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AGAINST ALL ODDBINS

Phil Collins reveals he’s back on the booze — despite saying alcohol was killing him

Rock superstar, 66, had quit drinking for three years after being hospitalised in 2012

PHIL Collins has revealed he is drinking again despite previously saying alcohol was killing him.

The rock legend, 66, makes a comeback tonight as he begins his Not Dead Yet tour.

 Phil Collins says he's drinking again after giving up booze for three years
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Phil Collins says he's drinking again after giving up booze for three yearsCredit: Splash News
 The singer, pictured in 2009, said he wasn't an alcoholic but did have a 'problem with alcohol'
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The singer, pictured in 2009, said he wasn't an alcoholic but did have a 'problem with alcohol'Credit: Getty Images - FilmMagic

He insists he can now control his boozing and is capable of enjoying “a couple of glasses of wine”.

The Against All Odds singer said in a US interview: “I didn’t drink for three years.

“I personally do not believe I was an alcoholic. I had a problem with alcohol.

 Phil, 66, says he's now capable of enjoying 'a couple of glasses of wine' without going overboard
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Phil, 66, says he's now capable of enjoying 'a couple of glasses of wine' without going overboardCredit: Getty Images - FilmMagic
 The star kicks off his Not Dead Yet tour tonight
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The star kicks off his Not Dead Yet tour tonightCredit: Getty Images

"I didn’t have anything else to do, and I enjoyed it.

“But when I had to stop because it was killing me, I stopped.”

I had a problem with alcohol. I didn’t have anything else to do

Phil was admitted to hospital in 2012 at the height of his boozing, prompting fears for his well-being.

He came out of retirement for a European tour, starting in Liverpool.

 Phil says he drank to kill his boredom after retiring and splitting from wife Orianne Cevey
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Phil says he drank to kill his boredom after retiring and splitting from wife Orianne CeveyCredit: Getty Images - WireImage

He has overcome health issues but is still blighted by back and hip problems which required surgery, preventing him from playing drums.

But recent TV appearances have confirmed he is back on great form.

Looking back, the Genesis icon said he drank vodka to fill his boredom after retiring and splitting from his wife Orianne Cevey.

 Phil and Orianne got back together after their 2008 divorce
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Phil and Orianne got back together after their 2008 divorceCredit: Getty Images

The pair have since reconciled.

He said: “I kind of enjoyed not having to do anything — turn on some TV, watch some sports.

“Then you’re turning on the TV a little earlier, having a glass of wine a little earlier.

"Then the wine becomes vodka, and then suddenly, you’re killing yourself.”

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