Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that his eldest son, Nicholas, is “gravely ill” in hospital as he bravely battles gastric cancer.
The 74-year-old legendary songwriter said he was “absolutely devastated” when he shared the news in a heartbreaking statement.
Andrew revealed that his son, whom he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the disease for the past 18 months.
The Phantom of the Opera creator made the announcement while explaining why he would not be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical, Bad Cinderella.
He wrote: ‘I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling gastric cancer for the past 18 months and now Nick is hospitalized.”
Heartbreak: Andrew Lloyd Webber, 74, has revealed his eldest son Nicholas is ‘gravely ill’ in hospital as he bravely battles gastric cancer
Sad: Andrew revealed that Nicholas (left), whom he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the disease for the past 18 months
“Therefore, I have not been able to attend the recent previews for Bad Cinderella and, as it is, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday.”
Before adding: ‘We’re all praying that Nick comes around the corner. He’s fighting valiantly with his indomitable humor, but for now my place is with him and the family.”
Nicholas followed in his father’s footsteps and is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical, as well as numerous film and television scores.
He is married to musician Polly Whiltshire, who appeared on the soundtrack of his father’s 2019 film Cats.
Andrew is also a father to Imogen, 44, Isabella, 26, Alastair, 30, William, 29,
It comes after it was recently revealed that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the King for his coronation.
Charles has personally selected the musical program for the May 6 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, which has been designed to showcase a variety of UK and Commonwealth musical talents and styles.
On a personal note, the monarch has called for Greek Orthodox music to be played in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021.
Son: Wrote: ‘I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling gastric cancer for the past 18 months and now Nick is hospitalized. (Nick pictured in 2010 with his ex-wife Charlotte Windmill)
Talent: Nicholas followed in his father’s footsteps and is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical, as well as numerous film and television scores.
Absence: The Phantom of the Opera creator made the announcement while explaining why he would not be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical, Bad Cinderella (pictured at the New York theater in October with star Linedy Genao)
It will be performed by the Byzantine Song Ensemble.
Six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions and one organ commission have been created by British composers whose styles include classical, sacred, film, television and musical theatre.
Lord Lloyd-Webber, known for hit musicals such as Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, described himself as “incredibly honoured” to have been asked to compose a new anthem.
He said: ‘My hymn includes words slightly adapted from Psalm 98. ‘I composed it for Westminster Abbey choir and organ, orchestra and ceremonial brass. “I hope my anthem reflects this happy occasion.”
Patrick Doyle has created a Coronation March, while a piece by Iain Farrington for solo organ addresses musical themes from Commonwealth countries.
Composer: It comes after it was recently revealed that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the King for his coronation (pictured together in 2018)
Musician: The composer has written one of the 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the King for his coronation
There will also be new work from Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.
A carefully selected gospel choir, The Ascension Choir, will perform as part of the service, as will the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, along with choristers from the Chapel Choir of Methodist College, Belfast. , and the Truro Cathedral Choir.
King’s Scholars of Westminster School will proclaim the traditional ‘Vivat’ acclamations. Bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel along with soprano Pretty Yende and baritone Roderick Williams will be among the soloists.
Andrew Nethsingha, organist and master choristers at Westminster Abbey, arranges music and conducts the music during the service.