Phil Collins has candidly opened up about the serious health issues he is facing, revealing that he now relies on a “24-hour live-in nurse” as he continues to recover from multiple medical issues that ultimately led him to quit acting.
Talking to Zoe Ball on bbc two as part of the television special Phil Collins Eras: In ConversationThe 74-year-old music legend shared how years of physical exertion and recent complications have changed his daily life.
“It’s an ongoing thing,” Collins said. “I have a 24-hour live-in nurse, huh, to make sure I take my medications the way I should.”
Collins explained that his condition worsened after a series of setbacks happened close together.
While hospitalized, he contracted COVID and his kidneys began to fail.
“I’ve had problems with my knee; everything that could go wrong did go wrong,” he said, adding that the problems seemed to “converge at the same time.”
An important part of his struggle has been his mobility.
Collins revealed that she has undergone five knee surgeries and can now walk again, although not without help.
“I’ve had five knee surgeries and now I have a working knee and I can walk, albeit with help, you know, crutches or whatever,” he shared.
The musician also spoke openly about how drinking contributed to his kidney problems.
Reflecting on that period, he said: “I had probably been drinking too much and that’s why my kidneys were damaged.”
Collins noted that while he didn’t see himself as someone who drank all night, the habit still took its toll on him over time. He recently marked two years of sobriety after spending months in the hospital.
These challenges come after decades of health problems, including a spinal injury in 2007 that caused nerve damage and led to “foot drop,” making it difficult to walk.
During Genesis’ final tour in 2022, Collins performed seated and his son took over the drums. He also lives with type 2 diabetes.
Although Collins previously said he had little desire to return to the studio, he hinted that the door may not be completely closed.
“I have some things that are half done or never finished,” he said. “Maybe life in the old dog. Yeah. You’ll see.”
