Phil Collins’ Brush with Death from Alcohol Abuse

Phil Collins reveals he nearly died in 2024 due to alcohol-related health issues and discusses his recovery journey.

Phil Collins recently shared a harrowing account of nearly dying in 2024 due to health complications linked to alcohol abuse. Speaking to The Times of London, the Genesis frontman recounted his sobering experience during a hospital stay that began in late 2023.

Initially admitted for alcohol addiction, Collins was discharged but soon found himself back in the hospital’s intensive care unit. His condition had deteriorated significantly, leaving him mostly unconscious during his second hospitalization. “My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up,” Collins revealed. He explained that family and friends were gathered at his bedside, bracing for the worst, with some even believing they were saying their final goodbyes. However, Collins recalled not having any memory of those moments. “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,” he reflected.

Collins’ plight reached a critical stage as his children rushed to be by his side, faced with the grim reality of potentially having to make difficult decisions regarding his life support. Fortunately, Collins managed to pull through, emerging from the harrowing ordeal with a renewed sense of purpose. “I was very lucky to have come out of that. Needless to say, I haven’t had a drink since,” he stated emphatically.

Always transparent about his health challenges, Collins has faced various issues over the years, including multiple surgeries. In early 2026, he disclosed to BBC Two that he had undergone five knee surgeries. In a more recent dialogue with BBC Breakfast, he expressed optimism about his health improvements and even contemplated a return to recording and performing. “I would contemplate, yeah,” he mentioned. “I’m constantly saying to myself, I better go back down to my studio at home.” Collins’ journey illustrates not just the challenges of recovery from addiction but also his resilience and ongoing commitment to his craft.