Phil Collins Says He Now Requires 24-Hour Medical Care After Years of Health Struggles

NEW YORK, NY – Phil Collins says he now relies on round-the-clock medical support after years of compounding health problems, describing a stretch in which “everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me,” in a new interview tied to the BBC’s Eras series and People.

In the conversation with presenter Zoe Ball, Collins said he has a “24-hour live-in nurse” to help manage medications and day-to-day care while he continues dealing with mobility issues, including ongoing knee trouble.

Collins traced much of his physical decline to a cascade of setbacks that built over time. Multiple outlets note that a serious spinal injury in 2007 led to lasting nerve damage, and later medical issues further limited his ability to perform as he once did.

More recently, Collins said he has undergone five operations on his knee and now has one that “works,” though he still needs assistance to walk, mentioning crutches and other support.

He also described health complications that converged during a prolonged period of treatment, including contracting COVID-19 while hospitalized and experiencing kidney problems. In the interview, Collins linked the kidney issues to his past alcohol use, saying his kidneys were “messed up” after “drinking too much,” and he said he has now reached two years of sobriety.

The health update arrives as Collins approaches his 75th birthday and as the BBC rolls out its Eras coverage focused on his career. Fox News described the interview as part of a BBC project exploring why he stepped away from touring after Genesis’ 2022 farewell run.

Collins’ physical limitations have been visible in recent years, including his final Genesis shows, where he performed seated while his son Nic handled drums. While he did not commit to returning to live performance, the Los Angeles Times reported that Collins left open the possibility of future studio work, even as major touring appears off the table.

Top Questions and Answers About Phil Collins’ Health Update

Q: What exactly did Phil Collins say about his current health?
A: Collins said he now requires 24-hour medical care, including a live-in nurse, due to a combination of long-term health issues that have accumulated over many years.

Q: Why does Phil Collins need round-the-clock care?
A: According to his interview, the care helps manage mobility limitations, medications, and daily physical needs resulting from multiple surgeries and chronic conditions.

Q: What health problems has Phil Collins been dealing with?
A: His health issues include nerve damage from a spinal injury, significant knee problems that required multiple surgeries, mobility impairment, and kidney issues that developed over time.

Q: When did these health problems begin?
A: Many of the complications trace back to a spinal injury sustained in 2007, which caused nerve damage affecting his hands and mobility. Additional issues emerged in the years that followed.

Q: Has Phil Collins undergone surgery?
A: Yes. Collins has said he has had at least five surgeries on his knee. While one knee now functions, he still requires assistance to walk.

Q: Is Phil Collins able to walk on his own?
A: He has said he often needs crutches or other support and does not move easily without assistance.

Q: Did Phil Collins mention kidney problems?
A: Yes. Collins said he experienced kidney issues and linked them to years of heavy alcohol use, stating that his kidneys were “messed up” during that period.

Q: Has Phil Collins addressed his past alcohol use?
A: He said he has been sober for about two years and acknowledged that alcohol contributed to some of his health complications.

Q: Did COVID-19 affect his condition?
A: Collins said he contracted COVID-19 while hospitalized, which compounded an already difficult period of medical treatment.

Q: Is this why Phil Collins stopped touring?
A: Yes. His declining health is the primary reason he retired from touring. He last performed live during Genesis’ 2022 farewell tour, where he sang while seated.

Q: Will Phil Collins ever tour again?
A: He has not indicated any plans to return to touring, and his statements suggest that live performances are unlikely.

Q: Could Phil Collins still record new music?
A: Collins has not ruled out studio work entirely, but he has said that his physical condition makes even recording difficult.

Q: Who is helping care for Phil Collins now?
A: He said he has a live-in nurse providing continuous medical and daily assistance.

Q: How old is Phil Collins now?
A: Collins is approaching his 75th birthday.

Q: Why is this information coming out now?
A: The comments were made during a BBC interview connected to a retrospective project examining his career and the reasons behind his retirement from performing.

Timeline of Phil Collins’ Health Issues