Just a few days before he turned 75, rock icon Phil Collins spoke candidly about the health battles he’s been facing.
In an interview on the BBC’s Eras podcast with Zoe Ball, recorded ahead of his birthday on January 30, the former Genesis drummer and frontman revealed he now needs round-the-clock care because of complications stemming from a spinal injury he suffered in 2007. Collins explained that the accident damaged vertebrae high in his neck, leading to progressive nerve damage and chronic pain that left him struggling to even hold a drumstick. When Ball asked if he’d ruled out playing again, he described the situation as “an ongoing thing.”
Collins said he has a live-in nurse 24 hours a day to make sure he takes his medication correctly. He also spoke about persistent problems with his knee, and summed up his recent run of bad luck by saying that one medical issue after another has affected him. He has undergone five operations on the same knee and now has one that functions, although he still depends on crutches to get around.
The physical limitations were especially hard for him during Genesis’s farewell tour in 2022: rather than play the drum kit, Collins performed as the singer while his son Nic took over percussion duties. In a 2022 interview, Collins admitted he was frustrated by his physical restrictions and uncertain whether he wanted to return to life on the road.
In the latest conversation he also acknowledged that his health struggles were exacerbated by increased drinking following his third divorce. He said he has recently reached two years of sobriety. “I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times,” he wrote, adding that his difficulties culminated in extended hospital stays.
Collins is a father of five: Nic Collins, who plays drums with Genesis; Simon Collins, who is also a musician; Mathew, who pursued football; Joely Collins, an actor; and Lily Collins, an actress known for her role on Emily in Paris.
Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
