Bows and Arrows The Autobiography
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, Joaquín 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.
Reviews
“Julian Lloyd Webber writes with disarming honesty about triumph and vulnerability, discipline and doubt, revealing the human cost and the human reward behind a remarkable career. Written with honesty, courage and rare emotional clarity, this is a memoir that resonates far beyond the concert hall.”
Dame Evelyn Glennie
“A great read! Sometimes hilarious, sometimes shocking, sometimes sad, Julian Lloyd Webber reveals what life as a top classical musician is really like!”
Aled Jones
“In this truly honest and open memoir, Julian Lloyd Webber has laid his soul bare. Bows and Arrows is a captivating dive into his personal life, his fascinating career and his passion for ensuring access to music education for all. I could not put it down!”
Sir James Galway
“A joyously indiscreet autobiography … that had me crying with laughter.”
Michael White, Camden New Journal
“Brilliant.”
Sunday Times
“Bows and Arrows bristles with tales of drunken conductors, irascible composers and what it takes to champion serious music in a world that isn’t always interested.”
Private Eye
“A fascinating and readable account of what it’s like to be an in-demand musician … Recommended to anyone who is interested in the classical music scene – which should mean everyone!”
Beckus
“Searingly honest … Who would have thought classical music could be so rock ’n’ roll?”
Daily Express
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- Hardback, 368 pages
- ISBN: 9781837360581
- 7 April 2026
- £22.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781837360666
- 7 April 2026
- £16.99