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Bows and Arrows: The Autobiography

  • Author: Lloyd Webber, J
Brilliant

Bows and Arrows: The Autobiography

  • Author: Lloyd Webber, J

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Book – Hardback

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Brilliant

About

In this explosive, no-holds-barred account of the life of a globally renowned classical musician, Julian Lloyd Webber lifts the lid on a profession previously shrouded in mystery.

From vivid descriptions of his childhood in one of the world's most famous musical dynasties to unfiltered stories from his incredible career - including collaborations with such stars as Yehudi Menuhin, Joaquin Rodrigo, 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 industry 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 has a chance to play a musical instrument and his devastation at the injury that forced him to stop playing and sell his Stradivarius cello in 2014. This earth-shattering loss, however, led him to discover a new calling as principal of a leading royal conservatoire and to double down on his efforts as a tireless champion of music education, working closely both with government and charities.

Culminating in Julian's return to the stage for the first time in twelve years, Bows and Arrows is a powerful story of passion, loss and a life reborn.

Spotlight on this product

  • Bows and Arrows

    11th May 2026by Katherine Cooper

    In the latest of our new monthly book reviews, Katherine delves into Julian Lloyd Webber's 'engaging, forthright and often laugh-out-loud funny' autobiography, taking in his childhood in a chaotic, ever-expanding household filled with music, collaborations with the great and not-so-good, and the devastating health issue which led to his premature retirement from performing and a second career as a music educator.

Awards and reviews

Brilliant

Aled Jones

A great read! Sometimes hilarious, sometimes shocking, sometimes sad, Julian Lloyd Webber reveals what life as a top classical musician is really like

One of the most engaging, forthright and funny classical autobiographies in years: Lloyd Webber is terrific company...this thoroughly enriching book stands as testimony to time well spent in the face of the slings (or rather bows) and arrows of outrageous fortune. - Katherine Cooper
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