In a candid new interview with The Wall Street Journal, legendary musician David Foster, 75, revealed his surprising fear of elevators and shared how he’s avoided them for years—by taking the stairs instead.
Foster, known for his Grammy-winning compositions and collaborations with artists like Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, opened up about his exercise routine, explaining that his commitment to physical activity includes walking up flights of stairs to sidestep the claustrophobia he feels in elevators.
“I try to go to the gym three times a week,” said the renowned composer. “But I literally never take an elevator. It’s claustrophobia.” He went on to share that he’s only been in an elevator five times as an adult, and three of those occasions were while undergoing surgeries, where he was medicated. “The other two times were extraordinary circumstances,” he added.
One such extraordinary situation occurred when he was visiting opera legend Luciano Pavarotti at his New York City home. Foster recalled trying to take the stairs after a night of music and wine with Pavarotti and Celine Dion. But Pavarotti insisted on taking him in an elevator. “He grabs me, pulls me onto his lap, and sings ‘Ave Maria’ in my ear as we descend,” Foster laughed, describing the unforgettable moment.
Foster also shared a remarkable story of walking up 65 flights of stairs at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore, where he stayed while serving as a judge on Asia’s Got Talent. “I wanted to go to the pool, so I would walk up the 65 flights,” he said. This was no small feat, considering his fear of elevators.
At 75, Foster remains as active and dedicated to his career as ever. He recently celebrated his milestone birthday with a fundraiser and a star-studded Hollywood Bowl concert featuring his wife, Katharine McPhee, along with renowned artists like Kristin Chenoweth, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, and Jennifer Hudson. Despite the excitement, Foster admitted that the significance of turning 75 hadn’t yet fully sunk in. “Maybe tomorrow I’ll think about it,” he joked.
David Foster’s remarkable dedication to both his career and his personal well-being is a testament to his enduring passion for music and life.
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