Andrew Lloyd Webber Reveals He Is a Recovering Alcoholic
In a remarkably candid new interview, musical theatre icon Andrew Lloyd Webber has publicly disclosed that he is a recovering alcoholic. The 78-year-old composer, renowned for creating legendary shows like Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, spoke openly about his struggles and recovery journey.
Daily AA Meetings and a Downward Spiral
Lloyd Webber told The Times that he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every single day, describing this commitment as "the best thing that ever happened to me." He revealed that his addiction escalated over a year ago, leading to what he termed a "downhill spiral." The composer admitted that for a period, his daily focus was simply making it to midday to have his first drink.
"About 18 months ago the family were in a desperate state," Lloyd Webber confessed. "My wife was feeling she couldn't go on." This family crisis prompted him to seek help sixteen months ago, a decision he now views as transformative.
Family History and Personal Loss
The interview took an emotional turn as Lloyd Webber discussed his family's history with alcoholism. He believes his late father, William Lloyd Webber—an organist and teacher at London's Royal College of Music—was also an alcoholic. More tragically, his eldest son Nicholas died from cancer three years ago at age 43 after battling alcoholism himself.
"He was alcoholic. He was in a dreadful mess and came out of it," Lloyd Webber said of his son. "But I couldn't help noticing how he'd changed." This personal connection to the disease has clearly influenced his own recovery journey.
Surprising Enjoyment of AA Meetings
Perhaps unexpectedly, Lloyd Webber expressed genuine enjoyment of his AA meetings, which he attends in various locations depending on whether he's at his London, Hampshire, or New York residences. He particularly recalled a memorable meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, where he sat with what he described as "a whole loads of rednecks"—an experience he cited as his most enjoyable.
Auctioning a Lifetime Wine Collection
In a symbolic move supporting his recovery, Lloyd Webber announced he will auction his extensive wine collection—a hobby he's maintained since age 15. The collection includes ultra-premium bottles like £50,000-per-case Chateau Petrus, demonstrating the seriousness of his commitment to sobriety.
A Legendary Career and EGOT Status
Beyond his personal struggles, Lloyd Webber's professional achievements remain extraordinary. Beginning his career in the 1960s through a partnership with lyricist Tim Rice, he created 22 musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. He has been knighted (1992), made a life peer (1997), composed the coronation anthem for King Charles III, and achieved the rare EGOT status—winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.
His appearance on BBC talent shows like How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? further cemented his cultural influence, helping discover talents like actress Jessie Buckley. Now, at 78, his courageous disclosure adds a profoundly human dimension to his legendary status.
