“Forget what you know about Robbie Williams,” begins Today Radio’s Stephen “Steps” Lowe at the start of this exclusive interview with the British pop superstar, because whatever bombshells, tabloid scandals and fall-outs with other artists are in Williams’ past, Steps finds the singer of Angels in a much more settled and happy place now.
Today Radio does a lot of interviews with bands and artists coming to Luxembourg, but Stephen Lowe’s chat with Robbie Williams is our biggest yet.
Expect two huge concerts at LuxExpo on July 10th and 11th, the former Take That member makes a number of references, during the interview, to his “Imperial Phase”, a phrase coined by Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant, which refers to the period when the music artist was considered at their commercial and creative peak simultaneously.
It suggests that Williams has been considering his career, but also that he may be on the other side of that early success. Luxembourg’s 30,000 fans may not agree, but Robbie is happy with where he is and how he is doing. “Have you changed your approach to songwriting as your career has progressed?” asks Steps, “No!” Robbie replies, “I’m just getting older and hopefully I’ll get better. I believe I’m getting better at songwriting. I believe I am getting better at lyrics.”
“I’ve been doing it the wrong way,” he explains, “when I was in my ‘Empire’ phase, they (the songs) weren’t bad, but now I believe I’m a much better singer, songwriter and artist so now i’m ready for a second wind so everyone can remember what i do, who i am and how good i am now.
“I am rich! Rich beyond your wildest dreams. I want to make records and break records with EMI.” Williams announced back in 2002 after signing a rumored £80 million deal with the record label, and while money and fame may have been motivating factors, then, twenty-one years later, his inspiration is a little closer to home.
“It’s all about the kids,” he reveals, “The moment Teddy arrived, the first one, something clicked, an Easter egg left there by the universe that said, ‘Ah, now you have to provide.’ I’ve had a fire in my ass ever since.
“I have to go and do what I do for many, many different reasons. The most important thing is my family and just below that the beautiful connection I get with the wonderful audience.”
Robbie Williams live at Knebworth 2003
The current tour is set to be a joyous celebration of Robbie’s 25 years as a solo artist following the release of his album ‘XXV’, which features many of his biggest hits and fan favorites from throughout his career. With 14 UK number ones to his name and sold-out stadiums around the world, he could be forgiven for hitting the brakes a bit, but that’s not an option for the 49-year-old, “I’m a guy who needs wins in my life,” he explains, “and for the longest time, in my imperial phase, I got huge wins that felt good for the soul, even though they brought with them things you wouldn’t expect. My victories now are in various projects and building things. I write TV shows, come up with concepts and ideas.”
“I still need my wins! And I want my profits to be huge! I am blessed with a great purpose. A light that will never go out, though I try to burn it out to the best of my ability.
Williams is great company, and Steps manages to straddle the line between silly, personal, and professional in a wonderful interview, which you can hear in full below. They cover addiction, his plans for the future and did you ever think you’d hear Robbie Williams trying to say gromperekichelcher? We didn’t either, but we’re happier now that we have it, and you will be too.
Would you like a pair of tickets to actually see Robbie Williams at his SOLD OUT July 11thth does the concert make you even happier? Again, you’ll have to listen to the whole interview and tell us which he prefers: Bean sloop or potato biscuits?
To enter, send your answer along with your name and email address to the Today Radio team via Whatsapp on 621 52 5000. This competition closes at 12pm on Wednesday 28 June.
Tickets are also still available for Robbie’s show on July 10 at LuxExpo.