Phil Collins Reflects on Health Challenges Ahead of 75th Birthday

In a recent conversation with the BBC, Phil Collins, the renowned British musician, shared insights into the physical difficulties that have shaped his life over the past two decades.

During an episode of the BBC’s “Eras” podcast, airing just before his 75th birthday on January 30th, Collins offered a heartfelt look at the lengthy journey of his health issues.

The iconic singer, known for his work with Genesis, spoke about the origins of his health decline, pinpointing a significant event nearly twenty years ago that many fans might not be aware of.

While his 2009 surgery is often thought to mark the start of his troubles, Collins revealed that the real catalyst occurred during the Genesis reunion tour in 2007, where he dislocated a vertebra in his neck. This injury caused immediate nerve damage, which drastically impaired his ability to play the drums—a devastating reality for someone celebrated as one of rock’s greatest drummers.

“It’s an ongoing thing,” he told host Zoe Ball. “I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to ensure I take my medication properly. I’ve faced numerous challenges, including issues with my knee. It’s like everything that could go wrong did go wrong.”

“I contracted COVID while hospitalized, and my kidneys began to fail. It all seemed to hit at once,” he added. “I can walk, but I need assistance—crutches or something similar.”

After the 2007 incident, Collins underwent surgery in 2009 to address the damage, but that was merely the beginning of a series of complications, such as drop foot and intense back pain, which forced him to perform seated during his latest tours.

Drop foot makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot, often leading to a high-stepping walk to avoid tripping. This challenge has added to his struggles, but Collins also took a moment to reflect on his personal journey towards sobriety, admitting that years of drinking had negatively affected his kidneys. He shared that he has stopped drinking and recently celebrated two years of sobriety.

“I enjoyed stepping back from touring, thinking I’d finally do all the things I hadn’t done before,” he explained. “I suppose I had too much of it at times; I was never really drunk, but I did fall a couple of times. It all caught up with me, and I spent a lot of time in the hospital.”

“It’s been a difficult, intriguing, and frustrating few years,” he noted. “But I’m okay now.”

Last year, a spokesperson for Collins confirmed to PEOPLE Magazine that he was recovering from knee surgery, dispelling rumors about him entering hospice care.

In February 2025, Collins talked openly about how his ongoing health issues have influenced his passion for making music. He mentioned his wavering motivation to return to the studio, reflecting on how illness has dimmed that drive.

“I keep thinking about going downstairs to the studio, but I’m not really hungry for it anymore,” he remarked. “I’ve been genuinely sick, you know?”

As his 75th birthday approaches, his appearance on “Eras” represents a moment of contemplation for an artist reviewing a remarkable career. The episode recounts his various musical phases, from being a session drummer to gaining fame with Genesis and his successful solo career in the 1980s.

Although he openly discussed the frustrations brought on by his physical limitations, Collins also expressed gratitude for his connection with fans and the experience of watching his son, Nic Collins, perform on drums during the band’s later years.