What Happened to Phil Collins?
Phil Collins has faced a series of debilitating health issues since the early 2000s, including severe nerve damage from a spinal injury that ended his drumming career, multiple knee surgeries, type 2 diabetes, and mobility challenges requiring crutches or a wheelchair. As of May 2026, he requires 24-hour nursing care but maintains a positive outlook and recently made a public appearance at Buckingham Palace.
Quick Answer
Phil Collins' health has significantly declined over the past two decades due to a spinal injury in 2007 that caused severe nerve damage, rendering him unable to play the drums and affecting his mobility. He has undergone five knee surgeries, battles type 2 diabetes, and experiences 'drop foot,' necessitating the use of crutches or a wheelchair. As of May 2026, the 75-year-old musician is under 24-hour nursing care, but recently attended a King's Trust event at Buckingham Palace, expressing a continued positive attitude despite his physical challenges.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Suffers Significant Hearing Loss
Phil Collins experienced significant hearing loss in his left ear due to a viral infection.
Spinal Injury During Genesis Tour
During the Genesis 'Turn It On Again' reunion tour, Collins sustained a spinal injury, dislocating a vertebra in his upper neck, which led to severe nerve damage.
Increased Alcohol Consumption
Following his divorce from his third wife, Orianne Cevey, and living alone in Switzerland, Collins' alcohol consumption escalated.
Announces Hiatus from Music
Collins announced a hiatus from music, citing health issues and a desire to focus on family. This period also saw his struggles with alcohol intensify.
Undergoes Back Surgery, Develops 'Drop Foot'
He underwent back surgery, which unfortunately resulted in 'drop foot,' a condition making it difficult to walk.
Falls in Hotel Room, Requires Stitches
Collins suffered a fall in a hotel room, requiring stitches for a head injury, attributed to his mobility issues.
Genesis 'The Last Domino?' Tour Begins, Son Nic Drums
The Genesis farewell tour commenced, with Phil Collins performing vocals while seated due to his inability to play drums, a role taken over by his son, Nic Collins.
Final Live Performance with Genesis
Phil Collins performed his final live concert with Genesis at London's O2 Arena, officially retiring from touring due to his ongoing health issues.
Hospice Rumors Refuted Amid Knee Surgery
Representatives for Phil Collins refuted online rumors that he was in hospice care, clarifying that he was in the hospital recovering from knee surgery.
Reveals Need for 24-Hour Nursing Care and Sobriety
In an interview for the BBC 'Eras' podcast, Collins revealed he now requires a 24-hour live-in nurse and had been sober for two years, reflecting on his 'difficult, frustrating' health journey.
Turns 75 Amidst Health Struggles
Phil Collins celebrated his 75th birthday, with his daughter Lily Collins sharing rare photos and heartfelt messages acknowledging his ongoing health battles.
Reported to be 'Doing Well' After Challenges
Former MTV VJ Mark Goodman posted a photo with Collins, stating he was 'doing well' after three years of physical challenges and maintained a positive attitude.
Rare Public Appearance at Buckingham Palace
Phil Collins made a rare public appearance at Buckingham Palace for The King's Trust 50th anniversary, seen using crutches and smiling alongside other celebrities.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Phil Collins' health struggles have been a long and challenging journey, significantly impacting his illustrious career. The genesis of many of his physical ailments can be traced back to a spinal injury sustained during the 2007 Genesis reunion tour, which resulted in a dislocated vertebra in his upper neck and severe nerve damage. This injury progressively led to a loss of feeling in his fingers, making it impossible for him to play the drums, a cornerstone of his musical identity.
Following the spinal injury, Collins underwent multiple spinal surgeries, but these procedures brought further complications, including the development of 'drop foot,' a condition that severely impairs walking and necessitated the use of a wheelchair for mobility during his later performances. He also endured five separate knee surgeries, with reports in early 2026 indicating that he finally has a 'working knee' that allows him to walk with assistance, such as crutches.
Beyond musculoskeletal issues, Collins has battled other serious health conditions. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, requiring ongoing management, and has experienced severe pancreatitis, which at one point was so critical that discussions about his will took place in the hospital. A viral infection in 2000 also caused significant hearing loss in his left ear.
Collins has also been candid about his past struggles with alcohol. He admitted that excessive daytime drinking contributed to kidney problems and prolonged hospitalizations. However, in January 2026, he proudly revealed that he had been sober for two years, marking a significant step in his recovery.
The cumulative effect of these health issues led to his official retirement from touring in 2022, with his son Nic Collins taking over drumming duties for the final Genesis 'The Last Domino?' tour. In January 2026, Collins revealed he now requires 24-hour live-in nursing care to manage his medication and ongoing health needs. Despite these profound challenges, he has maintained a remarkably positive outlook, stating in early 2026 that while the past few years have been 'difficult, interesting, frustrating,' things are 'all right now.' His most recent public appearance was in May 2026 at Buckingham Palace for The King's Trust 50th anniversary, where he was seen using crutches and smiling alongside other celebrities.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Phil Collins made different choices?