Robbie Williams, after more than three decades in the entertainment industry, is back on the road to celebrate his new album 'Britpop', which is his 16th number one and has broken a record set by The Beatles.
The singer, gearing up for his Long 90s tour, utilizes this moment to reflect on his remarkable achievements. He states, “I think as British people we're very good at piercing the balloon of our own success and undercutting it and devaluing ourselves. It's what we do best.”
Williams emphasizes the importance of allowing himself to relish in this success, expressing a desire to appreciate it fully. “I really want to let it sink in and stand in the middle of it and go, 'OK, success, do your thing to me'.”
The tour will revisit smaller venues reminiscent of Williams’ early days after his exit from Take That, as he releases an album he wished to make years ago. Collaborating with artists such as Gary Barlow and Tony Iommi, he reminisces about the highs and lows experienced during the Britpop era, acknowledging how his struggles impacted his ability to enjoy those moments.
Williams reflects on past mental health battles, admitting he struggled to find joy despite incredible achievements around him, stating, “I was going through my own mental illness and anything good that’s happening to somebody that is in the throes of depression... they can't experience joy.”
Now, he acknowledges, he views the 90s with a certain fondness as a time encapsulated by cultural success despite personal trials. As he navigated fame and stage fright during his early career, fatherhood marked a turning point, allowing Williams to rethink his priorities and appreciate his journey.
Returning to the UK, he feels a renewed sense of happiness and freedom, far removed from the invasive media scrutiny he faced early in his solo career. Williams appreciates his newfound privacy, stating, “There isn't anybody at my door trying to get pictures of me 24 hours a day… I’m having an amazing time.”
Williams also considers his future in entertainment, revealing ambitious plans to build hotels with music venues and establish an entertainment university to counter his own educational experiences. He humorously declares, “Sign us up for the university of Robbie Williams.”
As the 30th anniversary of Take That’s original split approaches, Williams fondly remembers his time with the band and expresses warm feelings toward his former band members. He concludes with a playful anecdote about what he was doing on that day in 1996, bringing the interview full circle.
Britpop by Robbie Williams is out now, and his Long 90s tour has commenced.
