Challenges in the Life of Phil Collins in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Phil Collins faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Phil Collins is a highly successful English musician, known as the drummer and later lead singer of the rock band Genesis and for his prolific solo career. During the 1980s, Collins achieved more US Top 40 singles than any other artist through his work with Genesis, collaborations, and solo releases. Notable hits include "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," "One More Night," and "Another Day in Paradise," solidifying his status as a pop icon.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

December 1978: Hiatus and Marital Issues

In December 1978, Genesis went on hiatus after touring, and Phil Collins traveled to Vancouver, Canada, in an attempt to salvage his marriage. This attempt ultimately failed, leading to his wife returning to England with their children.

1980: Divorce from Andrea Bertorelli

In 1980, Phil Collins and Andrea Bertorelli divorced, marking the end of their five-year marriage.

February 1981: Release of 'Face Value'

In February 1981, Phil Collins released his debut solo album, Face Value. The album reached number one in several countries and number seven in the US, with the lead single, "In the Air Tonight", becoming a hit. The album's themes were influenced by Collins's divorce.

Loading Video...

1981: Divorce Finalized

In 1981, Phil Collins' divorce was finalized. During this period, while other Genesis members worked on solo albums, Collins rejoined Brand X and also started writing his own demos, marking a period of personal and professional transition.

July 1985: Live Aid Performances

In July 1985, Phil Collins participated in the Live Aid concerts, performing at both Wembley Stadium in London and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia on the same day. He performed his solo material, played drums for Eric Clapton, and drummed with Jimmy Page and Robert Plant for a Led Zeppelin reunion.

1994: Filing for divorce from Jill Tavelman

In 1994, Phil Collins openly stated that he had fallen out of love with Jill Tavelman and filed for divorce, initiating the legal proceedings for their separation.

1996: Divorce from Jill Tavelman finalised

In 1996, Phil Collins's divorce from Jill Tavelman was finalised, with Collins paying £17 million as part of the settlement.

March 2000: Lawsuit over royalties

In March 2000, Phil Collins launched a case against two former musicians from his band to recoup £500,000 in royalties that were overpaid regarding royalties from Serious Hits... Live! album.

2000: BBC Biography on Negative Criticism

According to a 2000 BBC biography of Phil Collins, "critics sneer at him" and "bad publicity also caused problems", which "damaged his public profile".

2000: Partial deafness

In 2000, Phil Collins became partially deaf in one ear due to a viral infection.

2000: Sudden hearing loss

In 2000, Phil Collins developed sudden hearing loss in his left ear following a recording session in Los Angeles. He consulted doctors who said there was nothing they could do. He later found it was caused by a viral infection.

November 2002: Release of Testify

On November 11, 2002, Phil Collins released his seventh solo album, Testify, which was the worst-reviewed album at the time of its release according to Metacritic.

2006: Divorce from Orianne Cevey

In 2006, Phil Collins and Orianne Cevey divorced, resulting in Collins paying £25 million to Cevey, which became the largest settlement in a British celebrity divorce.

2007: "I wish I'd never heard of Phil Collins" Article

In her 2007 article "I wish I'd never heard of Phil Collins", Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian referred to Phil Collins' cumulative negative publicity, finding it difficult to appreciate his work due to her distaste for the man himself.

2008: Cevey and sons move to Miami

In 2008, Orianne Cevey and her two sons moved to Miami, Florida, leading Phil Collins to reflect on a dark period in his life marked by excessive drinking and television watching.

April 2009: Neck surgery and loss of feeling in fingers

In April 2009, Phil Collins had surgery on his upper neck to correct a problem that began while drumming on the 2007 Genesis tour. Following the operation, he lost feeling in his fingers.

2009: Shift in Media Profile

In 2009, journalist Mark Lawson noted that Phil Collins's media profile had shifted from "pop's Mr. Nice guy" to someone accused of "blandness, [being a] tax exile and ending a marriage by sending a fax".

2010: Feelings of depression and contemplation of suicide

In 2010, Phil Collins alluded to feelings of depression and low self-worth and said he had contemplated suicide but resisted for the sake of his children.

August 2014: Acceptance of invitation to benefit concert

In August 2014, Phil Collins was reported to have accepted an invitation to perform at a benefit concert in Miami in December in aid of his Little Dreams Foundation charity, though he ultimately missed the concert due to illness.

September 2014: Collaboration with Adele ends

In September 2014, Phil Collins revealed that the collaboration with Adele had ended, describing it as "a bit of a non-starter".

2014: Inability to play the drums

In 2014, Phil Collins said that he was still unable to play the drums and that it was not arthritis, but an undiagnosed nerve problem.

2015: Spine operation

In 2015, Phil Collins underwent a spine operation.

2016: Inability to drum with left hand

In 2016, Phil Collins said he was still unable to drum with his left hand and was advised to practice step by step if he wanted to play again.

2016: Acknowledged struggle with alcoholism

In his 2016 autobiography, Phil Collins acknowledged that he had struggled with alcoholism following his retirement and third divorce, but had been sober for three years.

January 2017: Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and treatment

In January 2017, Phil Collins said he was a type 2 diabetic and had received treatment with a hyperbaric chamber after developing a diabetic abscess on his foot that became infected.

June 2017: Cancellation of shows due to a fall

In June 2017, Phil Collins cancelled two shows after he slipped in his hotel room and hit his head on a chair, resulting in stitches. The fall was caused by his foot drop, and he subsequently used a cane to walk.

2020: Eviction notice against Cevey

In October 2020, Phil Collins filed an eviction notice against Orianne Cevey after she secretly married another man in August, leading to further legal battles and disputes.