Phil Collins, the iconic voice behind Genesis and a solo career that defined a generation, is confronting a series of formidable health challenges with remarkable resilience. In a candid interview with BBC Two's Zoe Ball, the 74-year-old musician opened up about his ongoing medical struggles while maintaining an optimistic outlook toward his creative future.
The legendary performer has endured a cascade of health complications that would have sidelined many artists permanently. Collins revealed that his daily life now requires constant medical supervision, including a 24-hour live-in nurse who ensures he takes his medication properly. This level of care underscores the severity of his condition, which has affected multiple aspects of his physical wellbeing.
Among the most significant issues has been his knee problems, which required an extraordinary five separate operations. The procedures left him with limited mobility, though he now can walk with assistance from crutches or other supportive devices. The recovery process was further complicated when he contracted COVID-19 while hospitalized, creating a perfect storm of medical crises that converged simultaneously.
Perhaps most concerning were his kidney complications, which Collins directly attributes to his past relationship with alcohol. With unflinching honesty, he admitted that excessive drinking likely caused his renal issues. "I wasn't one of those guys that stayed up all night drinking," he clarified during the interview. "I'd drink during the day, but I guess I had too much of it." This confession reveals a more private struggle behind his public persona, one that ultimately led to extended hospital stays as his body began to fail.
The consequences of his lifestyle choices caught up with him dramatically, forcing a reckoning that has now lasted over two years. Collins proudly stated that he has remained completely sober for more than 24 months, a milestone that coincides with his gradual physical recovery. The combination of abstinence and successful knee surgery has finally brought him to a place where he can say, "It's all right now."
Reflecting on this difficult period, Collins described the past few years as "difficult, interesting, frustrating"—a testament to the emotional toll of his health battles. Yet despite these challenges, he has emerged with his creative spirit intact and his determination renewed.
The musician's last live performance came during the final night of Genesis' 2022 farewell tour, a historic moment that marked the end of an era for one of rock's most influential bands. During those shows, Collins remained seated throughout, a visible reminder of his physical limitations. His inability to play drums—a skill that made him one of the most respected percussionists in rock history—has been particularly heartbreaking for fans and for Collins himself. He officially gave up drumming in 2009 after surgery left him with permanent nerve damage, effectively ending his relationship with the instrument that launched his career.
While a return to touring appears unlikely for the aging star, Collins hasn't closed the door on his musical legacy. In fact, he's actively looking toward the studio as his next creative frontier. "The things that are ahead for me would be, apart from just being back to totally mobile and healthy, is maybe go in [the studio] and have a fiddle about and see if there's more music," he explained. This statement reveals a pragmatic optimism—he understands his limitations but refuses to let them define his future.
Collins acknowledges the psychological barrier many veteran artists face: the feeling that they've already said everything they need to say. "You tend to sort of feel (like), 'That's it, I've done that,'" he admitted. However, he counters this sentiment with a simple philosophy: "you've gotta start doing it to see if you can do it. Otherwise, you don't do it." This approach demonstrates his understanding that creativity requires action, not just intention.
The rock legend has already laid the groundwork for his potential comeback, revealing that he possesses a treasure trove of unfinished material. "I've got some things that are half-formed or were never finished, and a couple of things that were finished, which I like," he shared. This collection represents years of ideas that were set aside due to health issues or other commitments. Now, they may finally see the light of day.
His confidence in this future project is evident in his characteristic humor: "So maybe life in the old dog. You'll see." This self-deprecating remark masks a deeper truth—Collins believes he still has something valuable to offer the music world, even if his performing days are behind him.
The prospect of new Phil Collins music is significant for multiple reasons. As a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer—inducted both as a member of Genesis and for his solo work—his artistic output has shaped the sound of popular music for decades. His distinctive voice, songwriting prowess, and production skills have earned him a place among rock royalty. Any new material would be met with intense interest from fans who have followed his career since the 1970s.
Moreover, his situation reflects a broader trend in the music industry: veteran artists finding ways to continue creating despite physical limitations that prevent them from touring. The studio has become a sanctuary for many aging musicians, allowing them to maintain their artistic voice without the physical demands of live performance. For Collins, this could represent a sustainable path forward that honors his legacy while acknowledging his current reality.
The interview with Zoe Ball also highlights the importance of transparency about health struggles in the entertainment industry. By speaking openly about his need for a live-in nurse, his history with alcohol, and his ongoing recovery, Collins helps destigmatize these issues for fans and fellow artists alike. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the toll that years of performing and touring can take, but also as an inspiring example of resilience and adaptation.
As Collins continues his recovery, the music world watches with anticipation. His journey from drumming prodigy to global superstar to health-challenged veteran has been marked by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. Yet through it all, his passion for music has remained his constant companion. The possibility of hearing new compositions from this master songwriter offers hope not just for Collins himself, but for an entire generation of fans who grew up with his music as the soundtrack to their lives.
Whether those half-finished songs become a full album or simply a few tracks released to close a remarkable career, one thing is clear: Phil Collins isn't ready to fade away quietly. He's fighting for his health, maintaining his sobriety, and keeping his creative flame alive. In doing so, he's writing another chapter in a story that has already cemented his place in music history—a chapter defined not by the challenges he's faced, but by his refusal to let them have the final word.