Robbie Williams: Embracing Success Amid Self-Doubt

Robbie Williams: A Cultural Icon Reemerges

After more than three decades in the entertainment industry, Robbie Williams is back on the road with his new album, Britpop, which has not only debuted but has also shattered records previously held by the Beatles. This moment is a celebration not just of his musical achievement but of a rich and complicated journey that has seen the artist evolve and reflect on his place within British culture.

“I think as British people we're very good at piercing the balloon of our own success and undercutting it,” Williams tells BBC News. “It's what we do best. In many ways it's why we're great.”

A Journey Through Fame

The Long 90s tour, which begins soon, is particularly special for Williams, as it takes him back to smaller venues reminiscent of his early solo performance days. At 51, he describes Britpop as the album he longed to make when he first left Take That. The collaborative nature of this project shines through, with contributions from former bandmate Gary Barlow and iconic musicians like Gaz Coombes from Supergrass and Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi.

The Emotional Complexity of Success

But isn't there a bittersweet taste when looking back at the Britpop era? Williams recalls a time marked by immense professional success overshadowed by personal struggles. “I was going through my own mental illness…,” he shares. “Anything good that's happening to somebody that is in the throes of depression... they can't experience joy.” He reflects with a tinge of nostalgia but also clarity: “The '90s was an amazing time to have a bad time.”

Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth

Understanding the weight of fame and the lurking shadows it casts, Williams reveals that parenthood brought him a newfound sense of joy and purpose. The birth of his daughter, Theodora (Teddy), became a turning point, allowing him to see life from a refreshed lens. “The world started to make sense because I'd been running away from responsibility,” he admits, highlighting a profound transformation from focusing on himself to prioritizing his family.

Wrestling with the Media and Public Perception

Williams' relationship with the British press has been tumultuous. He acknowledges how the media tends to revel in the downfall of celebs riding high, often compounding their issues. However, as he embraced this new chapter in his life, free from relentless scrutiny, you can feel the lightness in his tone: “I'm having an amazing time.”

Facing Modern Challenges and Social Media

Discussing the current landscape, Williams admits he feels fortunate that social media didn't exist during the peak of his fame. “I get way too invested in finding the negative things,” he muses, diving deep into human psychology. His voice is tinged with a historical awareness; he recognizes how the landscape of celebrity is ever-evolving, often becoming a battleground for public perception and self-doubt.

Reunion with Take That?

Amidst conversations about his past, the ever-present question lingers: will he ever reunite with Take That? A recent Netflix documentary about the band brings a surge of nostalgia, and Williams expressed joy at seeing his former bandmates shine. “I had an overwhelming feeling of how much I love the boys,” he admits, hinting that while the past was complicated, there's a shared bond that might just lead to future collaborations.

Looking Ahead

As he gears up for another chapter, Robbie maintains that his ambitions extend far beyond music. He dreams of establishing hotels that would also serve as performance venues, and the creation of a university for entertainment. “It would be a great revenge on education for somebody that never left school with anything higher than a D,” he declares with a grin, positioning himself as a disruptor in an industry that has seen its share of formulaic approaches.

Conclusion

Britpop is not merely an album—it's a cultural artifact that encapsulates Williams' journey, celebrating the highs and lows of life in the spotlight. The Long 90s tour is an invitation to join him in reliving those moments, both painful and joyous. With so much to look forward to, Williams is not just a relic of the past, but a vibrant participant in the narrative of modern music culture.