Phil Collins, the 74-year-old former Genesis frontman, has been hospitalised following knee surgery, his representative has confirmed. The statement comes after unfounded rumours circulated online that the musician was in hospice care.
Collins' spokesperson told The Independent that the eight-time Grammy winner is not in hospice, debunking the viral claims. The rumours began months after Collins revealed he was 'very sick' in a February interview with Mojo magazine, following his final concert with Genesis at London's O2 Arena.
Collins retired from live performances in 2022, citing a serious spinal injury from 2007 that left him with nerve damage and unable to play drums. In a 2021 BBC Breakfast interview, he said he was 'physically challenged' and frustrated he could not perform alongside his son Nic, who drummed for Genesis on their final tour.
Founding Genesis member Peter Gabriel commented on Collins' condition, noting he 'wasn't in as great a shape as he used to be' but praised the band's final show. Collins has five children, including actor Joely Collins and actress Lily Collins, and has been married three times.
