Phil Collins is opening up about years of serious health struggles that have dramatically altered his life and career.
The legendary musician revealed he’s undergone five knee surgeries, developed kidney damage from alcohol use, and now requires round-the-clock nursing care.
In a candid BBC Two interview with Zoe Ball for “Phil Collins Eras: In Conversation,” the 74-year-old icon detailed how multiple health crises converged simultaneously.
His revelations paint a stark picture of how chronic health conditions can compound and impact quality of life, even for those with access to excellent medical care.
Multiple Health Crises Converged at Once
Collins described experiencing a perfect storm of medical complications that all seemed to hit at the same time.
I have a 24 hour live-in nurse, um, to make sure I take my medication as I should do. Uh, I’ve had challenges with my knee — I had everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong with me. You know, I mean, I got COVID in hospital my kidneys started to back up, you know, everything that start, that could all seemed to sort of converge at the same time.
The musician now requires constant medical supervision to manage his complex health conditions. This level of care underscores how serious his situation has become.
Having full-time nursing assistance isn’t just about physical limitations—it’s crucial for medication management when dealing with multiple chronic conditions simultaneously.
Five Knee Surgeries Finally Restored Mobility
After enduring five separate operations, Collins finally has knee function restored, though he still needs walking assistance.
I had five operations on my knee now I’ve got a knee that works and I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever.
Multiple knee surgeries often indicate complex joint damage that couldn’t be resolved in a single procedure. This can result from severe arthritis, failed initial surgeries, or complications from previous operations.
Recovery from multiple knee procedures is particularly challenging for older adults, requiring extensive physical therapy and patience.
Nearly Two Decades of Declining Health
Collins’ health battles stretch back almost 20 years, beginning with a spinal injury in 2007 that caused severe nerve damage.
He developed “drop foot” following back surgery—a condition where weakened muscles make lifting the front part of the foot extremely difficult. This neurological condition significantly impairs walking ability and increases fall risk.
The musician also manages type 2 diabetes, adding another layer of complexity to his medical management. Diabetes can complicate surgical recovery and wound healing, making his multiple knee operations even more challenging.
Kidney Damage From Drinking: Two Years Sober
Collins revealed that excessive alcohol consumption damaged his kidneys, leading to extended hospitalization. He recently celebrated two years of sobriety.
I’d probably been drinking too much, and so my kidneys were messed up, you know, I mean, I enjoyed coming off tour. Coming off the road, but I thought, right, I’m gonna do all those things that I, I couldn’t do.
The drummer explained his drinking pattern wasn’t typical of someone who stayed up all night partying.
I stopped drinking at six o’clock in the evening. I wasn’t one of those guys that sort of stayed up all night drinking, you know, I’d, I’d drink during the day, but I guess I had too much of it. I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times. But, it is just one of those things that happened and it all caught up with me and I spent months in hospital.
Understanding Alcohol-Related Kidney Damage
Chronic alcohol consumption can severely impact kidney function through multiple mechanisms:
- Direct toxicity: Alcohol directly damages kidney cells and impairs filtration
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, putting extra strain on kidneys
- High blood pressure: Heavy drinking raises blood pressure, damaging kidney blood vessels
- Liver disease connection: Alcohol-related liver damage can trigger kidney problems
Collins’ case demonstrates that you don’t need to fit stereotypical “alcoholic” patterns to develop serious organ damage. Consistent daytime drinking, even without obvious intoxication, can still cause cumulative harm.
Retirement From Performing
During Genesis’ final tour in 2022, Collins could no longer play drums due to nerve damage in his hands. His son handled percussion while Collins sang from a seated position.
Earlier in 2025, he stated he had no desire to return to recording studios, having previously shared in 2021 that he could “barely hold a stick” in one hand.
The physical demands of drumming require precise nerve function, grip strength, and coordination—all compromised by his spinal injury and subsequent nerve damage.
A Glimmer of Hope for New Music
Despite earlier statements about retirement, Collins hinted at potential future projects when Ball encouraged him to return to the studio.
I’ve got some things that are half formed or were never finished, and a couple of things that were finished, which I like, so you know. Maybe life in the old dog. Yeah. You’ll see.
This response suggests Collins hasn’t completely closed the door on music creation, even if traditional drumming remains out of reach. Modern recording technology allows artists to contribute vocally and creatively without requiring the physical stamina of live performance.
Key Takeaways From Collins’ Health Journey
Collins’ candid discussion offers important lessons about health management:
- Chronic conditions compound: Multiple health issues often interact, making management more complex
- Alcohol damage is cumulative: Consistent moderate-to-heavy drinking causes organ damage over time
- Spinal injuries have lasting effects: Nerve damage from back problems can permanently affect mobility and function
- Recovery requires support: Managing multiple conditions may necessitate professional caregiving
- Sobriety brings improvement: Stopping alcohol allows organs to heal and prevents further deterioration
The musician’s openness about his struggles highlights how health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of fame or resources. His two-year sobriety milestone demonstrates that positive change is possible even after significant damage has occurred.
Collins’ story serves as a reminder about the importance of addressing health concerns early, managing chronic conditions proactively, and recognizing when lifestyle changes become medically necessary.