TLDR: Renowned lyricist Sir Tim Rice, known for musicals like ‘Evita’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ has expressed his willingness to consider using artificial intelligence as a tool in his songwriting process. The 80-year-old veteran of the music industry stated he has not yet seriously employed AI but is not opposed to its potential benefits, drawing parallels to the unforeseen impact of mobile phones.
Sir Tim Rice, the celebrated 80-year-old lyricist behind iconic musicals such as ‘Evita’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (co-written with Andrew Lloyd Webber), has revealed his openness to incorporating artificial intelligence into his songwriting. Speaking on Times Radio with Jane Mulkerrins, Sir Tim indicated that while he has not yet seriously utilized AI for his musical endeavors, he is certainly not against the idea.
“I’d certainly consider it. I hadn’t ever used it. Perhaps I should,” Sir Tim remarked during the interview. He recounted a previous, informal encounter with AI, noting, “I was doing a cricket speech at Lords, and AI had only just come to the attention of the public, and I asked it to write a quick Shakespeare sonnet on cricket, which was really quite good.” This positive initial experience suggests a pragmatic view towards the technology. He added, “So, perhaps I should try it for one or two songs. I’ve never used it seriously.”
When questioned about potential concerns regarding AI’s role in the arts, Sir Tim admitted to a degree of uncertainty, reflecting the broader societal debate. “If I’m honest, no, I’m not sure. Nobody quite knows what it will do. I mean, it might create more jobs. Don’t ask me how, but these things could happen,” he mused. He drew an analogy to past technological shifts, stating, “It’s a bit like saying in 1979, do you think the mobile phone will cause a lot of hassle? And it’s got great benefits but also great disadvantages and I wouldn’t begin to know that.”
Sir Tim also offered a lighthearted personal perspective on the long-term implications of AI, given his age. “The other thing is, I’m getting on a bit, and I’m not going to (be here) in 20 years’ time. I’m not gonna be too worried about AI unless they can bring me back to life,” he quipped. This sentiment underscores a pragmatic and somewhat detached view of AI’s future impact on his own career, while still acknowledging its potential.
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The news, published on August 10, 2025, highlights a growing trend of established artists considering or experimenting with AI tools, signaling a potential shift in creative processes within the entertainment industry.
