Phil Collins has maintained a remarkably low profile since the conclusion of Genesis’s The Last Domino? reunion tour in early 2022, facing substantial health challenges during that period. However, the legendary musician is making a comeback with a new interview on the podcast BBC Eras, hosted by Zoe Ball, which is set to air on Monday.
In this candid conversation, Collins shared insights into the “difficult, frustrating few years” he has endured, revealing he has undergone five surgeries on his knee. He explained, “I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do,” highlighting the severity of his medical struggles. Collins described his health issues with his knee, stating, “I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me.”
Over the past decade and a half, Collins has grappled with severe nerve damage from injuries incurred during the 2007 Genesis reunion tour. Subsequent surgeries aimed at alleviating these issues led to the loss of feeling in his fingers, impairing his ability to play the drums and even handle everyday utensils. Compounding these difficulties, he faced foot drop, a gait abnormality, rendering him unable to walk unaided. Consequently, during his most recent tours, he performed while seated. At one point, Collins struggled with self-medication, relying on alcohol to cope.
In the upcoming interview, Collins shares an inspiring update: he has been sober for two years. He remarked, “I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times,” noting that his challenges were a culmination of ongoing health issues that required extensive hospital stays.
Photos accompanying the interview reveal a healthier-looking Collins, who feels “totally mobile and healthy” following his surgeries. “I can walk,” he confirmed, albeit with assistance, such as crutches. Furthermore, he expressed a desire to return to music, stating, “[I’d like to] have a fiddle about and see if there’s more music.” This marks a potential new chapter for Collins, who has not released an original album since 2002’s Testify and has not produced any new studio material since the 2010 Motown covers collection, Goin’ Back. His last tours were a collaboration with his son, Nic Collins, who played drums alongside him.
Despite his health adversities, Collins’s optimistic outlook and determination to reconnect with music offers fans hope. He remains a testament to resilience, proving that, even in the face of significant challenges, the passion for music and creative expression endures.