Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals he is a ‘recovering alcoholic’

Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed he is a ‘recovering alcoholic’ as he opened up about his ‘downhill spiral’ and the moment he realised he needed help.

The composer, 78, is famous for writing hit musicals such as Cats, Evita, The Phantom Of The Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar. 

But in a candid new interview, Andrew has opened up about his secret battle with alcohol addiction and his decision to give up the booze. 

‘I am a recovering alcoholic,’ Andrew told The Times, adding: ‘You think it’s secret, but it’s not – everybody knows.’

The musical theatre legend revealed that he had began a ‘downhill spiral’ a year and a half ago, with his family in a ‘desperate state’.

‘My wife was feeling she couldn’t go on,’ Andrew said.  

He told the publication he decided to check into a rehab facility, however initial treatment didn’t work. 

Andrew then attended an AA meeting in Switzerland and soon followed up with more back in the UK. He now attends a meeting every day whether at his homes in London, Hampshire or New York. 

Andrew’s interview comes just days after his brother Julian has announced he will receive treatment for prostate cancer after being diagnosed with the condition.

The cellist, who celebrated his 75th birthday on Tuesday, returned to the concert platform on the same day after an absence of 12 years due to injury.

Julian performed a birthday charity gala concert at the Wigmore Hall on Tuesday and revealed he has kept his diagnosis a secret so that he ‘didn’t disappoint anyone’. 

Julian said in a statement: ‘I did not want to let anyone down, so I kept my diagnosis secret until after my birthday concert, but now I need to begin treatment as soon as possible.

‘I am encouraged by the expectations of the medical team and look forward to making a full recovery. I am not intending to cancel engagements and I won’t comment any further on this matter until after the treatment.’

It followed a long hiatus as a performer, resulting from a herniated disc caused by the repeated bowing action of his right arm.

The injury was so severe he sold his Stradivarius, thinking he would never be able to play it on stage again.

However, he confirmed last year he was learning to play again, and speaking ahead of his return to the stage, he told the Observer: ‘I began just playing scales a few weeks ago.

‘I tried a whole piece, but quickly realised it was not going to work. I had to build up to it. So I did 15 minutes, then half an hour. Then I managed an hour. Now I can’t wait for the concert. I just hope I can do it.’

Julian, who performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, won a Brit for his recording of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

He was made an OBE in 2021 for services to music.

Julian recently spoke about his close bond with his older brother in a Sunday Times extract from his book, Bows and Arrows.

Reflecting on their childhood and their ‘make believe world’ which focused around a toy theatre, Julian told of how they would play together.

He said: ‘As children we developed an entire make-believe world that centred around our toy theatre, the Harrington Pavilion. 

‘Made of bricks and wooden blocks, and papered with fabric samples, it featured a magnificent revolving stage, constructed from an old record turntable. Performances were staged with surprising frequency. 

‘Friends, family and unsuspecting guests would be dragged in to hear Andrew’s latest musical while we both chipped in to operate the lighting and “cast” of toy soldiers. There was even a plush crimson curtain.’

While Andrew became one of the most famous composers in musical theatre, Julian built a career as a leading classical cellist, focusing on concert performance rather than theatre.

Both were heavily influenced by their father, William Lloyd Webber, who gave them a strong shared musical foundation.

They’ve worked together on several projects, especially recordings where Julian performed Andrew’s compositions arranged for cello. 

Andrew has written or adapted pieces specifically for Julian, showing a genuine artistic respect for his brother’s talent. 

As young boys, Julian and Andrew lived in London with their father and mother Jean, as well as their maternal grandmother, Molly. 

When Andrew faced his own health challenges – including cancer in 2009 – Julian was part of the supportive family circle. 

In 2023, he announced his eldest son Nicholas had died aged 43, following a battle with gastric cancer.

The composer shared the news on Twitter, writing: ‘I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital. His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. – ALW’

If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcohol, speak to Alcohol Anonymous on 0800 917 7650 or email help@aamail.org