David Foster Confronts Elevator Phobia by Climbing 65 Flights of Stairs

David Foster, a renowned music producer, faces his fear of elevators in a rather unique way. This fear has pushed him to take the stairs, even when it means climbing a staggering number of flights.

Foster, known for collaborating with famous artists such as Celine Dion and Michael Bublé, shared his struggle with claustrophobia in a recent interview. He admitted that fear often dictates his choices when it comes to navigating tall buildings and leads him to avoid elevators altogether.

Understanding the Fear

In his words, “I literally never take an elevator. It’s claustrophobia.” During the interview with a prominent publication, Foster revealed that he has only entered an elevator five times throughout his adult life. Interestingly, three of those occasions were during hospital visits, where he was under medication.

A Rare Exception

Despite his aversion to elevators, there have been extraordinary circumstances that prompted him to make an exception. One memorable instance occurred when he visited famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti’s home on the 20th floor. Foster was collaborating with Pavarotti and Celine Dion at the time on a duet, enjoying the company of friends and a few glasses of wine.

He recounted, “I said, ‘I’m leaving now,’ and I started to go for the stairs. And he goes, ‘No. Today you don’t, today you take the elevator.’”

This moment led to an unexpected encounter inside a small elevator. Foster described how Pavarotti playfully pulled him onto his lap while serenading him with an impromptu rendition of “Ave Maria.” He recalled, “He sings ‘Ave Maria’ in my f—ing ears so loud. I mean, Pavarotti’s singing to me all the way down.”

Choosing Stairs Over Convenience

When reflecting on his exercise routine, Foster stated, “I’ve taken millions of stairs in my life.” His dedication to avoiding elevators has resulted in impressive physical feats, notably climbing a remarkable 65 flights of stairs to reach a pool during his stay at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands hotel.

He mentioned, “From time to time, I wanted to go to the pool, so I would walk up the 65 flights to get to the pool.” This anecdote illustrates not only his commitment to overcoming his fears but also his willingness to find creative solutions to everyday challenges.

Celebrating Life’s Milestones

Recently, the 75-year-old producer marked a significant milestone, celebrating his birthday with an event featuring numerous stars. The festivities at the Hollywood Bowl included performances by artists like Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, and Jennifer Hudson.

Foster humorously reflected on the night, calling it his “funeral while I was still alive,” indicating the heartfelt tributes he received from friends and colleagues. He cleverly remarked, “Hey, he’s such a great guy. ‘Hey, I’m right here!’”

Family Life and Future Plans

In his personal life, Foster has expressed pride in his role as a father. When discussing his children, he shared, “I feel really good about my children.” His wife, Katharine McPhee, recently shared her thoughts on expanding their family, indicating they are not in a hurry, but she hopes for more children. The couple welcomed their first child, Rennie, in February 2021, making Foster a father of six.

McPhee reflected on her journey as a mother, stating, “I love being a mom. I really love it.” Their son, Rennie, is McPhee’s first child, while Foster has adult daughters from previous marriages: Alison, Amy, Sara, Erin, and Jordan.

A Journey of Love and Growth

The couple’s romance began almost two decades ago when McPhee was a contestant on “American Idol.” She finished as the runner-up in the fifth season, and their relationship blossomed, culminating in their marriage in 2019.

Foster’s life journey reflects not only his musical accomplishments but also his resilience in confronting personal fears. By sharing his experiences, he inspires many to find their routes through challenges, regardless of how daunting they may seem.