Key Facts
- Relapse and hospitalization
- April 2024, Switzerland
- Health issues
- Kidneys packing up, organs seizing up
- Family response
- Five kids called to make future plans
- Medication
- Antabuse kept him off alcohol for a while
- Drinking pattern
- Wine in the mornings
- 2026 honor
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee
Background
Phil Collins, the 1980s rock icon known for hits like 'In The Air Tonight,' has faced significant health challenges in recent years. Nerve damage and multiple surgeries on his knees and spine left him unable to play the drums. Alcoholism had been a longstanding issue for decades.
In 2012, Collins suffered acute pancreatitis, which forced him to become sober. However, by April 2024, he had relapsed and was hospitalized in Switzerland. His condition deteriorated to the point where his family began preparing for the possibility of his death.
Current Situation
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Collins candidly discussed his health struggles while in the hospital. His manager of 50 years called his five children to make future plans in case the Genesis frontman did not survive. At that point, his body was shutting down, and the situation looked dire.
Collins recounted, 'Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing. My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up.' He added, 'People were coming to say goodbye. But I don’t remember them coming, I didn’t have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn’t see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong.'
Collins admitted he cannot remember when he started drinking again. He noted that the medication Antabuse kept him off alcohol for a while, but once that stopped, he began drinking wine in the mornings as if it were normal. He said, 'But I’d have wine when I woke up. That was what I’d want for breakfast, a glass of wine. But I didn’t drink into the night, you know. So I wasn’t really aware of having a problem, to be honest.'
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of Genesis |
| 2012 | Acute pancreatitis, forced to get sober |
| 2024 | Relapsed and hospitalized in Switzerland |
| 2026 | Honored at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame |
Impacts
Collins is now being honored at the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, alongside other inductees including Oasis, Mariah Carey, and Wu-Tang Clan. Collins speculates that board members may have assumed he was already inducted for his solo work, not just as part of Genesis in 2010.
Despite the honor, Collins said that not receiving the recognition would not have bothered him. As he put it, 'I’d have just put it down to being English and just being invisible.' His health crisis has highlighted the severe consequences of relapse and the emotional toll on his family.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Collins maintains his sobriety and continues to recover from his physical ailments, he may be able to enjoy his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and potentially engage in limited public appearances. However, his long-term health remains uncertain given his history of alcoholism and ongoing physical limitations.
Should he face another relapse, the consequences could be severe, as his organs have already shown signs of failure. His family and medical team may need to remain vigilant to prevent a similar crisis. Alternatively, with proper support, Collins could stabilize and focus on his legacy, though his drumming career appears unlikely to resume.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2026 could serve as a milestone for Collins, but his ability to participate fully depends on his health. If his recovery continues, he may attend and receive recognition; if not, he might have to accept the honor remotely or through representatives.
Source: vice.com
