An Express reporter recently attended a Phil Collins event and was surprised by how well the 75-year-old music legend looked, despite his well-documented health struggles. The pop icon appeared in London to promote the re-release of his debut solo album, Face Value.
Health Struggles and a Surprising Appearance
Phil Collins has faced many health challenges in recent years. He has suffered back problems for decades after years of drumming caused his neck vertebrae to crush his spinal cord, culminating in a dislocated vertebra during the 2007 Genesis reunion tour. He also has type 2 diabetes. In April 2024, he was placed on a life-support machine after his organs began to shut down following a relapse into alcoholism. As he lay unconscious in a hospital bed in Switzerland, his family rushed to his side to say their goodbyes.
Given these serious health issues, the reporter did not know what to expect when asked to cover an event with him at the Odeon Luxe in London's Leicester Square on Wednesday, September 30. When he arrived, he came in under his own steam, albeit with the aid of sticks because of his back problems, and looked tanned and healthy. Take away the sticks, and he looked very good for 75.
A Sharp Mind and Emotional Recollections
Within minutes of him beginning to speak, it was apparent that he was remarkably sharp for a person of any age. He was there to discuss his 1981 debut solo album Face Value, which was re-released last month in a brand-new Dolby Atmos mix. The reporter noted that Phil had been so busy that this was the first chance he had to sit down with the record's producer Steven Wilson for an intimate conversation with the invited audience.
Phil spoke with an impressive level of recall 45 years later, remembering minute details about recording sessions and equipment. He also wasn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve while discussing the album, which was deeply personal, coming as it did amid his first divorce. Having listened to the newly remixed version, he admitted the songs transported him straight back to the emotions he was experiencing when they were written.
“When I hear You Know What I Mean, and If Leaving Me Is Easy, I go back to the feelings I had when I wrote them, and there was a little tear in my eye when those songs started, because I really was, you know, airing my feelings,” he said, visibly moved by the recollection.
A Healthier Picture Than Expected
An artist being so vulnerable about their work in a public space is something you rarely witness, particularly when that artist is one of the best-selling singer-songwriters in history. Most people would struggle to open up to friends about such deeply personal feelings, yet Phil was completely relaxed as he discussed them.
Although he won't be seen back on stage any time soon, Phil is in far better shape than previous updates would have you believe. At the end of the day, he is still 75 and obviously has some health issues, but the reporter concluded it was genuinely wonderful to see him doing well, and he is definitely far healthier than expected.
