Musician Phil Collins was hospitalized in a Swiss intensive care unit in late 2023 following a severe health crisis related to alcohol use, according to an interview published by The Times. The former Genesis drummer and solo artist stated that his kidneys were shutting down and his organs were failing before he recovered ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Hospitalization and Intensive Care Admission in Switzerland
According to The Times interview, Collins was first admitted to a Swiss hospital in November 2023 due to alcohol consumption. He was discharged before Christmas that same year, but returned just weeks later and was placed in an intensive care unit in an unconscious state.
“My kidneys were shutting down, my organs were failing,” Collins told The Times. “People were coming to say goodbye to me. But I don’t remember it. I was out of it. I had no idea that was going on. Everyone was terrified they wouldn’t see me again. It could all have gone so horribly wrong.”
The 75-year-old musician recalled that his five children, including actress Lily Collins—known globally for her role in the series Emily in Paris—gathered by his bedside. “Decisions had to be made, like whether to leave me on machines and that sort of thing,” Collins said. “I was very lucky to get through it. Needless to say, I haven’t drunk since.” Following his recovery in 2024, Collins gathered his family for a multi-day celebration of life at a luxury hotel in London.
Physical Health Struggles and Chronic Pain
Collins has previously spoken openly about his struggles with alcohol dependency, noting in the interview that they were partly triggered by issues related to his ongoing health problems. In his 2016 memoirs, he wrote about looking out at the sky from his Swiss home and regretting his life while isolated except for alcohol brands Johnnie Walker and Grey Goose.
Earlier in the year, Collins explained that he endured several difficult and frustrating years due to five separate knee operations. “I have a live-in nurse 24 hours a day, who among other things makes sure I take my pills when I’m supposed to,” he stated, adding that “everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.” While he previously mentioned spending months in the hospital due to drinking problems, the details of his near-fatal organ failure were only fully disclosed in The Times interview.
Reflections on Personal Life and Relationships
Beyond his physical health battles, Collins addressed his personal life and three unsuccessful marriages during the interview with The Times. “My personal life is a minefield,” he said. Despite past challenges, the musician expressed belief that he will fall in love again, though he added a caveat regarding formal unions: “I don’t know, however, if I’ll ever want to enter into marriage again.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Phil Collins hospitalized in intensive care?
According to The Times, Phil Collins was first admitted to a Swiss hospital in November 2023, and returned weeks later for an intensive care unit stay where he was unconscious.
What caused Phil Collins’ severe health crisis in 2023?
Collins stated to The Times that the crisis was related to alcohol use, which led to kidney failure and failing organs.
Who visited Phil Collins during his ICU stay?
According to the musician’s interview, his five children—including actress Lily Collins—gathered by his hospital bedside.
Has Phil Collins continued drinking since his hospitalization?
No. Collins stated in the interview that he has not consumed alcohol since his recovery.
Join the Conversation
What are your favorite memories of Phil Collins’ legendary career with Genesis and as a solo artist? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.