Phil Collins reveals that his alcoholism left him hooked up to a ventilator: People came to say goodbye

Phil Collins revealed in a recent interview with the Sunday Times that his long-standing battle with alcoholism nearly cost him his life in early 2024. The former drummer of Genesis was admitted to intensive care after a severe health crisis linked to his drinking habits, during which he required mechanical ventilation and faced critical decisions regarding his survival. His family, including all five of his children, traveled to be with him during this time, as his condition deteriorated significantly. According to the account, Collins was unconscious for part of the ordeal and had failing organs, leading to discussions about whether to continue life support. He described the experience as traumatic, noting that he did not remember people coming to say goodbye, though others were present. The incident began in November 2023, when Collins was first hospitalized in Switzerland due to alcohol-related complications. He was discharged three days before Christmas but soon returned to the hospital in an emergency situation. Over the following months, he remained under medical care for seven months, receiving treatment for the effects of chronic alcohol abuse. In April 2024, his condition worsened dramatically, requiring immediate intervention. His representative informed his children of the severity of his illness, prompting their visit to his bedside. During this period, Collins expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal and stated he has not consumed alcohol since then. In addition to his health struggles, Collins has been dealing with physical limitations that have affected his ability to perform publicly. Earlier this year, he disclosed that he requires round-the-clock nursing assistance to manage his medication, describing the past decade as one filled with challenges. He has undergone five knee surgeries and continues to face mobility issues. Despite these difficulties, he claims to feel healthier than he has in years, although he has ruled out participating in his upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year. He explained that such an event demands peak physical and vocal condition, which he currently lacks. Despite his current limitations, Collins has not entirely ruled out returning to live performances. He mentioned that he would consider doing so in the future, though he emphasized that it would require careful planning and preparation. His inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will be as a solo artist, following his previous recognition as a member of Genesis in 2010. Other artists set to be honored include Oasis, Iron Maiden, Billy Idol, Sade, Luther Vandross, Wu-Tang Clan, and Joy Division/New Order. Collins last performed in Chile in March 2018 at the National Stadium as part of his Not Dead Yet Live tour. At that time, he was already showing signs of declining health, often sitting throughout the show due to muscle and joint problems. This performance marked his most recent appearance in South America, highlighting how his career has evolved alongside his personal health journey.