Phil Collins, 75, made a rare public appearance this week, using crutches amid his ongoing health struggles. The music legend, known for hits like "In the Air Tonight," has faced numerous ailments over the years, including a dislocated vertebrae in 2007 that caused nerve damage to his hands, drop foot, and significant walking difficulties. He now requires 24-hour nursing care.
Royal Appearance
Collins attended the 50th anniversary celebration of King Charles's charity, The King's Trust (formerly The Prince's Trust), at Buckingham Palace. He posed for photos with Sir Rod Stewart, 81, and his wife Penny Lancaster, as well as his ex-wife Jill Collins, with whom he shares daughter Lily Collins. Other guests included George and Amal Clooney, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Idris Elba. Jill Collins shared a photo on Instagram showing Collins in a black suit and red tie, steadying himself with two crutches, with Sir Rod's arm around him. She called the event "a truly memorable afternoon" and revealed that she and Phil are working together on a King's Trust auction, donating hundreds of items from their personal archives.
Health Challenges
Collins retired in 2022 after his band Genesis's farewell tour, as he could no longer drum without pain. In a January 2026 interview with Zoe Ball for BBC Two's Phil Collins Eras: In Conversation, he described his health as an "ongoing" challenge. He said, "I have a 24-hour live-in nurse to make sure I take my medication. I've had challenges with my knee — I had everything that could go wrong with me did go wrong. I got Covid in hospital, my kidneys started to back up, everything seemed to converge at the same time." He also noted he can walk "albeit with assistance" using crutches, calling the last few years "difficult, interesting, frustrating."
Reflections on Sobriety
In the same interview, Collins reflected on his sobriety, having just marked two years. He admitted his alcoholism stemmed from personal troubles and his back injury, saying, "I'd probably been drinking too much, and my kidneys were messed up. I stopped drinking at six o'clock in the evening. I was never drunk, although I fell over a couple of times. It all caught up with me, and I spent months in hospital." During his last live shows, he sang from a stool while his son took over drumming duties.
Future Music Possibilities
In 2025, Collins told Mojo magazine he is no longer "hungry" to make new music, despite selling 150 million records worldwide. However, in early 2026, he hinted at unfinished projects, saying, "Maybe life in the old dog. You'll see." Fans reacted positively to his royal outing, with one commenting, "Phil is looking fabulous! Out and about and doing what he loves."
