Phil Collins Discusses Health and the Possibility of New Music

Despite ongoing health struggles, Phil Collins continues to look forward rather than back, hinting that new music may still lie ahead for the legendary songwriter and performer.

A Long Road Through Health Challenges

In a recent interview with Zoe Ball on BBC Two, the former Genesis frontman spoke openly about the cascade of medical issues that have defined his recent years. Collins described his condition as ongoing, explaining that he now relies on a 24-hour live-in nurse to manage his medication properly.

“It’s an ongoing thing,” Collins said. “I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication, as I should do.” He went on to detail a series of setbacks that seemed to arrive all at once: knee problems, kidney complications, and even contracting COVID-19 while hospitalized. “Everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong with me,” he admitted.

After undergoing five knee surgeries, Collins can now walk again, though only with assistance. “Now, I’ve got a knee that works, and I can walk, albeit with assistance, crutches or whatever,” he said.

Reflection, Recovery, and Sobriety

Collins also acknowledged that alcohol likely played a role in his kidney issues. “I wasn’t one of those guys that stayed up all night drinking,” he explained. “I’d drink during the day, but I guess I had too much of it.”

Though he says he was rarely drunk, the long-term effects eventually caught up with him, leading to months in the hospital. Collins has now been alcohol-free for more than two years, a change that has contributed significantly to his improved condition.

“It’s just been a difficult, interesting, frustrating last few years,” he reflected. “It’s all right now.”

The Possibility of New Music

Collins last performed live during Genesis’ 2022 farewell tour, remaining seated throughout the shows due to nerve damage that forced him to stop playing drums in 2009. While a return to touring appears unlikely at age 74, he has not ruled out recording again.

“The things that are ahead for me would be… maybe go in [the studio] and have a fiddle about and see if there’s more music,” Collins said. He added that he already has unfinished and completed ideas he still believes in. “So maybe life in the old dog. You’ll see.”

For fans, the door may not be fully closed just yet.