Grammy-winning musician Phil Collins was hospitalized for seven months in 2024 due to severe alcohol abuse, according to an interview published over the weekend. His condition deteriorated to the point that doctors considered placing him on life support, and his family was called to his bedside in Switzerland, where they feared they might not see him again.
Collins, 75, recounted the ordeal to The Times of London, stating that his organs were failing and that he had no memory of the events surrounding his hospitalization. "My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing," he said. "There were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ People were coming to say goodbye." He added that he was unaware of the situation at the time, as he was unconscious for long stretches during his treatment.
The hospitalization followed two separate admissions to a Swiss hospital in November 2023 and April 2024. Collins was initially discharged after the first stay but required intensive care during the second, which lasted until late 2024. He has since confirmed that he has not consumed alcohol since the incident. "I was very lucky to have come out of that," he said. "Needless to say, I haven’t had a drink since."
Collins, best known for hits like In the Air Tonight and You’ll Be in My Heart, has also faced mobility challenges in recent years. He revealed in a January interview with the BBC’s Eras podcast that he has undergone five knee operations and now relies on crutches to walk. "I’ve got a knee that works and I can walk, albeit with assistance from crutches," he stated.
Despite his health struggles, Collins is set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2025, alongside fellow inductees including Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, and Wu-Tang Clan. His daughter, Lily Collins, who stars in Emily in Paris, was among those who visited him during his hospitalization. Collins described a recent family gathering as "incredible," noting that his daughter had tears in her eyes, saying, "I never thought I’d get these moments."
The musician’s hospitalization and recovery have drawn attention to the long-term effects of alcohol abuse, particularly in older adults. Collins’ candid account highlights the severity of his condition and the challenges of rehabilitation, as well as the support of his family during his treatment.