Phil Collins has spoken candidly about his health challenges and sobriety in a rare interview for the BBC's Eras podcast. The legendary musician, who turns 75 on 30 January, told presenter Zoe Ball that he has been sober for two years and has undergone multiple knee operations.
The former Genesis frontman played his final live concert in 2022, having previously revealed that a serious spinal injury in 2007 damaged vertebrae in his upper neck and caused lasting nerve damage. He said he can 'barely hold a drumstick' and now has a 24-hour live-in nurse to ensure he takes his medication.
Collins admitted he had 'probably been drinking too much', which affected his kidneys. He described the past few years as 'difficult, interesting, frustrating' but said things are now 'alright'. He recently celebrated two years of sobriety after his assistant noted the date he stopped drinking.
The singer also discussed his five knee surgeries, saying he now has one knee that works and can walk with crutches. In July 2024, his representative had to deny rumours that he was in hospice care, confirming he was recovering from knee surgery.
Collins reflected on his career and family, expressing pride in his five children. He said life has taught him to try to make up for past mistakes, adding that his children are 'amazingly well-adjusted' despite his challenges.
