Andrew Lloyd Webber’s composer son, Nicholas, spoke in an unearthed interview in 2011 about how he would make his own way in the theater world away from his famous family name.
The 43-year-old has previously said he wanted to be “judged on his own merits” so he dropped his last name as he worked to see what the reaction would be.
It comes after his father Andrew revealed on Sunday that Nicholas is “seriously ill” in hospital while he bravely battles stomach cancer.
The 74-year-old legend said he was “absolutely devastated” when he shared the news in a heartbreaking statement.
Andrew revealed his son, who he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the disease for 18 months.
Candid: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s composer son, Nicholas, spoke about how he would carve his own way in the theater world away from his famous family name, in an unearthed 2011 interview
Fair: The 43-year-old (left) has previously said he wanted to be “judged on his own merits” so he dropped his last name as he worked to see what the reaction would be
And now, in an unearthed old interview, he opened up about his career and how he wanted to be recognized solely for his talent and not his family connections.
In 2011 and 2012 Nicholas saw his musical adaptation of The Little Prince at Lyric Belfast.
At the time, he said he was “very nervous” and aware that some “attention” was coming his way.
“But I’d just like to think that the show would be judged on its own merits,” he said. “That’s all anyone can ask for.”
“For a long time I dropped the Lloyd bit — to see what the reaction would be,” he told the Times in 2011.
“I got some stuff on the radio, so I was like, ‘Okay, I’m obviously not a complete idiot.
“Then I thought, ‘Wait a minute, if others are willing to work with me without the last name, then maybe I should just move on.’ ‘
Asked if Dad Andrew was involved in the project, he added: “He’s too busy for one thing. We sent him Act 1 when we were done with it.
Sad: It comes after his father Andrew revealed on Sunday that Nicholas is “seriously ill” in hospital while valiantly battling stomach cancer (pictured in 1990
Son: Andrew 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 stomach cancer for the past 18 months and Nick is now in the hospital.
“I said to him, ‘Be honest – don’t be a dad, be a composer.’ And he gave us some notes – some we agreed with, some we didn’t.’
Following in his father’s footsteps, Nicholas is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical as well as numerous TV and film scores.
Nicholas is known for scoring the BBC One drama Love, Lies And Records, as well as a theatrical and symphonic version of The Little Prince.
He also produced his father’s Symphonic Suites at the Theater Royal Drury Lane in London and was nominated for a Grammy with his father for a Musical Theater Album for Lord Lloyd-Webber’s Cinderella.
He is married to musician Polly Whitshire, who appeared on the soundtrack of his father’s film Cats in 2019.
Andrew announced on Sunday that his son was ill as he explained 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 stomach cancer for 18 months and Nick is now in the hospital.”
“I was therefore unable to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and as things stand I cannot cheer for the wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday.”
Before adding: “We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner. He fights bravely with his irrepressible sense of humor, but for now my place is with him and the family.
Andrew is also 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 the king has commissioned for his coronation.
Charles personally selected the music program for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, designed to showcase a range of UK and Commonwealth musical talent and styles.
Personally, the monarch has requested that Greek Orthodox music be played in honor of his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021.
It is performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.
Six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions and one organ commission were created by British composers whose styles span classical, sacred music, film, television and musical theatre.
Lord Lloyd-Webber, known for hit musicals such as Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, described himself as “incredibly honored” to be asked to compose a new anthem.
He said: “My hymn contains words that borrow slightly from Psalm 98. “I composed it for the choir and organ of Westminster Abbey, the ceremonial brass and the orchestra. “I hope my anthem reflects this joyous occasion.”
A coronation march was created by Patrick Doyle, while a piece by Iain Farrington for solo organ takes up musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth.
Talent: Following in his father’s footsteps, Nicholas is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical as well as numerous TV and film scores
No show: The Phantom of The Opera creator made the announcement as he explained 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).
There will also be new work by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.
A handpicked 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 of Truro Cathedral Choir.
Westminster School’s King’s Scholars will announce the traditional ‘Vivat’ shouts. Soloists include bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, soprano Pretty Yende and baritone Roderick Williams.
Andrew Nethsingha, organist and choirmaster at Westminster Abbey, will arrange the music and conduct the music during the service.