SAD NEWS | Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, Forced into Retirement by Severe Neck Injury

British cellist Julian Lloyd Webber has today announced he will be forced to stop playing the cello, due to a herniated disc in his neck - which has caused significantly reduced power in his right arm.

“I am devastated,” 63 year old Mr Lloyd Webber has said in a statement, “...there were so many exciting plans that cannot now come to fruition.”

JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER & PETER PETTINGER | GABRIEL FAURE | ELEGY

“I have had an immensely fulfilling career and feel privileged to have worked with so many great musicians and orchestras but now I have to move on.  I now need time to reflect and to consider this sudden and distressing life-changing situation and there will be no further comment at this time,” the statement concluded.

His final performance as a cellist will be on May 2nd with the English Chamber Orchestra.