Phil Collins reveals 24-hour nursing care, sobriety journey and the health battles that ended his touring career

Legendary musician Phil Collins has shared one of his most candid health updates yet, revealing that he now requires 24-hour live-in nursing care as he manages multiple long-term medical conditions that have reshaped his daily life and permanently ended his touring career.

Speaking on the BBC Eras: Phil Collins podcast ahead of his 75th birthday, the former Genesis frontman reflected on years of physical setbacks, recovery efforts and the personal reckoning that followed his decision to retire from live performance.

Why Phil Collins Now Requires 24-Hour Nursing Care

Collins explained that his round-the-clock medical support is necessary to manage the lasting effects of a spinal injury suffered in 2007, which damaged vertebrae in his upper neck and caused permanent nerve damage.

“I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should,” Collins said, adding that his mobility remains limited.

The nerve damage has severely affected his coordination and strength, particularly in his hands, ultimately forcing him to stop playing the drums, the instrument that defined his career.

Spinal Injury, Nerve Damage and the End of Drumming

The spinal injury occurred during a Genesis tour and worsened over time. Collins recalled losing grip and power in his left hand during performances, initially believing the condition would improve.

“It didn’t,” he admitted.

The condition, later diagnosed as neuropathy, made drumming impossible and led to one of the most emotional moments of his career: stepping aside while his son Nic Collins took over drum duties during Genesis’ 2021 The Last Domino? farewell tour.

Multiple Knee Surgeries and Mobility Challenges

In addition to spinal damage, Collins has endured five knee surgeries, leaving him with only one fully functioning knee.

“I’ve got a knee that works,” he said. “I can walk, albeit with assistance, crutches or whatever.”

The repeated surgeries and extended hospital stays fueled rumors in mid-2025 that the musician was receiving hospice care, speculation that his team firmly denied. Representatives clarified that Collins was recovering from knee surgery, not facing end-of-life care.

READ ALSO

Is Phil Collins dying? Truth behind viral photo of Paul McCartney visiting artist

Kidney Damage Linked to Past Alcohol Use

In rare and deeply personal comments, Collins also revealed that kidney damage developed as a result of years of alcohol use, particularly during periods following long tours.

“I’d probably been drinking too much, so my kidneys were messed up,” he explained.

While he said he was never routinely intoxicated, the cumulative impact of daytime drinking and physical exhaustion eventually caught up with him, resulting in months of hospitalization.

Sobriety and a Turning Point in Recovery

Those health scares became a decisive turning point. Collins confirmed he has now been sober for more than two years, describing sobriety as essential to stabilizing his health.

“It all caught up with me,” he said. “But it’s all right now.”

The musician acknowledged that retirement was not an easy adjustment, but emphasized that stepping back was necessary to preserve what quality of life he still has.

Life After Touring and Accepting Retirement

Collins officially retired from music in 2022, a decision he says he made on his own terms.

“If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything,” he said in his 2024 documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First.

Though he remains open to the idea of playing again if his condition improves, Collins admitted he feels he has “used up [his] air miles,” signaling peace with his legacy and limitations.

Legacy Beyond the Health Battles

Despite his ongoing struggles, Collins remains one of the most influential musicians of his generation, both as a solo artist and as the driving force behind Genesis. His honesty about aging, illness and vulnerability has resonated with fans worldwide, reframing his retirement not as defeat, but as survival.

FAQ

Why does Phil Collins have 24-hour nursing care?

Phil Collins requires round-the-clock nursing support due to long-term complications from a spinal injury, nerve damage, mobility issues and medication management.

What spinal injury did Phil Collins suffer?

Collins suffered a spinal injury in 2007 that damaged vertebrae in his upper neck, leading to permanent nerve damage and loss of hand coordination.

Did Phil Collins stop drumming because of his health?

Yes. Nerve damage in his hands made drumming impossible, forcing him to stop performing and ultimately retire from live shows.

Is Phil Collins in hospice care?

No. His representatives denied hospice rumors, confirming he was recovering from knee surgery and managing chronic conditions.

What caused Phil Collins’ kidney damage?

Collins said prolonged alcohol use during his touring years contributed to kidney damage, which required extended hospitalization.

Is Phil Collins sober now?

Yes. Phil Collins confirmed he has been sober for more than two years following serious health complications.

Will Phil Collins ever perform again?

While he hasn’t ruled it out entirely, Collins says he would only return if he could perform at the level he expects of himself.

How old is Phil Collins now?

Phil Collins is approaching his 75th birthday in 2026.