A New Chapter for Julian Lloyd-Webber
Julian Lloyd-Webber, the celebrated cellist and brother of the renowned composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, has recently shared a significant update regarding his health. At the age of 75, he revealed that he is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. This announcement came shortly after he returned to the concert stage following a 12-year absence due to an injury. His return was marked by a birthday charity gala concert at the Wigmore Hall, where he performed on the same day as his 75th birthday.
Julian chose to keep his diagnosis private until after the concert, stating that he did not want to disappoint anyone. In a statement, he expressed his determination to begin treatment as soon as possible and his confidence in the medical team’s support. He also mentioned that he does not plan to cancel any engagements and will refrain from further comments on the matter until after his treatment concludes.
This comeback follows a long period away from performing, which was caused by a herniated disc resulting from the repetitive bowing action of his right arm. The injury was so severe that Julian sold his Stradivarius, believing he would never perform on it again. However, he recently confirmed that he has been learning to play again, sharing his journey with the Observer. He described how he started with scales and gradually built up to playing full pieces, showing his dedication to returning to the stage.
Julian’s career has been marked by notable achievements, including his performance at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics and winning a Brit for his recording of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto. He was also made an OBE in 2021 for his services to music.
In a recent extract from his book, Bows and Arrows, Julian reflected on his close relationship with his older brother. He spoke about their childhood and the imaginative world they created around a toy theatre called the Harrington Pavilion. This space, constructed from bricks, wooden blocks, and fabric samples, featured a revolving stage made from an old record turntable. They often staged performances with friends, family, and unsuspecting guests, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with music and creativity.
While Andrew became a prominent figure in musical theatre, Julian focused on classical cello performance. Both were deeply influenced by their father, William Lloyd Webber, who provided them with a strong musical foundation. Their collaboration extended to several projects, particularly recordings where Julian performed Andrew’s compositions arranged for cello.
Andrew has composed or adapted pieces specifically for Julian, showcasing his deep respect for his brother’s talent. As young boys, Julian and Andrew lived in London with their parents and maternal grandmother, Molly. Their bond was strengthened through shared experiences and a mutual love for music.
The family has faced various challenges over the years. In 2009, Andrew dealt with his own health issues, including cancer, and Julian was part of the supportive family circle. More recently, Julian shared the heartbreaking news of his eldest son Nicholas passing away at the age of 43 after a battle with gastric cancer. The composer announced the news on Twitter, expressing his profound grief and the impact of the loss on his family.
