Why is Phil Collins hospitalized? Spokesperson clears up hospice rumors

Concerns over Phil Collins' health spiked this week as rumors of the music icon entering hospice care circulated online. However, a representative has clarified that the Grammy-winning artist is currently in the hospital for knee surgery, not end-of-life care.

The speculation came at a sensitive time, following the recent loss of music legend Ozzy Osbourne, sparking panic among Phil Collins' fans. While the 73-year-old has openly spoken about his declining health in recent years, his current hospitalization is not life-threatening.

In an earlier interview with MOJO, the Genesis drummer shared:

"I keep thinking I should go downstairs to the studio and see what happens. But I’m not hungry for it anymore. The thing is, I’ve been sick. I mean very sick."

Phil Collins has been retired from live drumming since 2022, following years of mobility issues caused by spinal and nerve damage. He ended his final tour seated on stage with his bandmates Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks, while his son, Nic Collins, took over drumming duties. At the show, Collins joked he'd have to “find a real job” now that performing had come to a close.

Phil Collins reflects on his health and retirement: “I’ve used up my air miles.”

The Tarzan soundtrack legend has been candid about the physical toll his long career has taken.

"It’s still kind of sinking in a bit. I’ve spent all my life playing drums. To suddenly not be able to do that is a shock.”

The “You’ll Be In My Heart” hitmaker began drumming at age five, but time and injury have slowed him down.

"If I can’t do what I did as well as I did it, I’d rather relax and not do anything. If I wake up one day and I can hold a pair of drumsticks, then I’ll have a crack at it. But I just feel like I’ve used up my air miles."

His son, Nic, also appeared in the 2024 documentary Phil Collins: Drummer First, shedding light on the icon's multiple surgeries, including neck surgery in 2015 and his ongoing struggles with drop-foot, a nerve condition caused by back surgery. Nic revealed:

"I think it all stems down to playing drums and the issues that he's had with his back. He had back problems throughout the years and that goes hand in hand with just getting older."

He went on:

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"But I think he had a big surgery on his neck that stemmed from all those years playing drums and just bad posture and stuff, which caused him to have drop foot.”

Despite his health setbacks, Phil Collins’ legacy remains untouchable. From Genesis to solo stardom to Disney icon, he's one of the most versatile musicians who continues to inspire fans across genres and generations.

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