The explosive, no-holds-barred account of the life of a globally renowned classical musician, Julian Lloyd Webber’s autobiography lifts the lid on a world previously shrouded in mystery.
From vivid descriptions of Julian’s childhood in one of the world’s most famous musical dynasties to unfiltered stories from his collaborations with such stars as Yehudi Menuhin, Neville Marriner, Stéphane Grappelli, Joaquin Rodrigo, Philip Glass, Elton John, and his brother, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Bows and Arrows reveals a cut-throat world of agents, promoters, record companies, violin dealers and substance abuse, laying bare the classical music profession as never before.
With refreshing honesty and humour, Julian recounts the break-up of three of his four marriages, his lifelong passion for ensuring that every child should have a chance to play a musical instrument and his devastation at the 2014 injury that forced him to stop playing and sell his Stradivarius cello. This earth-shattering loss, however, led to a new calling, prompting Julian’s appointment as principal of a leading royal conservatoire and his re-emergence as a tireless champion of music education, working closely with politicians including Gordon Brown, Michael Gove and Boris Johnson.
Culminating in Julian’s return to the stage for the first time in twelve years, this is a powerful story of passion, loss and a life reborn.
The Autobiography
Julian Lloyd Webber
PUB DATE: 7 April 2026
ISBN: 9781837360581
PRICE: £22
EXTENT: 352pp
DIMENSIONS: Royal hardback
ILLUSTRATIONS: 8pp colour plates
CATEGORY: Music/Memoir
THEMA CODE: AV/DNC
REGIONS: World
- In April 2026, Julian will return to the stage for a celebratory gala at London’s Wigmore Hall to mark his 75th birthday.
- 2026 will also see the release of Julian’s first recording for twelve years, along with a 75th birthday collection (both on Decca Records).
- Julian is the creator and presenter of Classic FM’s ongoing series Rising Stars on Sky Arts TV. He gives masterclasses around the world and is a regular speaker at festivals.
Reviews
Reviews from Amazon
“A VERY ENJOYABLE READ” — ★★★★★
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 May 2026 · Format: Hardcover
This autobiography was a great read and I can highly recommend. It captures the atmosphere of the Lloyd Webber family and South Kensington perfectly. it did open my eyes to how busy and big Julian’s career was, how many star conductors he worked with and how fulfilling his life has been…… I loved the style and humour that is present throughout. I also admire him greatly for his work with young musicians and particularly the IN HARMONY scheme which has enabled so many more children to learn an instrument. Thoroughly enjoyable !!
(2 people found this helpful)
“A brilliant book which made me laugh and cry” — ★★★★★ · Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 April 2026 · Format: Hardcover
What a brilliant book! I laughed, I cried, all the while enjoying Julian’s incredible stories of working with some of the world’s top musicians.
(One person found this helpful)
“Deliciously Candid!” — Lost Chord — ★★★★★ · Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 May 2026 · Format: Hardcover
Deliciously candid, a glorious romp through the music business. Essential reading for anyone who either loves music or is thinking of joining the profession. Five Stars!
(One person found this helpful)
“Brilliant, candid and dry” — Amazon Customer — ★★★★★ · Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2026 · Format: Hardcover
A wonderful book… enjoyed it from start to finish. Disturbing in a couple of places, that’s life, yet both entertaining and inspirational at the same time. The first few chapters really hammer home the importance of encouraging children, particularly in respect to music. A genuine and human account of life in one of British musics most talented and productive families.
(One person found this helpful)
“Not just a brilliant musician, but clearly also a very talented writer” — nick clabburn — ★★★★★ · Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 May 2026 · Format: Hardcover
This is a witty and entertaining read, a who’s who of classical music as we journey through a remarkable career containing great highs and some heartbreaking lows, all wrapped in good humour and self-effacing modesty. On many occasions, I watched in wonder and intrigue as Julian, who cut a solitary figure, assiduously typed away at his laptop in the bar of a Gloucester Road hotel – and now it’s great to finally read the impressive fruits of his considerable labour. I hope I didn’t interrupt his creative flow too much with my inane interjections about football and the inevitable banter about his beloved Leyton Orient. This book is about more than music – at its core there is a lesson for us all about perseverance, loyalty, passion, commitment – and accepting one’s cards dealt in life with fortitude and grace.
(2 people found this helpful)