Phil Collins Gives Rare Health Update: Five Knee Surgeries, Kidney Problems From Alcohol, It ‘All Seemed to Converge at the Same Time’

In a candid new television interview, music legend Phil Collins has opened up about the severe health challenges that led to his retirement. The 74-year-old former Genesis drummer and singer revealed a recent series of medical crises, including five knee surgeries and kidney issues he attributes to past drinking habits. Collins made these disclosures to host Zoe Ball for the BBC Two special "Phil Collins Eras: In Conversation," a five-part series concluding on January 26.

Detailing the convergence of his ailments, Collins described an ordeal where "everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong." He explained that while hospitalized, he contracted COVID-19, and his kidneys began to fail. The artist, who has type 2 diabetes, now requires a live-in nurse to manage his medication. His mobility remains limited; despite the multiple knee operations, he can only walk with the aid of crutches. This follows nearly two decades of health struggles, including a 2007 spinal injury that caused nerve damage and led to "drop foot," a condition that makes lifting the front of the foot difficult.

Collins directly linked his kidney problems to alcohol consumption, though he noted his drinking pattern was unconventional. "I’d probably been drinking too much... I’d drink during the day," he admitted, clarifying he was not a late-night drinker. He recently celebrated two years of sobriety after the health scare resulted in months of hospitalization. These cumulative issues forced a major change in his final performances with Genesis. During the band's 2022 farewell tour—marking the end of a career that has sold over 100 million albums worldwide—Collins sang from a chair while his son, Nic Collins, took over drumming duties.

When asked about future musical projects, Collins offered a glimmer of hope. He had previously stated in 2021 that nerve damage meant he could "barely hold a stick," and in early 2025 reiterated he felt no urge to return to a studio. However, pressed by Ball, he hinted at unfinished material. "I’ve got some things that are half formed or were never finished, and a couple of things that were finished, which I like," Collins said, suggesting, "Maybe life in the old dog. You’ll see." This leaves the door cautiously open for fans of the iconic vocalist behind hits like "In the Air Tonight" and "Against All Odds."