In recent times, Phil Collins, the renowned musician, has faced a series of significant health challenges which have led to his current dependency on round-the-clock medical care. Collins, who will celebrate his 75th birthday on January 30, has publicly discussed his struggles, revealing that he has undergone multiple knee surgeries along with battling kidney issues and experiencing complications from COVID-19. In a candid interview with presenter Zoe Ball for the BBC podcast Eras, he shared that he had a total of five operations on his knee, which have affected his mobility and ability to perform. These health setbacks began after a spine injury in 2007 that caused severe nerve damage, significantly impacting his physical ability to play the drums. During this difficult period, Collins also battled with substance abuse, acknowledging that he had been drinking excessively, which in turn exacerbated his kidney problems and led to frequent hospital visits. Despite these hardships, Collins expressed a sense of hope, stating that he has recently celebrated two years of sobriety, a significant milestone in his life. His assistant played a crucial role in keeping track of his journey toward sobriety, reflecting on the influence of his lifestyle choices on his overall health. In his conversation with Ball, he elaborately describes how difficult the last few years have been, describing them as fascinating, frustrating, yet ultimately enlightening. Collins reminisced about his time off the road, sharing that it felt like an opportunity lost, as he had hoped to explore activities he couldn't pursue while touring. He clarified that he has a live-in nurse to assist him, ensuring that he follows his medication regimen properly. The musician revealed the toll that the cumulative effects of his health issues have taken on him, admitting that nearly everything that could go wrong health-wise happened to him over this tough stretch. The public's concern for Collins's well-being peaked in mid-2022 when there were rumors circulating about his potential hospice care; this led his representatives to refute claims that he was in any critical condition at that time, only clarifying that he was recuperating from knee surgery. In wrapping up his conversation, Collins expressed a desire to return to music when his health allows, illustrating that despite the barriers he faces, his passion for creating music still exists. As he waits to see if he can return to the studio, he acknowledges his pride in his family and his extensive, varied career. He looks back fondly on his life but indicates that he also seeks redemption in making amends for past mistakes that may have negatively affected his children and loved ones. His story serves as a powerful reminder of human resilience and the impact of life choices on health and well-being.