‘My organs were just seizing up': Phil Collins reveals near-death battle after alcohol addiction

Phil Collins, the legendary Genesis frontman, has opened up about the terrifying health crisis that nearly claimed his life after complications linked to alcohol addiction. The 75-year-old singer revealed that his organs began shutting down during a hospitalization in Switzerland, leaving doctors weighing whether to keep him on life support.

The music icon, who has battled multiple health issues in recent years, said the experience changed his life and confirmed that he has remained sober since surviving the ordeal. Collins also shared that he hopes to find love again and is preparing for another career milestone with his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist later this year.

Phil Collins recalls near-death experience

Collins revealed that he was first admitted to a Swiss hospital in late 2023 to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. After being discharged, his condition worsened, forcing doctors to admit him to intensive care.


Speaking about the life-threatening episode, Collins said his kidneys and other organs began failing while he remained largely unconscious.

“My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up,” Collins told The Times.

The singer said he was unaware that family members and friends feared they were seeing him for the last time.

“People were coming to say goodbye. But I don’t remember them coming. I didn’t have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn’t see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong.”

Family feared the worst

Collins revealed that all five of his children rushed to the hospital after learning about his condition.

According to the singer, doctors and his family were forced to discuss whether life-support treatment should continue.

“There were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing,” he said while recalling the 2024 hospitalization.

The veteran musician described his recovery as nothing short of remarkable and said he has not consumed alcohol since surviving the medical emergency.

Phil Collins opens up about finding love again

Beyond his health struggles, Collins admitted he still hopes to find companionship at 75.

“I’d love to be in love again.”

He added that he misses the simple joys of being in a relationship.

“I would love a relationship. Kissing somebody, for example. You know, pretty basic stuff.”

Phil Collins' long health battle

Collins has been candid about the physical challenges he has faced over the years. The singer has lived with Type 2 diabetes and has struggled with the lasting effects of spinal injuries, which have significantly affected his mobility and ability to perform.

His battle with alcohol addiction further complicated his health, eventually leading to the life-threatening hospitalization in Switzerland.

Despite his health setbacks, Collins is set to receive one of the biggest honors of his career. The legendary singer-songwriter will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist on November 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The induction recognizes Collins' remarkable solo career, which produced global hits including In the Air Tonight, Another Day in Paradise, and Against All Odds. The honor adds another chapter to the legacy of one of rock music's most influential artists.