Summary (tl;dr)

Music icon Phil Collins is trending following a recent interview where he provided a candid update on his severe and ongoing health struggles, requiring 24-hour care, but also shared a surprising hope for recording new music in the future.

Essential Background

Phil Collins, the acclaimed drummer and singer for Genesis and a highly successful solo artist, has faced significant health challenges for over a decade. A spinal injury sustained during a 2007 Genesis tour led to nerve damage, forcing him to stop playing drums in 2009. His health continued to deteriorate, with multiple knee operations, kidney issues exacerbated by alcohol consumption, and complications from COVID-19. These issues led to his performing while seated during Genesis's "The Last Domino?" farewell tour, which concluded in March 2022, marking his effective retirement from live performances.

The Full Story

Phil Collins has shared an extensive update on his health in a recent interview with Zoe Ball for BBC Two's "Eras" podcast and upcoming TV special, released ahead of his 75th birthday on January 30. Collins revealed he now requires a "24-hour live-in nurse" to manage his "ongoing" medical conditions. He detailed a period where "everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong with me," including five knee operations, kidney problems, and contracting COVID-19 while hospitalized. The musician also openly discussed his past struggles with excessive drinking, which contributed to his kidney issues, but happily announced he has been sober for over two years. Despite the severe physical limitations, which make touring highly unlikely, Collins expressed a renewed desire and hope to return to the recording studio to "have a fiddle about and see if there's more music."

Why It Matters

This news is significant for fans worldwide as it offers both a sobering reality about the health of a beloved music legend and a glimmer of hope for new creative output. Collins's candidness about his health struggles resonates with many, while his expressed desire to make new music, even without touring, indicates a potential return to the studio from an artist many believed had retired completely. This update provides a deeply personal insight into the challenges faced by one of music's most influential figures, impacting discussions about his legacy and future contributions to the entertainment industry.

Geographic Location

• United Kingdom (interview broadcast on BBC Two)