Phil Collins recalled the moment his five children [2] were brought to his bedside to say final goodbyes while he was on life support.
The account highlights the severe physical toll of long-term addiction and the fragility of the musician's health, which has limited his public appearances.
Collins, 75 [1], experienced a critical health crisis caused by severe alcoholism. He said his kidneys were packing up and his organs were seizing up during the episode. The singer was placed on life support as his organs began to fail [1, 3].
His longtime manager summoned his children to the hospital because the medical outlook was dire. The children were worried they would not see him again [1].
There are contradictions in reporting regarding the exact timing of the event. Some reports state the crisis occurred in 2024 [1], while others cite a relapse in 2025 [3]. A Yahoo report described the event as occurring two years ago [4].
Collins said family came to say goodbye during his alcoholism battle [3]. Despite the severity of the organ failure, he survived the crisis.
He currently resides in Switzerland, where he lives alone with the assistance of a live-in nurse [5].
“My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up.”
The disclosure of a near-death experience underscores the compounding effects of substance abuse and age on a high-profile artist. By detailing the failure of his organs and the necessity of life support, Collins provides a transparent look at the physical consequences of addiction, moving beyond the typical narrative of recovery to illustrate the actual proximity to death.
