In an exclusive and revealing interview, music icon Phil Collins has broken his silence about his challenging health battles while hinting at a potential return to the studio and even touring. The legendary musician, who celebrates his 75th birthday on January 30th, opens up about the severe health issues that forced him to retire from touring in 2022, including a spinal injury, nerve damage, and a serious drinking problem that led to life-threatening pancreatitis.
A Journey Through Health Challenges
Collins describes the last two years as "difficult, interesting, and frustrating" as he navigated multiple health crises. The Genesis frontman reveals that his drinking escalated while living alone in Switzerland following his divorce from third wife Orianne Cevey, admitting "I had too much time on my hands." His drinking became so severe that it led to pancreatitis requiring hospitalisation, with his will being discussed in front of his children during his treatment.
"I wasn't one of those guys that stayed up all night drinking, I'd drink during the day," Collins confesses. "But I guess I had too much of it and it all caught up with me." Remarkably, he has now been sober for two years, marking what he calls "a massive achievement" given the severity of his previous condition.
Multiple Health Issues
The musician's health problems extend beyond his drinking. He suffered a spinal injury during the 2007 Genesis tour that triggered nerve damage affecting both his hands and legs, ultimately forcing him to stop drumming. Collins has also undergone five knee operations, manages type 2 diabetes, and experiences hearing loss from a viral infection contracted in 2000. Despite these challenges, he maintains a positive outlook, stating "I'm not dead yet" and noting he can now walk with crutches following his knee surgeries.
Comeback Possibilities
Looking trim and fit in recent appearances, Collins reveals he's considering a return to music creation. "The things that are ahead for me would be, apart from just being back to being totally mobile and healthy, sort of maybe go in there [into the recording studio] and have a fiddle about and see if there's more music," he explains. "I've got some things that are half formed or were never finished, and a couple of things that were finished, so you know there's maybe life in the old dog yet. Never say never."
Collins acknowledges the logistical challenges of touring, noting "Sometimes I feel like, wouldn't it be nice if we did it again. I just don't know if I wanna go as far as to launch that boat, you know? Because once you launch it, it's difficult to unlaunch it." He currently has a 24-hour live-in nurse to ensure he takes his medication properly while contemplating his musical future.
Family Pride and Legacy
The musician expresses immense pride in his five children, who have all pursued successful careers despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye. His daughter Lily Collins has become a celebrated actress with roles in Emily in Paris and Snow White, while son Nicholas has followed in his father's footsteps as a drummer, occasionally filling in for Phil in Genesis and Mike and the Mechanics performances.
"I had a very happy family life," Collins reflects. "My kids are amazingly well adjusted considering some of the things that they've been through. I'm very proud of all of them. They've all stood on their own and done what they believe in." He particularly praises Nicholas's drumming talent, saying it "surprised the sh** out of me" how skilled he became.
Career Reflections
Looking back on his astonishing career that includes three UK number one singles, two Golden Globes, six Brit Awards and eight Grammy Awards, Collins reflects on his unexpected transition from Genesis drummer to frontman after Peter Gabriel's departure in 1975. "The job was kind of thrust upon me by default because we couldn't find a singer," he recalls. "I was very reluctant at first and it was my first wife that said 'Why don't you do it?'"
Collins describes the terrifying experience of moving from behind the drums to centre stage: "Having to go down the front and stand with just this microphone stand scared the life out of me. The drums were like a security blanket - you've got something between you and the audience." Despite his initial fears, his confidence grew as hits like Follow You Follow Me and In the Air Tonight established him as a successful solo artist.
Collaborations and Future Outlook
The musician also worked extensively with former Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant in the early 1980s, drumming on his first two solo albums and performing with him at the historic 1985 Live Aid concert. Plant reflects fondly on their collaboration: "We had so much fun. I love him and he played a big part in my early career take-off, post Led Zeppelin."
Despite his health difficulties and the drinking problem he has now conquered, Collins maintains few regrets about his remarkable career. "I'd love to do it again," he says. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world." His full interview will air on Radio 2 in early February 2026 as part of the BBC Sounds series Eras: Phil Collins with Zoe Ball, available from January 26th.
