Andrew Lloyd Webber Reveals He Attends Alcoholics Anonymous

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that he is a recovering alcoholic and regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to maintain his sobriety. The composer, best known for creating some of the most enduring works in musical theatre history including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Evita, made the disclosure in a recent interview with The Standard‘s Culture section. His openness about his long-term recovery adds a personal dimension to the legacy of a figure who has shaped the sound of the West End and global theatre for over five decades.

Webber, who turned 76 in March 2026, spoke candidly about his journey during a feature published on April 18, 2026. He described how the structure and anonymity of AA meetings have been instrumental in his sustained recovery, emphasizing that his involvement is not a recent development but part of a long-standing commitment to his health. While he did not disclose when he first sought help or how long he has been sober, he confirmed that attending meetings remains an active part of his routine.

The revelation comes amid continued acclaim for Webber’s contributions to musical theatre. His works continue to be performed regularly across the West End, Broadway, and touring productions worldwide. The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the longest-running shows in both West End and Broadway history, while Cats returned to the London Palladium in a critically acclaimed revival that ran through early 2026. Despite his reduced public presence in recent years due to age and health considerations, Webber’s influence on the genre remains profound.

In discussing his recovery, Webber framed sobriety not as a singular achievement but as an ongoing practice requiring vigilance and support. He acknowledged the pressures that have historically accompanied creative careers in entertainment, particularly the demands of touring, opening nights, and the cyclical nature of theatrical production. However, he stressed that his decision to engage with AA was personal and rooted in self-awareness rather than external intervention.

The composer has long been a private figure regarding his personal life, rarely discussing health or family matters in public forums. His choice to speak about his recovery aligns with a broader trend among public figures in the arts who have used their platforms to destigmatize conversations around addiction and mental health. While Webber did not name specific influences or turning points in his journey, he affirmed that the principles of anonymity and mutual support central to AA have been vital to his process.

Industry peers and collaborators have not publicly commented on Webber’s disclosure, as he shared the information directly through the interview rather than via a public statement or social media. Representatives for Webber did not respond to requests for further comment at the time of publication. Nevertheless, the revelation has been noted by theatre historians and biographers as a significant addition to the understanding of his life and career, particularly given the intense creative periods that have marked his output since the 1970s.

Webber’s contributions to musical theatre have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Tony Awards, Olivier Awards, a Golden Globe, an Academy Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 and created a life peer in 1997, sitting in the House of Lords as Lord Lloyd-Webber. His Really Usable Group, later rebranded as the Really Useful Group, has been one of the most influential theatre production companies in the world.

As discussions around mental health and addiction continue to gain visibility within the entertainment industry, Webber’s acknowledgment of his recovery journey offers a meaningful perspective from one of the most successful and enduring composers in the field. His emphasis on the ongoing nature of recovery — rather than framing it as a past challenge overcome — underscores a mature and sustained approach to personal well-being that resonates beyond the stage.