Robbie Williams: King Seeks Kingdom

 

 

Robbie Williams celebrates his 25th anniversary of service – and is looking for new fields of activity outside of music. WDR 2 reporter Marcel Anders was able to conduct a detailed interview with the superstar. Severely ill health, without a hit for years, but with lucrative real estate deals and original business ideas: The superstar of the 1990s and 2000s is well on his way to becoming a lifestyle mogul. On the other hand, he reveals during a conversation in his holiday home in southern France, he has outgrown pop music – and is looking for an alternative kingdom. "XXV", the current album with orchestral versions of his greatest hits, could be more of a farewell than a comeback.

 

Mr. Williams, how does it feel to celebrate your 25th anniversary as a solo artist? Does that fill you with pride or even a bit with melancholy?

 

I would say it's primarily a sense of relief. Simply because I am a person who wants and demands so much - and does not like to be satisfied with what he has. In this respect: If this career had been denied to me, I would have been devastated today. Therefore, the certainty of having achieved a lot provides enormous relief.

 

If you were a team from the English Premier League, which one best reflects your position in today's music business?

 

Then I would say that I am probably Everton. According to the motto: I'm still in the highest English league, but I lack the big successes and I urgently need a little help. (laughs)

 

That means: You can't compete with world stars like Billie Eilish or Taylor Swift at the moment?

 

Correct. I don't have the oxygen I need to keep up. That's just the way it is as you get older. Because pop music is just the world of young people – unless you're a DJ. Then you can be 160 and still be played on the radio. My only advantage over my dear colleagues is that my audience does not stream, but buys physical recordings – and for that I am very grateful to them. In this way, I am still competitive. Otherwise, in order to see where I am right now, I have to compete with people from the 90s – with the competition of that time and not so much with current superstars.

 

So unlike younger artists, you really still earn money with sound recordings?

 

Indeed. And for that I am very grateful. Because when I released a Christmas song as a stream a few years ago, the following happened: I called the guy I wrote it with and wanted to know how he was going. His answer was: "Oh, fantastic – twelve million streams". I thought, "Wow, that sounds great." But when I did a bit of math, I realized that this was about 6,000 British pounds. Nothing more. That says it all about today's music industry.

 

In the sense of: Blatant exploitation?

 

And how! Only: You have to deal with that, because these are the current conditions and no alternatives exist yet. In this respect, I consider myself very, very lucky that I still know the old music business; that I was one of the last to experience what it meant to be a real pop star and to feel like a king. I am grateful for that.

 

Part 2/6

 

For the cover artwork of "XXV" you pose as a Roman statue in a thinker pose. Are you wondering what has become of the world – or why so brooding?

 

(laughs) Well, the songs on this album are newly conceived. They're the greatest hits, recorded with an orchestra – so I've kind of reinvented my songs. And I'm just rethinking my entire career, my life, and everything else. I am in a phase in which I reflect on many things. Also, how I deal with such occasions as a service anniversary. Since I have already released two Greatest Hits albums, I wanted to do something new, different for this occasion. The orchestral versions simply seemed to be the most exciting variant.

 

Instead of any remixes from well-known DJs?

 

I'll do that next time... (laughs) And probably the technology is then so advanced that everything is much easier anyway. We've long since reached the point where I write a song in English, send it to a German songwriter for translation, and then he sings it in with a voice that sounds exactly like mine. That's how far the technology has come – and that's incredible. In the sense of: It's exciting, but also dangerous.

 

At the same time, "XXV" contains a new piece called "Lost", which shows you quite desperately. The text reads: "From masterpiece to nothingness, and all my friends say don't give up yet, you might get back – I don't think so." Where does the self-doubt come from?

 

It's less where I am today than where I used to be. It's based on a diary entry from 1996 – at a time when I had just flown out on Take That and didn't know what to do next. And it's always good to remember moments when you got down to earth. That's something that grounds you.

 

At the same time, it fits with what you talked about at a gala in St. Tropez at the end of July – namely, that success does not protect against mental health problems and you have a lot of it: from ADHD to depression, obsessions to alcohol addiction. So the song seems to be quite topical...

 

I made a lot of mistakes that still resonate. For example, I took drugs to cope with it. I tried to treat myself with cocaine, ecstasy and alcohol, but it didn't work. (laughs) And now I'm struggling with the late effects, trying to get my life on track somehow and sort out the confused thoughts in my head.

 

Supposedly, you need a teleprompter on stage so as not to forget your lyrics. Is that true?

 

Oh, my memory is very bad, so hardly existing anymore. I would even have a problem getting the text for "Angels" on the line. In the sense of: I don't know if I would still get him together – or not.

 

How come?

 

I don't know why. I guess it's a mixture of excitement, poor memory, and the fear of, "What if I don't get this right?" All these things. It has also happened many times that I have forgotten the words and even the melodies to some pieces during some TV appearances – which is simply frightening. In this respect, I now fall back on all the help I can get.

 

You are considered a self-confident entertainer. Is it all just a façade?

 

I just make insecurity look like entertainment. (laughs)

 

Part 3/6

 

Is "Lost" a first taste of upcoming songs? Are you working on an album of new songs – the first since 2016?

 

I'm constantly working on new material. And I have a lot of songs. But at the moment I'm concentrating on "XXV". At some point, something new will certainly come again. And of course I'm looking forward to it – but one step at a time.

 

At the same time, you maintain a side project called Lufthaus, which is dedicated to electronic dance music. When do we hear something?

 

This has not yet been officially announced... But: It will happen! (laughs) Simply because I do what I like. And because I'm tired of chasing conventional hits. When the big commercial radio stations stopped playing my songs, I first desperately tried to figure out what I was doing wrong - that is, what causes such reactions. And I've given that up in the meantime. I just want to be the person I was again – purely musically – when I first left Take That. I want to enjoy the freedom I had back then - and what I still care about. And as long as I'm happy and content with what I'm doing, everything is fine.

 

As a dance artist, do you live out your experimental side or what makes you go in this direction?

 

I don't know if it's really experimental. It's more that I like a lot of different types of music and dance has always been a big part and important part of my life. As a teenager, I regularly left home to let off steam at rave events – with a bunch of strange guys and mentally ill young professionals who didn't care about anything. They were serious about it, "I'm taking these drugs now and seeing what happens - because I want to be a part of this event." We really experimented with our health – like mad scientists. And the music that was playing there was absolutely exhilarating – in every way. She had a huge impression on me – and will have that until the end of my life. I love dance music.

 

Another passion of yours is painting. You had the first vernissage of your paintings in May. How did it go?

 

I loved it! It was incredibly exciting to be part of a world that has always fascinated me. And it's great to express yourself creatively in a different way and to get positive reactions – I liked that. Just all the praise and these really inspiring conversations. In this respect, it is great fun. I find art sexy, and dealing with it is good for my mental health. Since I've been lucky enough to experience the career I've experienced, I can just do things that have nothing to do with music. As far as that is concerned, I consider myself lucky – and look forward to doing even more in this direction.

 

How do you get into so-called street art in the first place? So black and white paintings in the tradition of Banksy and Richard Hamilton – what fascinates you about them?

 

That's right: Banksy, Richard Hamilton, Keith Haring, Murakami – they stand for acid house, graffiti and hip-hop. That's what it's all about. Just the New York of the 1980s, a bit of Chicago house, signatures including graffiti from Brooklyn and all these things. It is art that goes hand in hand with music and culture. And when I try my hand at it with my buddy Ed, it's one thing that lasts all day: we lock ourselves in my garage, listen to rave music, and lose ourselves in creativity.

 

And so 40 paintings were created during the pandemic alone?

 

I would even say that there were more. Much more.

 

Are you planning further exhibitions?

 

Definite. Also gladly in Germany. And I have a lot of other things in mind – like building a hotel. I also want to take over the interior design, develop the gastronomic concept and put together the entertainment program. My goal is to try as many different things as I can as long as I've been on this planet.

 

Part 4/6

 

Why the hotel industry, of all things, which is considered one of the most difficult industries ever – especially in times of Corona?

 

Basically, there is nothing that is not difficult. The hotel market is no less competitive than that for clothes, drinks or whatever. That's just the way it is today. But just because something is difficult doesn't stop me from at least trying. That's how I've always thought – and I like the process of creating things. The fact that they may eventually make a profit is also exciting. But that's not the reason for me to hang in there. For me, it's more about creating something. And as far as that is concerned, I have an insane amount of ideas. I just throw one by one at the wall and see what sticks. Unfortunately, then some adults are constantly intervening and ruining everything. According to the motto: "You can't do that because..."- "Well, I still have 700 other ideas. Pick one, make it work." (giggles)

 

May we ask where you intend to build your hotel?

 

In Dubai – the most sought-after tourist destination in the world.

 

What do you have in mind: a large ballroom, a classic bar, a Michelin-starred restaurant – things you expect from a good hotel?

 

My plan is to take the culture of the British working class of the 1960s/70s and make it chic. I want to revive what I experienced in my childhood in places like Blackpool, Skegness, Scarborough or Bridlington – the tradition of piers and such monumental buildings as Blackpool Tower. These are things that millions of English people still remember fondly. I would like to build on this – in an elegant way that also appeals to discerning holidaymakers. Unfortunately, there are millions of miles between what I would like to implement – and what I can actually implement.

 

Another is supposedly "Hopium". What is behind it - a skin care series for men?

 

No, it has nothing to do with skin care – and I don't know how the British newspaper that claimed that came up with it. I haven't talked to her, nor have I ever presented the product behind it anywhere. So no one can know what "Hopium" is, but some people just calculate two and two together and come to 360. Just this much: It's another project that I can't talk about yet, because A) I want to go to a highly competitive market and b) because it hasn't left my head yet. I have so many cursed ideas.

 

Part 5/6

 

On the other hand, your work on a biopic called "Better Man" seems very concrete. How far along are you?

 

It is slowly taking on concrete forms. And the thing is, I'm someone who constantly hears a negative, inner voice that says, "You don't deserve this. You're not good enough. It's not going to work." That's what I thought about it at first. "I don't deserve a film about myself – and that's why it can't be good." But then I saw Michael Gracey, the director, approach him. And I saw an animated version of what's supposed to be in it – and how. Now I have to say: The whole thing could well be successful.

 

Because he is not a "Rocketman" and not a "Bohemian Rhapsody", but rather a satire?

 

Agrees. And it has nothing to do with "Rocketman" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" simply because I'm not afraid to include things that Elton and Queen would never have dared to show.

 

So explicit?

 

I have nothing to hide...

 

So you are slowly mutating into the entrepreneur of the Bezos, Branson or Musk brand?

 

I guess I actually have an entrepreneurial spirit. I have big dreams and goals. And although I have already achieved a lot, my ambitions are not getting any smaller. In other words, if I can no longer be the king of music, I will in a different field.

 

Also, are you an ordained priest – you can still rely on weddings?

 

I could always do something spiritual. At the moment, however, I prefer classical materialism. (laughs)

 

What happened to the legal dispute with your famous London neighbour, Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page? Have they settled their differences over structural measures that could damage his property?

 

Honestly? I haven't been in the house for four years. I just rented it out because of all the trouble and stayed in Los Angeles. In this respect, I don't really know what is happening. But I haven't heard from him or his lawyer in a while. In this respect, I think that this should have been taken care of. In the end, I didn't build the pool anyway – the one in Los Angeles is enough for me.

 

Do you actually know that the dispute had the unpleasant side effect for Page, that now all Led Zep fans know where he lives – and literally besiege his property?

 

Oh really? Wow! I can only apologize... Or not. (laughs)

 

Part 6/6

 

What about the World Cup in Qatar? Are they on site?

 

I have at least considered it. But in the end, it's the long-haired general – my wife – who decides that.

 

How then: Are you so under the slipper?

 

No, but if she needs me at home or something important is pending, I naturally follow her. In this respect, we will see. I would already enjoy it. And for me as an Englishman, it is also a tradition that football is played around Christmas – and then a real World Cup. So it's my favorite season, combined with a World Cup. I think I'm going to explode out of sheer happiness.

 

Will England defeat us again this time?

 

We have every chance of doing that. Although I wouldn't normally say that because I'm a realist and we've played much worse than we can for decades. But the current team has a special spirit. That's why it's like this: For 30 years of my life, I would have bet firmly that in a clash with Germany we would either lose in the regular 90 minutes or at the latest in the penalty shoot-out. That has been the case for as long as I can remember. But at the moment I am no longer afraid of the Germans. Finally, we reached a final and a semi-final. Gareth Southgate is the most successful England coach since Sir Alf and we have a young, enthusiastic team. In this respect, we will see what happens. But I'm definitely not afraid anymore. And that's very pleasant – a feeling that you know only too well, because you are always very confident when your team enters the pitch. As an Englishman, on the other hand, I was always afraid - at every game. OK, with San Marino it was limited, but when it came to Cameroon, Switzerland or you, it was clear to me from the outset: "We have already lost that". That is no longer the case.

 

Then it could be enough for the title?

 

Absolute!

 

The interview was conducted by WDR 2 reporter Marcel Anders

 

https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr2/musik/robbie...ml#articleStart

So you are slowly mutating into the entrepreneur of the Bezos, Branson or Musk brand?

 

I guess I actually have an entrepreneurial spirit. I have big dreams and goals. And although I have already achieved a lot, my ambitions are not getting any smaller. In other words, if I can no longer be the king of music, I will in a different field.

 

 

What a great attitude to have :)

he indeed has great plans and new energy

Another is supposedly "Hopium". What is behind it - a skin care series for men?

 

No, it has nothing to do with skin care – and I don't know how the British newspaper that claimed that came up with it. I haven't talked to her, nor have I ever presented the product behind it anywhere. So no one can know what "Hopium" is, but some people just calculate two and two together and come to 360. Just this much: It's another project that I can't talk about yet, because A) I want to go to a highly competitive market and b) because it hasn't left my head yet. I have so many cursed ideas. :thinking:

 

 

Could it be something to do with mental health :unsure:

My album hasn't arrived yet - it's been dispatched -I have a feeling Ozzy Osbourne is going to beat him to number one though

I love that German interview -very interesting - as self aware as always ^_^

I really hope that Rob will get his 14th no 1

Do you have any numbers. Laura or why do you think Ozzy will beat him?

Let's wait until Monday evening.

First of all midweek will give us more knowing on UK chart.

Second, still some thoughts on possibity of cancellation the next chart...

I’m not a regular fan of Robbie apart from the main hits but I do like some of the new versions. No regrets is really good so I’ve bought the double CD. I think this could do quite well. Greatest hits sets have somewhat become redundant over the years but this is so much more than that!

Thanks for good words on the release!

 

Still like all of new songs on it.

Prefer More Than This but The World and Her Mother and its Pet Shop Boys vibe that I like very much!

These two tracks are very melodically and that's what Robbie and Guy made any minute in the past.

I like to see that he makes the same nowadays with Karl and Owen instead of Guy.

Edited September 10, 20222 yr by Better Man

I really hope that Rob will get his 14th no 1

Do you have any numbers. Laura or why do you think Ozzy will beat him?

I think robbie will easily get the number 1.

Does anyone else think that the Tripping is sublime :music:

I have no idea when it comes to the charts, I would love to see him getting number 1 though :cool: , I like the album, way better than I was expecting .

I think robbie will easily get the number 1.

 

 

I hope so

+1 for Tripping being sublime. The song feels more organic and Robbie delivers on it.

I really hope that Rob will get his 14th no 1

Do you have any numbers. Laura or why do you think Ozzy will beat him?

 

I looked on Amazon last night elisabeth and Ozzy Osbourne was number one and RW was five.

Also I could see that OO was the worldwide number one on iTunes.

Then I read The Telegraph reviews of both albums.

 

Fingers crossed for Robbie. ^_^

 

My signed copy arrived today and It has an extra signature on it -Teddy had signed my copy too. :lol:

 

 

 

well, I guess the US is also a part of the worldwide I tunes charts and there Rob will not chart. I have not read the Telegraph but assume that they will have not have that many good words for Rob's album, they rarely had in the last years. I can see thought that you are right and with the promotion not taking place which was quite a good plan with BBC2 it is not helping either. But it would be great if he would get a new number one. I saw a lot of Dutch interviews also with members of the orchestra he had played with as it is Dutch. They all say that he is a genuinly nice guy.

There might be a show net year produced here (John de Mol, the 'father' of all big brothers). Rob knew Linda deMol, his sister, since many years who is also very well known in teh Netherlands.

 

Aside of that, I saw a lot of interviews here in the Netherlands where they asked Rob what kind of father he is and he gives very mature answers to that question:

He gives stability and security.

I like that.

well, I guess the US is also a part of the worldwide I tunes charts and there Rob will not chart. I have not read the Telegraph but assume that they will have not have that many good words for Rob's album, they rarely had in the last years. I can see thought that you are right and with the promotion not taking place which was quite a good plan with BBC2 it is not helping either. But it would be great if he would get a new number one. I saw a lot of Dutch interviews also with members of the orchestra he had played with as it is Dutch. They all say that he is a genuinly nice guy.

There might be a show net year produced here (John de Mol, the 'father' of all big brothers). Rob knew Linda deMol, his sister, since many years who is also very well known in teh Netherlands.

 

Aside of that, I saw a lot of interviews here in the Netherlands where they asked Rob what kind of father he is and he gives very mature answers to that question:

He gives stability and security.

I like that.

 

You know that no matter who Rob meets they all say the same thing about him that he is such a nice normal guy.

 

Rob will not kill himself promoting this album , I'd say the series of interviews will be the main part of it plus the upcoming gigs in OCT , shame about the BBC2 gig but expected under the circumstances.

 

 

Blackpool with the weather guaranteed , I can see that selling :dancing:

 

 

May we ask where you intend to build your hotel?

 

In Dubai – the most sought-after tourist destination in the world.

 

What do you have in mind: a large ballroom, a classic bar, a Michelin-starred restaurant – things you expect from a good hotel?

 

My plan is to take the culture of the British working class of the 1960s/70s and make it chic. I want to revive what I experienced in my childhood in places like Blackpool, Skegness, Scarborough or Bridlington – the tradition of piers and such monumental buildings as Blackpool Tower. These are things that millions of English people still remember fondly. I would like to build on this – in an elegant way that also appeals to discerning holidaymakers. Unfortunately, there are millions of miles between what I would like to implement – and what I can actually implement.

+1 for Tripping being sublime. The song feels more organic and Robbie delivers on it.

 

Agree . They also made a great job of Nobody Someday , it's interesting to listen to both the original ( which I still love ) & new version . Rob sounds vunerable in the original & so confident in the XXV version . He is really an artist that shows his true emotion through a song, it's one of the reasons why I love him as a singer .