Phil Collins reveals he was close to death from alcoholism

BarcelonaPhil Collins has revealed in an interview with the British media The Timesthat in 2024 he was close to death due to problems with alcohol. The singer explained that at the end of 2023 he was admitted to a hospital in Switzerland for complications arising from alcoholism. Shortly afterwards he was discharged, but in 2024 he relapsed more severely. “My organs were shutting down. People came to say goodbye to me, but I don't remember anything,” says Collins. The Genesis frontman has confessed that he was not aware of his addiction until he reached this critical situation. “I would wake up and all I wanted was a glass of wine for breakfast,” explains Collins. “I was very lucky to get out of it unscathed. I haven't had a drink since then,” he adds.

Health problems have accompanied the singer for a long time. At the beginning of 2026 he declared to BBC Twothat he had undergone five knee operations. Since 2007, the singer has suffered from chronic neck pain due to poor posture while playing the drums. After several unsuccessful operations, Collins retired from the stage in 2011. His return occurred in 2017 with a new tour. However, the musician's injuries mean he now requires daily assistance. The artist has explained that he has 24-hour medical care and that a nurse helps him with mobility problems.

In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Collins assured that he felt "healthier than I have in a long time" and that he often thinks about performing again. The British singer is not ruling out making new music: “I constantly tell myself that I should go back to the studio,” he says. In the interview with The Times, Collins explains that his five children rushed to the hospital thinking their father was about to die. The musician's relationship with his daughter, actress Lilly Collins, star of the series Emily in Paris, has been full of ups and downs. Nevertheless, the actress and the singer have resolved their differences and now maintain a good relationship. In fact, father and daughter celebrated last New Year's Eve together at the luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental in London."She [Lilly Collins] was by my side and tearfully told me: 'I never thought I would experience moments like these with family.' It was fantastic,” says the singer.