Phil Collins Contemplates Returning to the Stage
In a recent interview, legendary musician Phil Collins, now 75, has hinted that he may perform live again as his health continues to improve. The eight-time Grammy winner, who last toured with Genesis in 2022, shared his thoughts with BBC Breakfast, revealing that he feels "healthier now than I have been for quite a while."
Despite suffering from a series of health issues, including a spinal injury from 2007 and multiple knee surgeries, Collins has not ruled out hitting the road once more. However, he made it clear that fans should not expect a performance at the upcoming Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in November, where he is set to be inducted.
"They asked me if I would perform and I said no, because you've got to be match fit to do something like that," Collins explained. "You're going to have to rehearse and then by that point, if you've not been singing, your voice is going to be shot and then that's not going to be good. So I'd rather not do it."
Health Challenges and Recovery
Earlier this year, during a career-spanning interview with Zoe Ball for BBC's Eras podcast, Collins opened up about his health struggles. He revealed that he requires 24-hour care due to lingering effects from his spinal injury and other complications. "I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever," he said. "I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication as I should do."
Collins detailed a series of medical setbacks, including COVID-19 contracted in the hospital, kidney issues, and problems with his knee. "I've had challenges with my knee. I had everything that could go wrong with me, did go wrong with me," he told Ball. "I got COVID in the hospital. My kidneys started to back up. Everything seemed to converge at the same time."
Sobriety and New Music
Having been sober for more than two years, Collins credited his improved health to quitting alcohol. He admitted that drinking had led to kidney problems. "I'd probably been drinking too much, and so my kidneys were messed up," he said. "I stopped drinking at six in the evening. I wasn't one of those guys that sort of stayed up all night drinking. I'd drink during the day, but I guess I had too much of it."
Despite his health battles, Collins continues to write music. He revealed that he has "lots of lyrical ideas" and some songs that are "half-formed and a couple of things that are finished." He hinted that new material could be on the way, saying, "Maybe life in the old dog. Yeah. You'll see."
Rare Public Appearance
Collins made a rare public appearance earlier this month at The King's Trust 50th Anniversary Party at Buckingham Palace. His ex-wife, Jill Collins, shared a photo on Instagram showing him using forearm crutches while posing with Rod Stewart. She noted that despite torrential rain, the event was a success, and King Charles seemed genuinely pleased to see Collins, who served as the first ambassador for the charity 40 years ago.
Jill also announced that she and Collins are preparing to auction off hundreds of items from their personal archives, with all proceeds benefiting the King's Trust.
