Phil Collins and Ozzy Osbourne
@officialphilcollins posted on Instagramm when Ozzy Osbourne died. It was captioned "In happier times, love always PC x Instagram @officialphilcollins

KEY POINTS

  • The Genesis frontman has battled multiple health issues in recent years
  • Rumours were sparked by Collins' own reflective comments in a recent documentary
  • Spokesperson attests: 'He's not in hospice — he's having surgery'

Music legend Phil Collins is back in the headlines, this time due to swirling rumours that the ailing Genesis frontman has been admitted to end-of-life hospice care. The alarming speculation quickly sent fans into a panic—but the truth is far less grim.

According to a spokesperson for the 74-year-old star, Collins is currently in hospital not for palliative care, but for knee surgery. The rep clarified to The Standard that any claims he's receiving hospice care are 'completely false.'

'He's undergoing a procedure in the medical ward related to his knees — nothing more, nothing less,' the rep stated.

The Origin of the Speculation

Rumours took hold following the singer's own candid remarks in his recent documentary, where he opened up about his declining health. 'I just feel like I've used up my air miles,' Collins said in the two-hour special, reflecting on his long, physically punishing career behind the drum kit.

'It's still kind of sinking in a bit. I've spent all my life playing drums. To be suddenly not be able to do that is a shock. If I can't do what I did as well as I did it, I'd rather relax and not do anything.'

The comments, though introspective, were mistakenly taken as a signal that Collins was preparing for the end — despite no evidence suggesting a terminal condition.

A Rock Titan's Health Struggles

Phil Collins' health battles have been well-documented. Years of drumming led to nerve damage following a vertebrae injury in his upper neck. He also suffers from foot drop, a condition that forces him to wear orthopedic footwear, and has struggled with acute pancreatitis.

His last public performance with Genesis in March 2022 saw him confined to a wheelchair, sparking concern. 'Take care of yourself, Phil,' pleaded fans online as images circulated of the once-energetic performer seated onstage.

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Phil Collins on drums

In that same period, Collins admitted that he could 'barely hold a drumstick' and officially retired from live performances, focusing instead on his health and spending time with family.

Not Just Another Day in Paradise

The voice behind hits like In The Air Tonight and Another Day In Paradise, Collins is considered one of music's most accomplished drummers and vocalists. He's also one of the wealthiest, reportedly worth over £198 million ($264 million), second only to Ringo Starr among drummers.

Collins has five children, including Emily in Paris actress Lily Collins, and has been married three times—most famously to Orianne Cevey, whose post-divorce legal saga made headlines in recent years.

Setting the Record Straight

Despite his ongoing health issues, there is currently no confirmation of any terminal illness. Sources say the hospitalisation is surgical in nature, not palliative. Fans can breathe a cautious sigh of relief—at least for now.

From his early days as a child actor to global superstardom with Genesis and as a solo artist, Collins has carved a legendary path. His ability to meld emotional depth with technical brilliance made him a fixture in the soundtrack of the 80s and 90s.

'I've done what I needed to do,' he said in his documentary. 'Now it's time to just be.'

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