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

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed he was a “recovering alcoholic” as he described his “downhill spiral” and the moment he realized he needed help.

The 78-year-old composer is the author of 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 quit drinking.

‘I’m a recovering alcoholic,’ Andrew said TimesHe adds: ‘You think it’s secret, but it’s not; Everybody knows.’

The musical theater legend revealed he began a ‘downhill cycle’ a year and a half ago, with his family in a ‘desperate situation’.

‘My wife felt like she couldn’t go on,’ Andrew said.

In a candid new interview, Andrew opened up about his secret battle with alcohol addiction and his decision to quit drinking (Photo taken with his wine collection in 1997)

He told the publication that he decided to go to a rehab facility, but initial treatment didn’t work.

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

Andrew’s interview comes just days after his brother Julian announced he would be undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

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

Julian performed a birthday charity gala concert at Wigmore Hall on Tuesday and revealed he had kept his diagnosis secret so as not to ‘disappoint anyone’.

Julian said in a statement: ‘I didn’t want to disappoint anyone so I kept my diagnosis secret until after my birthday concert, but now I need to start treatment as soon as possible.

‘I am encouraged by the medical team’s expectations and look forward to a full recovery. ‘I do not intend to cancel the engagements and will not comment further on this matter until the treatment is completed.’

It came after a long break as an artist due to a herniated disc caused by the repeated bending movement of his right arm.

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

But he confirmed last year that he was learning to play again, telling the Observer before returning to the stage: ‘I started playing scales a few weeks ago.

Andrew’s interview comes just days after his brother Julian announced he would undergo treatment after being diagnosed with prostate cancer (pictured together)

‘I tried an entire piece but quickly realized it wouldn’t work. I had to achieve this. So I did 15 minutes, then half an hour. Then I made it for an hour. I can’t wait for the concert now. I hope I can do this.’

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

He was made OBE in 2021 for services to music.

Julian recently spoke about his close bond with his older brother, quoting the Sunday Times book Bows and Arrows.

Reflecting on their childhood and their ‘making world’ shaped around a toy theatre, Julian explained how they would play together.

He said: ‘As children we developed an imaginary world centered around our toy theatre, the Harrington Pavilion.

‘It had a magnificent revolving stage made from an old record turntable, built from bricks and wood blocks and covered with fabric swatches. Performances were staged with surprising frequency.

‘While friends, family and unsuspecting guests were dragged in to hear Andrew’s latest musical, we were working on the lighting and ‘casting’ of the toy soldiers. There was even a plush red curtain.

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

They were both greatly influenced by their father, William Lloyd Webber, who provided them with a strong common musical foundation.

In 2023, Andrew announced that his eldest son Nicholas (left) had died at the age of 43 following a battle with stomach cancer.

They worked together on many projects, most notably recordings in which Julian performed compositions arranged for cello by Andrew.

In a true artistic tribute to his brother’s talent, Andrew wrote or adapted pieces specifically for Julian.

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

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

In 2023, he announced that his eldest son Nicholas had died at the age of 43, following a battle with stomach cancer.

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

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