Phil Collins reveals: nearly died from alcohol addiction in 2024

Phil Collins has opened up in a candid interview with the Sunday Times, revealing that he came close to death in early 2024 as a result of his battle with alcohol addiction. The 75 year old singer and drummer, known for his solo career and as the frontman of Genesis, was admitted to a Swiss hospital for the first time in November 2023 due to his drinking. He was discharged just before Christmas, but returned weeks later and ended up in intensive care, where he would spend seven months.

In April 2024 his condition deteriorated so dramatically that he lost consciousness. His kidneys and other organs began to fail, and his manager called his five children to his hospital bed. Doctors and family alike faced a serious question. "There were some decisions to be made about, 'Do we keep Phil on life support?' kind of thing," Collins said in the interview. "My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up. People were coming to say goodbye. But I don't remember them coming. I didn't have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn't see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong."

Collins survived the crisis and has not had a drink since. Around New Year he spent four days celebrating with his children at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in London. His daughter, actress Lily Collins, sat beside him in tears and said: "I never thought I'd get these moments." Collins described the gathering as something truly special: "We had an incredible time. I can't overemphasize how fantastic it was."

Collins's health problems go beyond his alcohol addiction. He has undergone multiple spine and knee surgeries, now gets around only on crutches, and nerve damage has left him without the motor control needed to hold a drumstick. Diabetes and kidney problems mean he requires a live in nurse available around the clock. During the Genesis farewell tour, the Last Domino? Tour, which wrapped up in London in March 2022, he performed seated while his son Nic Collins played the drums.

Despite his recovery, Collins will not be performing at his official induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on November 14, although he was already inducted as a member of Genesis back in 2010. Fellow inductees this year include Oasis, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Sade, Luther Vandross, Wu Tang Clan, and Joy Division and New Order. Collins said he would not completely rule out a possible future performance, but stressed that he would need to be "match fit" first. Losing the ability to play remains something he finds incredibly hard to come to terms with: "I wish I could play still. It's been my life since I was given a drum kit at three. I've always wanted to just do that."

For music fans there is also other news: on September 18 a release titled Face Value (Full Value) is coming out, an expanded reissue marking the 45th anniversary of his debut solo album Face Value. The four LP box set includes half speed master versions, demo recordings, outtakes, and previously unreleased live material.