Robbie Williams: A Star's Reflection on Success and Self-Deprecation
The Power of Self-Belief: A Lesson from Robbie Williams
In an era where social media can make or break careers, Robbie Williams, the iconic British singer, reflects on how his journey might have been different if he had faced the scrutiny of online platforms in the 90s. With a career spanning over three decades, Williams has experienced the highs and lows of fame, and his recent interview with BBC News offers a unique insight into his thoughts on success, mental health, and the British tendency to devalue oneself.
Williams' new album, "Britpop," has achieved an incredible feat, becoming his 16th number one album, surpassing even the legendary Beatles' record. As he embarks on his "Long 90s" tour, he takes a moment to celebrate this achievement and share his thoughts on the British psyche.
"As British people, we have a unique talent for puncturing our own success balloons and undermining ourselves," Williams tells BBC News. "It's almost as if we're experts at it. In a way, it's part of what makes us great.
But with this achievement, I want to savor the moment and truly embrace the success. I want to stand in the middle of it and let it wash over me."
The tour will revisit smaller venues, reminiscent of his early solo days, and Williams reveals that "Britpop" is the album he always envisioned making after leaving Take That.
However, his reflection on the Britpop era is bittersweet. While he achieved professional success, he also battled deep depression. "I was going through my own mental health struggles," he recalls. "Depression clouds your ability to experience joy, and despite all the incredible things happening around me, I couldn't fully enjoy them.
Looking back, I realize what an incredible decade the 90s were for popular culture. It was the last great era, as everything since then has become more homogenized. You can't distinguish 2007 from 2023, but the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s each had their unique identity. So, in a way, I smile at the thought that the 90s were an amazing time, even for my personal struggles."
Williams has been open about his struggles with stage fright and how becoming a father to his daughter, Theodora, known as Teddy, in 2012, changed his perspective. "The world started to make sense when I realized I had been running away from responsibility. I should have been embracing it. When my focus shifted from myself to these precious souls, I realized I had the best job in the world."
Being back in the UK, Williams also reflects on his challenging experiences with the British press, especially during the early days of his solo career. "The media's role in bringing down successful individuals is well-known. They attack and malign at every opportunity. It's a heavy burden and creates its own set of problems."
But Williams is in a different place now. "I'm left alone to do what I love - put out my music and be married. There's no one at my door trying to invade my privacy or hack my phone. It's a far cry from the torrid times I experienced."
One aspect Williams is grateful to have missed is the rise of social media. He believes it would have been detrimental to his career. "I tend to focus on the negative, and I think it's a common human trait. We seek out problems and threats, and then we work to negate them."
As for the eternal question of a Take That reunion, Williams remains open. "I've spoken about the possibility of riding again with the boys. I loved the recent Netflix documentary, and it reminded me of how much I love them."
February 13 marks 30 years since Take That's first split, which also happens to be Robbie's birthday. When asked about his plans for that day in 1996, he humorously replies, "Buying a Scalextric from Harrods."
With such an impressive career, I couldn't help but ask Robbie about his future plans. His response? "I want to build hotels with my own venues and play at my hotels. I also envision starting a university of entertainment, and I have the syllabus all planned out. It would be my way of revolutionizing education, given my own experiences leaving school with nothing higher than a D."
Robbie Williams' journey is a testament to resilience and self-belief. His new album, "Britpop," is out now, and his "Long 90s" tour has already begun. Sign up for the university of Robbie Williams, and let his story inspire you to embrace success and celebrate your achievements.
