Phil Collins details serious alcoholism: ‘People were coming to say goodbye’

by | Aug 3, 2026 | Entertainment

Phil Collins details serious alcoholism: ‘People were coming to say goodbye’

Phil Collins has disclosed details about severe alcoholism that affected him in recent years, marking a recurrence of struggles with alcohol he had previously addressed. The legendary musician, now 75, explained to the Sunday Times that his drinking escalated after he discontinued use of Antabuse, a medication designed to deter alcohol consumption by producing adverse reactions. He described a pattern of consuming wine beginning early in the day, a habit that eventually necessitated medical intervention.

Collins was hospitalized for seven months following a health crisis in November 2023, during which he sustained damage to his pancreas and kidneys. He recounted the severity of his condition, noting that medical professionals considered whether he should remain on life support as his organs began to fail. Family members and friends gathered during this period, believing they might not see him again, though Collins indicated he was not aware of their visits while hospitalized. He emphasized the fortunate outcome of his recovery and stated he has abstained from alcohol since his discharge.

This represents a second significant period of alcohol-related difficulty for Collins. Earlier in his career, following his 2006 divorce from his third wife, Orianne Cevey, he previously struggled with heavy drinking. At that time, he described engaging in excessive alcohol consumption while spending considerable time watching television. He had reported to Rolling Stone in 2015 that he had maintained sobriety for three years at that point.

Beyond his alcohol-related health challenges, Collins has contended with multiple other medical issues in recent years, including spinal and neck conditions requiring surgical intervention. These physical limitations have altered his ability to perform, particularly his drumming. During the Genesis reunion tour in 2021, his participation was limited to vocal duties performed from a seated position. Additionally, he received a diabetes diagnosis in 2016.

Collins remains recognized as one of Britain’s most commercially successful recording artists, having transformed Genesis into mainstream hitmakers after becoming their lead vocalist and subsequently building a prolific solo career spanning multiple decades.

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