Phil Collins opened up about the emotional moment when his five children believed they were saying their final goodbye when he came close to death in 2024. The 75-year-old recalled, “My kidneys were packing up. My organs were just seizing up,” during his battle with alcohol addiction.
Phil Collins said an alcohol relapse left him on life support
Opening up about the ordeal, Phil told The Sunday Times on August 2 that doctors had to consider whether to continue life support as his kidneys and other organs began to fail, with people coming to say their goodbyes.
The Grammy-winning singer said, “But I don’t remember them coming. 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.”
Phil was taken to the hospital in November 2023 amid struggles related to alcohol use. He was discharged shortly before Christmas but faced another hospitalization just weeks later.
As his condition worsened, his manager of 50 years contacted his five children and asked them to gather to be by his side. The music legend has five children: Lily Collins, Joely Collins, Simon Collins, Nicholas Collins, and Matthew Collins.
“I was very lucky to have come out of that. Needless to say, I haven’t had a drink since,” he said. Later in 2024, Phil and his family spent four days together at the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge. He recalled Lily becoming emotional and telling him, “I never thought I’d get these moments.” “We had an incredible time. I can’t overemphasise how fantastic it was.”
In his 2016 memoir Not Dead Yet, Phil spoke about the personal struggles and a back injury that contributed to his battle with alcoholism. Over the years, Phil has battled multiple health issues, including nerve damage, knee problems, kidney complications, and type 2 diabetes. The conditions took a toll on his ability to play music, prompting his retirement ahead of Genesis’ final tour in 2022.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or substance use, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-4357, as well as local treatment referral services.
