he follows his medication schedule correctly. He explained that this level of care is necessary due to the complexity of his health situation.
He also shared that he has experienced ongoing problems with his knees and general mobility, describing the cumulative effect of several medical issues over time. These comments reflect his own words rather than speculation and have been widely reported by established news organizations following the BBC broadcast.
Multiple knee surgeries and mobility challenges
Collins has confirmed that he has undergone five knee surgeries. As a result of these procedures and related complications, he now requires assistance when walking and often uses crutches or other mobility aids.
These statements align with previous public appearances in which Collins has been seen using a cane and performing while seated. During Genesis’s The Last Domino? tour, he performed from a chair while his son, drummer Nic Collins, took on a larger role behind the drum kit.
Long-term nerve issues following spinal and neck surgery
Some of Collins’s health difficulties date back many years. After Genesis’s 2007 tour, he underwent surgery related to spinal and nerve issues. In later interviews, including those conducted in the 2010s, he explained that the procedure affected the nerves in his hands, reducing sensation in his fingers and making it difficult to hold drumsticks.
By 2015, Collins confirmed that he had also developed drop foot, a condition that affects the ability to lift the front part of the foot. This contributed to his reliance on a cane and further limited his mobility. These issues are well documented through his own interviews and coverage by major media outlets over the past decade.
COVID-19, kidney issues, and hospital stays
In addition to orthopedic and nerve-related problems, Collins has spoken about other health complications, including extended hospital stays in recent years. He explained that during one period of hospitalization he contracted COVID-19, which coincided with other medical concerns, including kidney-related issues.
He also acknowledged that his past alcohol use played a role in some of these health complications.
Collins added that he has since stopped drinking and has been sober for approximately two years. His comments were presented as a reflection on his own experiences rather than as medical analysis, and they have been reported directly by reputable outlets following the BBC broadcast.
Stepping away from touring and live performance
Phil Collins officially stepped away from regular touring after Genesis completed The Last Domino? tour in 2022. During the final concert at London’s O2 Arena, he performed while seated, with Nic Collins playing drums throughout the show.
At the time, both Collins and his bandmates explained publicly that the decision was driven by health limitations rather than artistic choice. Collins himself has stated in multiple interviews that his physical condition no longer allows him to perform at the level required for live drumming.
Despite this, he has continued to participate in music-related projects such as interviews, retrospectives, and curated releases, including the BBC Eras podcast.
Early life and career beginnings
Long before his global success as a musician, Phil Collins began his career as a child performer. At age 12, he appeared as an extra in the Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night and later had a small role in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In 1964, he also performed on stage in the West End production of Oliver!.
By the late 1960s, his focus shifted increasingly toward music. In 1970, at age 18, he officially joined the progressive rock band Genesis as their drummer. His technical skill and musical versatility quickly made him a key member of the group.
In 1975, following the departure of lead singer Peter Gabriel, Collins took on the role of frontman in addition to his duties as drummer. Under this new lineup, Genesis achieved significant commercial success, releasing albums such as A Trick of the Tail, Invisible Touch, and We Can’t Dance.
Solo success and lasting influence
Alongside his work with Genesis, Collins built a highly successful solo career. Songs such as “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” “Another Day in Paradise,” and “You’ll Be in My Heart” became international hits. He has received numerous awards over the years, including multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
His influence on popular music spans several decades, and his work continues to attract new listeners through streaming platforms, reissues, and documentary projects.
A public figure speaking in his own words
What distinguishes recent coverage of Phil Collins’s health is that much of the information comes directly from his own interviews, particularly his appearance on the BBC. Rather than relying on anonymous sources or speculation, reputable outlets have reported on Collins’s condition using his direct quotes and verified public appearances.
This approach ensures that the public narrative remains grounded in what Collins has personally chosen to share, respecting both accuracy and dignity.
Conclusion
Phil Collins’s health challenges are significant and well documented through his own statements to trusted media organizations. He has confirmed that he requires ongoing medical support, has undergone multiple surgeries, and has adjusted his lifestyle accordingly. At the same time, his career legacy remains firmly intact.
From his early days as a child performer to his decades-long impact on rock and pop music, Collins’s contributions continue to be widely respected. His recent openness about aging and health adds another dimension to his public story—one based on honesty rather than speculation.