Robbie Williams Reflects on His Journey: From Britpop to the University of Entertainment
After a remarkable career spanning over three decades, Robbie Williams is back on the road, celebrating his latest achievement. His new album, 'Britpop', marks his 16th number one, breaking the record previously held by The Beatles. This milestone is a significant moment for the singer, who is embarking on his 'Long 90s Tour'.
In an interview with BBC News, Williams shares his thoughts on success and the British mindset. He acknowledges the tendency of British people to downplay their achievements, stating, 'I think as British people, we're very good at piercing the balloon of our own success and undercutting it and devaluing ourselves.' Despite this, he embraces his success and plans to enjoy the moment, saying, 'I really want to let it sink in and I really want to stand in the middle of it and go, 'OK, success, do your thing to me'.'
The tour will take him back to smaller venues, reminiscent of his early days as a solo artist. Williams describes 'Britpop' as the album he envisioned when he left Take That, featuring collaborations with Gary Barlow, Gaz Coombes, and Tony Iommi. However, he reflects on the Britpop era with a mix of emotions. While he achieved professional success, he also battled deep depression during that time, struggling to find joy amidst his mental health struggles.
Looking back, Williams considers the 90s as a golden era for popular culture, a period of creativity and innovation. He contrasts it with the current music landscape, where he feels a lack of originality. He laments, 'You don't know 2007 from 2023, but you know the '50s, you know the '60s, you know the '70s, you know the '80s, and you know the '90s.'
Williams has been open about his past struggles with stage fright, but he found solace in fatherhood. The birth of his daughter, Theodora, in 2012, brought him a new perspective and a sense of responsibility. He realized the value of his work and the joy it brought to others, stating, 'The world started to make sense because I'd been running away from responsibility and I should have been running towards it.'
The singer also shares his improved relationship with the British media, having experienced a challenging period in the early stages of his solo career. He appreciates the peace and freedom he now enjoys, free from the intense media scrutiny he faced previously. Williams humorously mentions that social media, which didn't exist during his early days, would have likely overwhelmed him with negativity.
The article also touches on the possibility of Williams rejoining Take That, the band that launched his career. He expresses his love for the group and the recent Netflix documentary about their success. However, he remains playful about his plans, suggesting a unique idea for the future.
When asked about his next move, Williams reveals his ambition to build hotels with his own venues and perform in them. He envisions a 'University of Entertainment,' where he would revolutionize education, drawing from his own experiences and syllabus. This idea adds a layer of humor and creativity to his already diverse career.
As Robbie Williams continues to celebrate his success and look forward to new endeavors, his journey from Britpop to the University of Entertainment promises to be an exciting one, leaving fans eager to see what he has in store next.
