Phil Collins' Heartfelt Health Update: Living With 24/7 Care

Phil Collins Shares Health Challenges

Phil Collins, the legendary musician we all know and love, recently opened up on Wednesday about his ongoing health struggles. In a candid chat on BBC's Eras Podcast, the 74-year-old revealed that he now requires a live-in nurse to help with medication and mobility. "It's an ongoing thing," Phil shared, highlighting the extent of his health issues. "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."

“I got COVID in hospital. My kidneys started to back up. Everything seemed to converge at the same time,” Phil continued, before adding that he only has one knee "that works" following five knee surgeries.

Overcoming Adversity

The Genesis star didn't hold back in detailing his struggles. "I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever," he clarified. Phil also admitted that past drinking had taken a toll on his kidneys, but he's been sober for two years. Reflecting on life after touring, he said, "I enjoyed coming off tour. Coming off the road, I thought, right, I’m gonna do all those things that I couldn't do."

Despite the hurdles, Phil remains optimistic. "I guess I had too much of it. I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times. But it is just one of those things that happened, and it all caught up with me, and I spent months in hospital," he confessed. It’s been "a difficult, interesting, frustrating last few years," but he's taking it in stride.

A Glimmer of Hope

Phil, who is also known as the father of Emily in Paris star Lily Collins, isn't ready to completely step away from music. Although he's put down his drumsticks, he still has creative ideas brewing. "I've got some things that are half-formed or were never finished, and a couple of things that were finished, which I like, so you know. Maybe life in the old dog. Yeah. You'll see," he teased.

His health journey has been long and arduous, starting with a spinal injury in 2007 that led to nerve damage and "drop foot." Type 2 diabetes, multiple knee surgeries, and other ailments have compounded his challenges. His son, Nic Collins, took over drumming duties for Genesis' final tour, allowing Phil to focus on his health. "Drumming has taken its toll on my hands and legs," Phil reflected in the documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First. "If I can't do what I did as well as I did it, I'd rather relax and not do anything. If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I'll have a crack at it."