Additional Coverage:
- Sure, Phil Collins has health problems. But maybe that 24/7 nurse could come out on tour with him? (latimes.com)
Phil Collins: “Not Dead Yet!” – Rock Legend Eyes Return to Studio, Reflects on Health Journey
Local music fans, take note! Iconic drummer, singer, and producer Phil Collins, who turns 75 on January 30th, recently shared an update on his health and future plans that’s anything but dire. While many headlines might suggest otherwise, Collins, speaking in a new interview set to broadcast for his birthday, made it clear that while he’s faced significant health challenges, he’s far from hanging up his musical hat entirely.
The “Genesis” and solo superstar, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Sussudio,” admitted to having a 24-hour live-in nurse to manage his medication, a necessity after what he called an “ongoing thing” with his health. “Everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong,” he stated, detailing a period where he battled COVID-19 in the hospital, experienced kidney issues, and underwent five knee operations. He attributes some of the kidney problems to past alcohol consumption, though he proudly notes he’s now two years sober.
Despite these hurdles, Collins isn’t one to wallow. “Now I’ve got a knee that works and I can walk, albeit with assistance, you know, crutches or whatever,” he shared optimistically.
While the thought of another grueling world tour might be a bridge too far (“Once you launch it, it’s difficult to unlaunch it,” he mused), the recording studio seems to be calling his name. “The things that are ahead for me would be – apart from just being back to being totally mobile and healthy – is sort of maybe [to go into a recording studio] and have a fiddle about and see if there’s more music,” he revealed.
Collins mentioned having “some things that are half-formed or were never finished,” along with a couple of completed tracks he’s fond of. So, for those hoping for new material from the rock legend, there’s definitely a glimmer of hope.
As he put it, “Maybe life in the old dog. Yeah.
You’ll see.”
The full conversation with Zoe Ball, which concludes a five-episode podcast series about his life, “Eras: Phil Collins,” will be broadcast as a TV special, “Phil Collins: Eras – In Conversation,” on January 31st on BBC Two. It seems Collins is ready to celebrate his 75th with a renewed sense of purpose and, potentially, some fresh tunes. Stay tuned!