Brutally honest Phil Collins reveals he almost died from the effects of addiction: 'People came to say goodbye'

British musician Phil Collins has revealed harrowing details about his battle with alcohol addiction, which nearly cost him his life. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, the 75-year-old artist disclosed that he was hospitalized for seven months due to severe complications from excessive drinking, including damage to his pancreas and kidneys. During this time, members of his family and close friends reportedly visited him to say their goodbyes, according to reports. Collins described how doctors debated whether to keep him on life-support machines, adding that his kidneys had failed and his organs were ceasing to function. He admitted he did not remember much of the experience, saying he had no idea what was happening around him. Many feared they might never see him again, and everything could have ended very badly. Collins explained that his struggles with alcohol worsened after he stopped taking Antabuse, a medication that causes nausea when consumed with alcohol. This led him to drink wine even for breakfast, ultimately resulting in his hospitalization in November 2023. Reflecting on the ordeal, he stated that he considers himself extremely lucky to have survived. “I had unbelievable luck to get through it,” he said. Since then, he has not touched a drop of alcohol. This latest revelation adds to a long history of battles with substance abuse and health issues. Earlier in 2015, Collins spoke about a period of heavy drinking following his divorce from his third wife, Orianne Cevey, in 2006. He told Rolling Stone at the time that he had too much free time and troubling thoughts, leading him to drink excessively. “It was a dark period, I drank too much. I spent my time watching TV with drinks and that almost destroyed me,” he said. However, he managed to stay sober for three years afterward. In addition to his struggles with alcohol, Collins has faced other serious health challenges in recent years. He underwent surgery for issues related to his neck and spine, which left him unable to play drums anymore. As a result, during his return tour with the band Genesis in 2021, he performed only as a vocalist. In 2016, he also revealed that he had been diagnosed with diabetes. Speaking ahead of a recent solo tour, Collins acknowledged that his health has changed things significantly, particularly since he now performs while seated. However, he noted that audiences have not seemed to mind. “I thought it would bother them, but they still listened and reacted,” he said. “It’s not quite how I imagined it, but that’s just how it is.” Collins’ openness about his personal struggles comes amid ongoing efforts to manage his health and maintain his career. His candidness about nearly losing his life to alcoholism underscores the severity of his past battles and highlights the importance of recovery. Despite these challenges, he continues to engage with fans and perform, adapting to new circumstances while remaining active in the music industry. His experiences reflect a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation, as he navigates both physical limitations and emotional hurdles. While he has not returned to the drum kit, his presence on stage remains a testament to his enduring influence and dedication to his craft. Fans continue to support him, showing that his music and persona remain relevant despite the changes in his personal and professional life. Collins’ recent statements offer insight into the toll of addiction and the fragility of health, reinforcing the need for continued awareness and support for those facing similar challenges. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities involved in overcoming such obstacles and the strength required to persevere.