Phil Collins Says His Children Prepared to Say Goodbye During Medical Emergency

Phil Collins is opening up about one of the most difficult moments of his life, revealing that his family was called to his bedside during a life-threatening medical crisis in 2024 after doctors feared he might not survive.

In a new interview with The Sunday Times, the music legend said he was unconscious in a Swiss hospital when his manager contacted his five children — Lily, Joely, Simon, Nicolas and Matthew — because critical medical decisions could soon be required.

"Because there were some decisions to be made about ‘Do we keep Phil on life support?’ kind of thing," Collins said.

The singer explained that his kidneys and other organs were shutting down during the medical emergency.

"My kidneys were packing up, my organs were just seizing up," Collins said. "People were coming to say goodbye."

Although the experience was life-changing, Collins said he has little memory of those days in the hospital.

"I don't remember them coming," he said. "I didn't have no idea this was going on. They were all worried that they wouldn't see me again. It could all have gone so terribly wrong."

After recovering, Collins said he made a permanent change in his life by giving up alcohol.

"I was very lucky to have come out of that," he said. "Needless to say, I haven't had a drink since."

The recovery also allowed him to reconnect with his family.

Collins recalled spending meaningful time with his children after leaving the hospital, including an emotional moment with his daughter Lily.