Phil Collins Reveals Health Struggles Have Stopped Him From Making Music: A Candid Look Into His Battle

Phil Collins, the iconic musician behind unforgettable hits, is facing a heartbreaking reality that has forced him to press pause on his legendary music career. At 75 years old, Collins has been open about the ongoing health battles that have impacted his ability to perform and create music, leaving fans concerned about his future.

In a revealing interview with BBC Two in January 2026, for the special Phil Collins Eras: In Conversation, Collins provided an update on his health journey. “It’s an ongoing thing,” he shared. “I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication properly. I’ve had challenges with my knee, and it feels like everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.”

The musician went on to describe the immense toll his health has taken, revealing that he had even contracted COVID-19 while hospitalized. His kidneys began to fail, and it all seemed to hit at once.

Collins’ health setbacks aren’t new—he’s faced numerous challenges over the years, but this latest revelation sheds light on just how serious it has become. He admitted in a 2025 interview that he no longer feels the passion for music that once drove him: “I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens,” he said, “but I’m not hungry for it anymore. The truth is, I’ve been very sick.”

A Battle With His Body: How His Career Took a Physical Toll

Known for his powerful drumming and soulful voice, Collins’ career took a major physical toll on his body, especially his hands and legs. During a 2026 BBC interview, Collins shared a pivotal moment from one of Genesis’ reunion tours. “We used to do a drum duet on each tour,” he recalled. “But one night, I just started losing grip and power in my left hand. I thought it would get better, but it didn’t. Eventually, I lost all feeling in my hand and had to stop drumming permanently.”

His son, Nic Collins, took over for his father in later performances, but the decision to step away from drumming was not an easy one. Collins explained in a 2024 documentary, Phil Collins: Drummer First, that years of drumming had “taken its toll” on his body, with injuries affecting his hands and legs.

The musician’s son, Nic, reflected on his father’s sacrifices and how they’ve affected his own performance. “I know he wishes he could still play the drums like he used to, but he can’t,” he said. “Even setting up the drum kit, I have to adjust things because there’s no way my dad could do it the way he once did.”

Spinal Injury and Back Surgery: The Breaking Point

Phil Collins’ health struggles began with a spinal injury in 2007 during the Genesis reunion tour. The injury, a dislocated vertebra, resulted in severe nerve damage that affected his drumming ability. Collins had back surgery in 2015 to correct the damage, but the road to recovery has been long and painful.

“After the surgery, the doctor told me I could play the drums again if I practiced,” Collins recalled. Unfortunately, that never fully came to pass. The surgery left him with lasting complications, including a condition called “dropped foot,” which has left his right foot numb and unable to move properly.

Despite his physical limitations, Collins made an attempt to continue his music career. In 2022, he participated in one final Genesis tour with his son, Nic, stepping in to play the drums. Although his mobility was compromised, he still sang and helped deliver an unforgettable show to his fans. Nic praised his father’s resilience, saying, “He’s still able to sing brilliantly, and despite everything, we put on a great show. The fans could celebrate the music they grew up with.”

The Mental Health Struggles and Personal Challenges

Behind the scenes, Collins has also faced emotional and mental health challenges. In a 2010 interview with Rolling Stone, he spoke openly about experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past, especially during difficult periods in his life. He also admitted to battling excessive drinking after his divorce from Orianne Cevey in the early 2000s.

“I went through a dark period, drinking too much,” Collins revealed. “But I haven’t had a drink in three years. It nearly killed me, but I’m working through it.”

Despite the mental and physical obstacles, Collins has found strength in his family. His son, Nic, has been by his side throughout his recovery, and they’ve formed a deep bond, both on and off the stage.

A Legacy of Resilience

Phil Collins’ health challenges have forced him to step away from making music, but his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of his generation remains undeniable. His dedication to his craft, despite his struggles, serves as a reminder of the toll that fame and creativity can take on the body—and the heart.

As Collins continues to battle through health issues, fans around the world have shown an outpouring of love and support. His journey, though fraught with challenges, reflects the resilience and strength that have made him a beloved figure in the music world.

For now, Collins remains retired from music, but his influence and his music live on in the hearts of his fans.