Phil Collins on his health in 2025: how the Genesis icon keeps the music alive despite chronic pain

In this photo, Phil Collins appears focused, with drawn features, yet still dignified. It was in 2017, long before Phil Collins' illness forced him to retire from the stage. With a steady gaze and microphone in hand, he recalls the intensity of his concerts, even when diminished. This image illustrates the struggle of the ailing English singer, still standing despite the pain. Phil Collins' songs, like 'In the Air Tonight', continue to move people. His health condition in 2025 reminds us how much the legend remains human.

The English singer is going through a difficult period. Between alarming rumors and medical realities, Phil Collins has had an extraordinary career. He is an iconic figure in British music.

Phil Collins’ health worries his fans

Recent news concerning Phil Collins’ health has sown concern among his many admirers. In July 2025, several media outlets, notably the American tabloid TMZ, announced that the 74-year-old artist was in palliative care. However, his entourage immediately denied these alarming rumors. A representative explained that the hospitalization was only for a knee operation, dismissing any extreme severity.

Moreover, the magazine People reported reassuring statements from his spokesperson. According to him, Phil Collins is "in no way" at imminent risk of life-threatening danger. This clarification temporarily reassures fans worried about the singer’s health.

A chronic illness at the heart of concerns

However, Phil Collins’ illness remains a concerning topic. Since 2007, the artist has suffered from a spinal injury. It is a direct consequence of years spent playing the drums. This injury results from an inadequate posture. His son Nicholas Collins), also a drummer, describes this situation in the documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First broadcast in 2024.

Phil Collins on stage at Hyde Park, June 30, 2017. Despite the fatigue, the singer delivers a poignant performance. A few years before Phil Collins' health forced him to give up playing the drums.
Phil Collins on stage at Hyde Park, June 30, 2017. Despite the fatigue, the singer delivers a poignant performance. A few years before Phil Collins’ health forced him to give up playing the drums.

This chronic condition gradually deprives the musician of mobility. Phil Collins can no longer play the drums, which is a hard blow for him. Indeed, his talent has marked entire generations. During the farewell tour with Genesis, titled The Last Domino?, the ailing English singer appeared on stage weakened, seated, and visibly diminished. However, his powerful voice remains intact, deeply moving his audience.

"I have been sick. Really very sick."

In February 2025, Phil Collins gave sincere and straightforward confessions to MOJO magazine. He openly discussed his health problems: "I keep thinking I should go down to the studio. But I no longer feel like it. The problem is, I have been sick. Really very sick." This honesty deeply touches his fans, reinforcing their empathy towards the musical legend.

An exceptional musical career

Phil Collins’ songs remain etched in collective memory. The artist, born in Chiswick, near London, in 1951, joined the group Genesis in 1970 as a drummer before becoming their lead singer in 1976, after Peter Gabriel’s departure. Iconic tracks such as Follow You Follow Me, Mama, or Invisible Touch deeply mark the history of progressive rock.

In parallel, Phil Collins enjoyed a brilliant solo career with major albums like Face Value or No Jacket Required. His hit songs, including In the Air Tonight or Against All Odds, achieved phenomenal international success. His music spans decades, profoundly influencing British pop.

Last look at the audience at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2017, Phil Collins was already singing while seated. The illness was progressing, but the voice of the ailing English singer still carried his greatest hits high.
Last look at the audience at the Royal Albert Hall. In 2017, Phil Collins was already singing while seated. The illness was progressing, but the voice of the ailing English singer still carried his greatest hits high.

Worldwide recognition and humanitarian commitment

Phil Collins boasts an impressive record: seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar, two Golden Globes, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His sales exceed 200 million albums worldwide, making him an essential artist.

His songs explore intimate and social themes, as evidenced by Another Day in Paradise), denouncing the plight of the homeless. His commitment is not limited to music. With his ex-wife Orianne, he founded the Little Dreams Foundation in 2000 to support young talents worldwide.

Private life and family

Phil Collins’ personal life is characterized by several marriages and four children, including actress Lily Collins (star of the series Emily in Paris, or Emily à Paris in Quebec on Netflix) and his son Nicholas Collins, who continues his passion for music. Despite his fragile health, he remains close to his family, sharing his time between Switzerland and England.

In 2024, his entourage revealed that he is renovating his studio. This suggests that he is not giving up on artistic creation. Despite health difficulties, he continues to invest in his artistic projects.

In 2021, Phil Collins appears very weakened. His gaunt face reflects his struggle. Yet, his legend remains intact and his songs continue to transcend generations. His fragile health moves people as much as his career impresses them.
In 2021, Phil Collins appears very weakened. His gaunt face reflects his struggle. Yet, his legend remains intact and his songs continue to transcend generations. His fragile health moves people as much as his career impresses them.

A final emotional return to the stage

From 2016 to 2022, Phil Collins made several notable appearances on stage despite declining health. Seated, supported by his historic musicians, he offered a farewell tour marked by emotion. Caution is now advised. His family prioritizes rest while allowing his audience to rediscover his works through numerous reissues and documentaries.

The intact legacy of a living legend

Despite concerns about Phil Collins’ health, recent news is reassuring: the artist is recovering from a minor knee operation. This clarification allows fans to focus on the essential: the immense musical legacy left by the singer.

In 2025, Phil Collins’ songs continue to accompany the daily lives of millions of people around the world. His exceptional journey, undeniable successes, and courage in the face of illness make him an essential figure. Consequently, he is a reference in the field of contemporary music.

Phil Collins will forever remain a living monument of music.

This article was written by Pierre-Antoine Tsady.