Phil Collins' children came to say goodbye to him on his sickbed.

Phil Collins, the British musician and former drummer for Genesis, has revealed that his children visited him at his bedside during a critical health crisis earlier this year. According to reports, Collins, who turned 75 in May, faced life-threatening complications due to severe alcohol dependence. In April 2024, he was hospitalized in Switzerland after suffering kidney failure and organ shutdowns, according to a report by The Times. His children, daughters Joely and Lily, and sons Simon, Nicholas, and Matthew, were present during his hospitalization, offering their final farewells before his recovery. Collins recounted the harrowing experience in an interview with The Times, stating that he had no memory of the incident itself. “I don’t remember anything about it,” he said. “People came to say goodbye. They were worried they would never see me again.” He described how close he came to death, adding that things could have gone terribly wrong. The musician was admitted to the hospital in November 2023 following a relapse into heavy drinking. After being discharged shortly before Christmas, he returned to intensive care within weeks and remained in the clinic for seven months. According to the report, Collins' decline was attributed to his uncontrolled alcohol consumption. “I drank wine when I woke up,” he told The Times. “That was my breakfast, a glass of wine.” He expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, stating, “Of course, I haven’t touched a drop since.” Now living alone in Switzerland with the help of a nurse, Collins has spoken openly about his desire for companionship. “I’d love to be in a relationship again,” he said. “I’d like to kiss someone, just simple things.” When asked what he might do to find such a connection, he replied, “I think it’s probably too late. I’m not very social. I don’t go out much.” Collins has been married three times and has five children, including actress Lily Collins, known for her role in Emily in Paris. Following his divorce from Swiss-born Orianne in 2006, he turned to alcohol, as detailed in his autobiography Not Dead Yet (Da kommt noch was in German). The book outlines his struggles with addiction and the impact it had on his personal and professional life. Collins’ hospitalization marked a turning point in his life, prompting him to reflect on his past choices and current state of mind. While he has maintained sobriety since leaving the hospital, he acknowledges the challenges of rebuilding his personal life. His comments suggest a deep longing for human connection, despite his self-described lack of sociability. Friends and colleagues have remained largely silent on the specifics of Collins’ recent health scare, though many have expressed relief that he survived. His music career, which includes hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Another Day in Paradise,” continues to influence new generations of musicians. However, the focus of his public appearances has shifted toward personal reflection rather than performance. Collins has not announced any plans for future projects or public engagements, but his presence in Switzerland suggests a continued commitment to a quieter lifestyle. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of substance abuse, even for those who have achieved global fame. As he navigates life post-hospitalization, Collins remains focused on finding peace and connection in his remaining years.