Phil Collins has opened up about the “dark times” set in by alcohol addiction, the health issues that put him on the brink of death, and the sobriety he’s maintained for three years.
In parts of interview with Prog published Saturday by Louder, the Genesis drummer and singer talked about relapsing into alcoholism in the 2020s and the effects it had on his life, saying “I went through some pretty dark times.”
“I was never ‘falling over’ drunk,” Collins said. “That wasn’t it. It was just drinking ‘normally,’ as one would drink water. I’d wake up, have a glass of wine. Watch TV, read a book, have a glass of wine . . . Some people’s insides can’t take it. Mine broke down.”
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Collins told readers that his “kidneys and liver were waving the white flag,” adding that he was close to dying but hadn’t realized it. “I just thought I was sick,” he said. After being admitted for organ failure and remaining unconscious for most of a hospitalization in 2024, with his family facing taking him off life support, Collins was able to recover and find sobriety. But health issues beyond those stemming from alcohol have still plagued the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
He’s had five knee operations and is dealing with drop foot, a condition that affects walking due to nerve damage, Collins said. This latter ailment is why he now uses crutches. Despite his struggles, the hitmaker told Prog he’s feeling better than he has in many years, saying “Physically, now, I reckon I’m A1, 100%. I’ve worked at it. Haven’t drunk for three years. I do physio three times a week, to bring me up to speed. All is good!”
New music isn’t off the table either for Collins, whose last release was a 2010 covers album. “There are some things I could finish. And other things which are finished. So, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility,” he told Prog.
Collins will be given a second spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November, this time as a solo artist after entering the institution as a member of Genesis in 2010.
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of his 1981 debut solo album, Collins is putting out a new box set Face Value (Full Value), which will be released September 18th.