Phil Collins has revealed that he now has a '24-hour live-in nurse' following years of health struggles. The 75-year-old Genesis frontman has faced numerous injuries throughout his life, largely due to decades of drumming, and recently opened up about his ongoing battles with various ailments.
Health Challenges and Knee Surgeries
In a new interview with BBC Breakfast, Collins said: 'The last 18 months has been fine. Before that, not so good. Everything health-wise caught up with me at the same time. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.' He detailed that he has undergone five operations on his knee alone, and now requires assistance to walk.
Collins admitted he does not foresee performing live again, having last taken the stage in March 2022 with Genesis for a farewell concert at London's O2 Arena. 'I can't really see it happening,' he stated.
Kidney Issues and Live-In Care
Appearing in a BBC documentary to celebrate his 75th birthday, Collins told presenter Zoe Ball that his kidneys were also 'packing up.' He explained: 'It's an ongoing thing. You know, I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do.' He added that he contracted Covid while in hospital and that his kidneys began to fail.
Despite these challenges, Collins remains positive about the future and may release new music. 'I'm constantly saying to myself 'I've got to go back down to my studio at home'. I've got lots of lyrical ideas that I write down. And there are things that are half-formed and a couple of things that are finished. So there's something that I can get my teeth into to start working on,' he shared.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Collins is set to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a second time later this year, having first been inducted with Genesis in 2010. He turned down the chance to sing at the induction ceremony because he 'wasn't match fit.'
Reflecting on his career, Collins recalled being the only artist to perform at both Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia for the dual-venue Live Aid charity concerts in 1985. 'Retrospectively, you can look at (the performances) and say it bonded the two events,' he said.
As a solo artist, Collins has achieved three UK number one singles and won numerous awards, including six Brit Awards and eight Grammys.
