Phil Collins recently spoke about his ongoing health issues during an appearance on a BBC podcast, explaining that his condition now requires constant care. He said complications from a spinal injury in 2007 have followed him for nearly two decades, bringing nerve damage and other problems that continue to affect daily life.
They told local media that he has a full-time nurse living with him to manage medication and monitor his condition. “I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do. I’ve had challenges with my knee… I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.”
Over the years, those knee issues became severe. He has undergone five surgeries and now only one knee functions properly. “I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever,” he said, making it clear that even simple movement now requires planning and support.
The physical decline was already visible during Genesis’ farewell tour in 2022. At that time, he acknowledged publicly that he was struggling and not performing at his best. His son Nic took over drumming duties while he remained front and center on stage.
During a later interview, he openly admitted how hard it was to accept those limitations. “I’m kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I’d love to be playing up there with my son,” he said, adding doubts about ever wanting to tour again.
Touring itself made his health worse, especially when combined with heavy drinking. He explained that his kidneys suffered as a result. “I guess I had too much of it. I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times,” he said, describing months spent hospitalized afterward.
That stretch forced him to reassess everything. He stopped drinking entirely and recently marked two years of sobriety. He described the past couple of years as “difficult” and “frustrating,” but added, “It’s all right now,” suggesting a level of acceptance with where things stand.
Near the end of the conversation, he reflected on what still brings him peace. He spoke warmly about his children, saying, “I’m very proud of all of them. They’ve all stood on their own and done what they believe in. I feel very lucky about that,” while also expressing gratitude for his long, varied music career.
