Robbie Williams: Take That, Touring, and 25-Year Solo Career | Apple Music

Robbie Williams joins Zane Lowe in the Port Vale football stadium for an in-depth conversation about his career thus far.
The English singer and songwriter reflects on his career, from beginnings as a teenager in Take That to leaving the group and redefining himself as a solo artist-a path comparable to likes of Harry Styles, Justin Timberlake, and a select few others.
Robbie's solo journey began with "Live thru a Lens", his 1997 debut studio album released amidst transformative events in his life, country, and culture. 25 years later, Robbie and Zane discuss fatherhood, 2023 tour plans, his new album 'XXV', the Take That reunion, and what's next (including his upcoming biopic with Netflix).
Listen to Robbie Williams on Apple Music: apple.co/RobbieWilliamsZLYT
Subscribe to Apple Music: apple.co/AppleMusicYT
00:00 - Reflecting on Fame
10:47 - Childhood and Parenthood
24:46 - First Solo Album
35:16 - Self Sabotage
42:01 - The ‘Take That’ Reunion
47:25 - Modern Age Media
53:13 - Reflecting on Where He is Now
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[@beauandarrowfilms]

Robbie's self awareness is next level.

[@seanogorman3617]

“I’m still trying to figure out what side of history I’m on. My opinion is in constant flux.” -- if only we could all take a step back and say “I don’t know” a little more, instead of persecuting people with different opinions. Robbie is a very wise dude. I’m glad he’s in the world, it lightens the load a little

[@italoblu]

What a great way to say it.

[@gwyneth7812]

I have just binged watched the first three Netflix episodes about Robbie. Someone said to me once that England doesn't like success stories, or something like that. It is sad to hear how Robbie struggled with the UK press. As a northern English lass myself, i am loving his down to earth, humorous and totally raw and honest character. Good luck to you Robbie.

[@vickycollins-nattrass]

i so agree

[@niclyonsfx2840]

Yes as a brit it’s a miserable country, everybody hates everybody!

[@beauandarrowfilms]

Difficult to hear Robbie talk of imposter syndrome, as though he doesn't deserve his success, wandered into it accidentally etc - Robbie, you are pure gold. You have the most beautiful heart and mind. We can relate to you. You entertain us. YOU. All you.

[@2011hwalker]

Yes but the pressure of being a solo artist is utterly crippling.

[@beauandarrowfilms]

@@2011hwalker I can only imagine. The pressure, but also the loneliness.

[@suzannejane1035]

​@@2011hwalker Yeah George Michael said the minute he left Wham! and it was just him all the pressure piled on him and he started to unravel.

[@jlcmsw]

Oh America, why have we never jumped on the Robbie bandwagon? He’s amazing and his songs are a blend of introspection, thought provoking and catchy harmonies. Keep on giving us more!

[@irinacalcea4594]

In Republic Of Moldova 🇲🇩

[@irinacalcea4594]

No!

[@TheACCars]

Yes, I am!

[@tracytabb2882]

America u have miss out on a load of great music by robbie and take that. The guy is a true legend here in the UK ❤❤❤

[@mattgaston307]

@@tracytabb2882 Robbie came through as a solo artists, and returned in the last few years for a run in Vegas, but Take That turned down the opportunity. The record label told them what they were going to have to do and they decided against it. As such, Europe got them, but the US did not. Such a bummer.

[@thomaslippiatt7107]

We simply don’t get pop stars like Robbie anymore

[@rhodeley6293]

A master entertainer

[@normairisflores3641]

He is a showman!!!!

[@raymondmassie4898]

Robbie is a true showman but I think Harry Styles is coming along nicely as tne next showman

[@jamiew1664]

@@raymondmassie4898 really????? lol

[@vedranaolujic1977]

Ahahaha

[@lolamar6064]

I never realized how tall Robbie is, always thought he was around 5’8-5’10, he’s 6’1, he’s looking fab

[@ingelaperry2253]

He is a fantastic person. Very humble and a fantastic entertainer.

[@gonulcebeci]

He is stunningly mature, articulate, funny, easy going. What a wonderful person! He's like our best friend around.

[@DohertyMusic]

Zane is such a great interviewer, really natural and the questions are really intriguing. And Robbie is just a legend tbf. Loved this.

[@melcostin866]

This is the authenticity and deepness that was missed in the NF doco. So pleased I found this x beautiful.

[@charlychips]

We love Robbie totally. He deserves everything. A total artist.

[@BrandeBelanger]

No Regrets is a masterpiece. Absolutely!!

[@OmarAfuni]

Robbie Williams is a legend. He was highly influential on me growing up. I hope I could meet him one day.

[@josmith8205]

he's a laughing stock

[@loserbabysowhydontyo]

He makes Oasis sound like a pub band

[@jackidosen1791]

🇦🇺🦘Omar my son won a competition in Australia and got to meet him great spot 👌 👍, But I don't like him much. CHEERS.

[@hudsonrilke]

Influential? Oh dear😂

[@luxy8703]

@@josmith8205 yet your watching…..

[@beauandarrowfilms]

Genuinely moved to tears by Robbie's talking of parenting. "Not a LEGO parent." Same! And I've felt SUCH guilt. But I realise now that we are all parenting in the best way we know how... still learning... just doing our best... remembering to be ourselves, alongside our kids. Love this honest sharing. Appreciate it. Hugely helpful. x

[@karenkazjudgejudge3004]

He still is the one in a million lad. Love him❤️

[@whatsilviadid3993]

I was born in the 80s in Spain and I learned English translating Take That lyrics and reading magazines with their interviews with a small electronic translator. From that point, English became my second language and that gave me great professional opportunities. Til this date, I am a Take That fan and I still listen to their songs in my playlist. Everything Changes, Back for good, Relight my Fire...so many memories of my teenage years. Take That forever!!!!

[@tracytabb2882]

I been a fan of take that and robbie from the very start and will be a fan till the end. So proud of how much he has grown matured and is still a humble down to earth and pure nutter that he has always been ❤❤❤❤

[@TheSexybabe1978]

You me both so proud to be his fan

[@lilme7052]

Same here

[@teaandcakeforthesoul3412]

Fabulous. I could listen to Robbie talk for hours. I'm so pleased he's in a better place now.

[@marilynlevey3945]

Robbie is a Legend, love all his music, so glad he's found happiness with his beautiful family, God love you Robbie 🤗🙏👏❤️

[@TheACCars]

Robbie Williams - Angels

[@mattgiunt]

No one seems to mention that Take that had the most visually spectacular concerts ever and the best songwriting of the ages. The members were interesting and Uber-professional. It's almost criminal that all five of them are not making music together again.

[@katjaxxx7353]

They did like 10 yrs ago. I was in both concerts take that without Robbie and Robbie solo. Robbie’s concert (around 2001) was the best ever concert I have ever visit and I have seen Beyoncé and Madonna. Robbie interacts with his audience and tells stories; Madonna was so out of touch and didn’t even spoke to her audience. Take that! 😂😂😂😂

[@mattgiunt]

Yes I know. Progress was also epic@@katjaxxx7353

[@kirstenpleitner5524]

I was never into Take That and only realised in the last few years that Robbie Williams is an insanely good songwriter and performer. Love his art, his songs.

[@aaroningl]

He relied heavily on Gary Barlow then Guy Chambers. He owes them almost everything.

[@niclyonsfx2840]

@@aaroninglno he didn’t you fool 😂

[@callumwhite516]

@@aaroninglI love Gary, Robbie is a very good songwriter in his own right. He doesn’t owe Gary anything. He made it successfully out of take that. Ok I don’t agree with the way he went about leaving and all the things he said about Gary and the band.

[@joannegreenwood6224]

Robbie Williams is one of the best favorite teenager & grown up singer and is simply a legend and such a sweet person too.

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

I'm an American, 60 years old, love music and discovered Robbie Williams just 2 weeks ago on Netflix. Never heard of his music and presently enthralled with his incredible songs. Wonderful entertainer.

[@chrispiercy5205]

If i was a famous singer and could pick a catalogue of songs that was mine, I'd definitely pick every one of Robbie's songs. Absolute brilliant catalogue of records

[@buffshepherd1540]

When I was a kid, I grew up with Foo Fighters, White Stripes, Muse, Green Day, etc. I never listened to Take That, or really heard his solo studio work, but I had Robbie Williams Live at Knebworth on quite a lot, because it was a flawless album. It really showed me what live records could be, particularly with all the crowd participation giving it so much atmosphere.

[@greigclement9081]

I was also primarily a rock band listener, and paid no attention to boy bands. Robbie assembled great rock musicians in his band and avoided getty too poppy like other breakaway boy-band stars. He definitely has variety in his setlists, and I enjoy later classics like "Bodies". His personality and attitude on stage is amazing.

[@luxy8703]

@@greigclement9081 very true, Robbie, knows how to put on a good show and nothing beats the atmosphere of live music. The best atmosphere we’ve ever experienced hands downs was at at Eminem’s at Twickeneham which I wasn’t expecting. You could just feel something special was in the air that night before the show even started. The security there left a lot to be desired though, it even made the papers , that’s how bad it was! We only got out safely because of a few other gig goers who had a few to many to drink but formed a protective ring around our little group, including my chair and assistance 🐕 to ensure we got out ok. When we saw Green day at Hyde park , the same weekend, I think it was, they were pretty fantastic too! Not sure , I would ever risk another gig at Twickenham though which is a shame because the layout there is good, but the shambolic way it was managed was awful and scary , especially as a disabled person.

[@ronjakh]

I had Knebworth on a lot too. Watching that concert still gives me goosebumps

[@irinacalcea4594]

How About American Rhythm and Blues Singer

[@irinacalcea4594]

The Temptations, The Four Tops, Otis Redding, The Platters, The Drifters, Solomon Burke, Smokey Robinson and more.

[@gypsyrose2720]

Always loved Robbie Williams music....gets you rocking deep inside on all his songs...being able to revisit his career now is so cool...great he is healthy and happy and we get to see more of him....we've lost so many greats ...recently Sinead O'Connor that will never get their opportunity to balance and return their great art of music to us....

[@c.w.steffensen7691]

Just love Robbie - have done for years. There has allways been something in many of his songs - levels that you cant explain when you hear them

[@salvaluna60]

I love Robbie Williams !

[@808sirenz9]

"She's The One" still slaps to this day

[@nathaliemoniz2231]

I have followed Robbie since his first solo album and I am can't wait to see what comes next. Robbie, you are like a fine wine... you get better with age ❤️🇨🇦!

[@HitchcockBrunette]

American here showing my support and love for Sir Robbie. Truly one of a kind. We will never get a pop star like this again, kids. He’s it ❤

[@jamesmcleod9840]

I agree so much with how Zane and Robbie explain the ingrained love of a band regardless if the split and get back together down the line! I loved the band Busted when I was 11. I went to see them a few weeks ago now at the age of 30 and I do t think I’ve had a better night at a gig ever!

[@chrissweeney2323]

Good to see Robbie speaking highly about oasis and Liam. The 90s and early 2000s was an amazing time for music . I knew it at the time but looking back now makes you realise these guys were something special

[@paulya1269]

Yes the 90’s and early 00’s was the end of good music IMHO, but maybe I’m just getting old!😂

[@jstevens99]

This is such a present! Loved Rob since I was 7 and nearly 23 now and he just means the world to me ❤️he’s such a beautiful spirit

[@nessah23]

Awww,Robbie...you beautiful soul...we are loving angels.. you been the guardian of many.❤❤❤

[@thedappercook]

Zane to have a New Zealander on the world stage doing the very very very best interviews is just an honour. Thank you for repping all kiwis worldwide. Class act.

[@darkgotham3449]

hi . totally agree as a kiwi

[@kingy002]

Interrupted Robbie far too much. He did let Robbie talk for extended periods, but too many interjections. Why is being a kiwi so important to us?

[@thedappercook]

@@kingy002 Hi Mark, they're old old friends so it was too mates bathering. Happens in daily life. As for being a Kiwi, well how many do you see on the world stage interviewing people at this level and class? Zanes it! We are a very small but humble nation so it makes us incredibly proud to have someone of this class and calibre representing us.

[@kingy002]

@@thedappercook I'm a kiwi myself, I just don't know why we need to puff ourselves up like this. It is nothing personal against you, we do fine on the world stage on any given day.

[@thedappercook]

@@kingy002 we sure do. We don't have to "puff" ourselves up like this Mark but we should. It's typical of the nature of Kiwis to not support other Kiwis in their endeavours, I believe it's the tall poppy syndrome that the country breeds unfortunately, but we should scream support for friends and family from the rooftops. It's one of the reasons I haven't lived in NZ for 10 years.

[@theyellowmonkey1487]

God I love Robbie so much

[@PatchedUpTwice]

Never considered Robbie Williams “enigmatic” at all. Such an odd statement. I’ve never found him to be anything but honest, sometimes to his own detriment. Always admired him for it.

[@sabine4385]

The best robbie❤🎉

[@lindseycarribean5113]

It’s good to see him back.

[@ruudvandemoosdijk2705]

I remember seeing Let Me Entertain You on TV the first time...the KISS make up, the innuendo, the piano and guitars. I had no clue who was singing it so at the end it showed "Robbie Williams - Let me Entertain You" and I was like...no ffing way!? that kid from Take That?! Been a fan ever since.

[@TheACCars]

Robbie Williams - She's The One

[@victoriaharkness3107]

Loved this interview ! We need more people like Robbie in the world ❤

[@lyndseysworld2162]

Watching Him saying he can’t remember what it feels like when Life thru a lens hit big is reminding me of going to see him he stood crying on stage as we all sang angels back at him.

[@lilme7052]

Where was that?

[@HobzyMcRuse]

Loved the Netflix doco. I have so much more respect for Robbie now. A legend and a very warm, hilarious Stoke lad.

[@Jimmy-ns4on]

I came away happy, and incredibly moved, after watching the documentary. Thanks.

[@dicem8977]

Zane Lowe is second to none as an interviewer, I used to love his shows on BBC Radio 1. This must have taken him hours or days to prep for this interview. I love Robbie Williams refreshing honestly. He's a good egg and he's a deep thinker.

[@GrantGelinasBrown]

He is excellent. I recommend the KZbin show Hot Ones with host Sean Evens. He's masterful.

[@lilme7052]

Gonna see him in 6 days. Again. Sooo excited!!!! Those watching this who dont like him or his music, if you ever get the chance, see him in concert. You'll change your opinion. And Im so glad Robs never used his music as a platform. I just wanna have fun, not have a lecture at a gig.

[@rachelmertens2831]

"Meager talent"...Oh Rob, you are so talented! Thank you for all you have given, bless you and your family. ❤

[@doalwa]

Robbie is good people, always liked the dude.

[@ccclaymoreee]

there are some people, and at the moment they smile let you smile. Robbie Williams is that kind of person for meee! his smile sooo genuine and from inside. he seems to me like a naughty little boi when he is cheerful *.*

[@astrologerdawn1200]

British in the USA the entirety of Robbie's life and have followed him since Take That days. He's as brilliant as ever. Can't wait to see what he does next.

[@normairisflores3641]

I went to his concert in Munich in August and I was overwhelmed by his success!!! There were 100k people in attendance!!!! It was such a great concert.

[@kylejameswood4396]

I'm so proud to be his fan

[@rhodeley6293]

An outstanding artist

[@Hommel98]

I really loved this interview❣️Robbie is the greatest pop star we will ever know, and he has a gorgeous soul! Can’t wait to see him here in Amsterdam on the 29th of January.🎉

[@user-hj5jf3zl5l]

He is fantastic. He loves his wife and children and it doesn’t matter if he has a hit record. Family is everything ❤

[@GraeyTangerines]

Robbie Williams it’s a legend, it’s a shame here in the U.S it’s not well known. Hopefully he comes back to Vegas one day.

[@lilme7052]

He decided not to try for it in the US cause he likes his anonymity there.

[@Pablorcct]

He is the definition of an Icon, a Legend and the greatest showman Alive, plus he's so humble and down to earth now, they really doesn't make artists like him anymore and i hope someday he sings again with the boys or just Gary Barlow 'cause shame is such an underrated masterpiece, also Gary wrote with him different, candy, eight letters ❤️

[@rupertcaney]

I'm 6 minutes in and this interview is gold 😂 Great chemistry together

[@annawasser9409]

Love Robbie, always have, always will 🥰

[@hayleygonzalez5092]

He is still the most gorgeous humble guy from ❤

[@zyonmdc]

i dream with a new Take That reunion album every week since 2011

[@kezbert]

Absolutely loved this interview ❤

[@kweenah.dknight]

Great interview, but it's shocking at how many times Robbie's responses are interrupted. I found it very frustrating since these were great questions being asked. Even just waiting another 3 seconds to let Robbie finish his response seemed impossible. But nonetheless, this was fantastic

[@ralmslb]

I have to say, Zane Lowe was extremely professional and caring in this interview. Great job!

[@JulyN78]

Excellent interview. Robbie is an interesting human being, and we could see some of his colors on that. Great interview.

[@monikajendryca5256]

I haven't seen Robbie in concert yet, but he is a real jewel and so so authentic human😍Zane thank you for a gorgeous chat about life👌😁

[@c.w.steffensen7691]

You better go get ticket fast - his amazing

[@lilme7052]

where do you live

[@bismaarioseno9420]

I remember hearing " feels" as a kid and loving that guitar slide solo

[@hustlerchick9259]

Love Robbie allways have he’s just fantastic

[@tormentors]

I love Robbie I been following his career since 2003 he's fantastic he's an entertainer we don't have that anymore one of the best ❤❤

[@martinerae9854]

Loved this interview..love robbie..

[@martinboulden4388]

A great interview with great banter and chemistry.

[@Jenishka]

His first album is the best thing eveeeer !! Loved the music videos .... He goes beyond the voice but such an entertainer ... beyond any pop singer of that time ..... He should have been more recognized around the world ... Love you dudeeee !

[@carriemcdurmont3960]

I have been a Robbie fan since 1999. I love his music and hope he will come back to Las Vegas soon.

[@MyHandle4455]

This interviewer should stop cutting Robbie off and let him just talk.

[@ArmyofLove]

A line from the first song of his first solo album. 'You think that I'm strong, you're wrong' Typifies Robbie's vulnerability

[@c.w.steffensen7691]

It sure does but also me and many others as well

[@luxy8703]

So true, I still love that song and many more of his. I think many people still totally misunderstand him and misread him as having a huge ego when it is just a cover for hiding that vulnerability and stage fright he still feels. He has said if it wasn’t for having his family to run to, which is his safe place , then he would want to run off and hide, in his case probably in some drugs induce haze again like he used to. He is one of the few artist , when I listen to him, I can just feel pure emotion of what he is singing. Part of it maybe is nostalgia, but it is a rare gift to make someone really just feel, when they are listening to your music. It’s my happy place. I hope I get to see him on tour again soon as we haven’t managed the passed couple of times due to Ill health.

[@elenamiraglia4718]

"Strong" is not from his first solo album (Life thru a Lens), but from his second (I've Been Expecting You)

[@MJ-ug5mo]

I've come out of this knowing more of who Robbie Williams is and I really admire and respect him.🤍

[@mariaking81]

The power of nowt and single parenthood and opportunity. Programming. Formative moments. Showing off. I love your openess and honesty,

[@lolagil9119]

Robbie es el numero 1 grande,con una gran personalidad💓😘😎

[@bleep77]

Life Thru a Lens and I’ve Been Expecting You are two albums that are part of the soundtrack of my life.

[@leemurray7079]

Zane is the most competitive Music Jurno there is....Thank You Zane, Thank You Rob❤️....Quite simply "The Business"

[@MThebean]

amazing, true, honest, love it thanks.

[@trumsolon]

This interview is terrific!

[@helenabiesma5560]

beautiful - love it

[@mikkolaine23]

Such a great interview with one of the most interesting stars ever.

[@lilyloo435]

He will never be beaten x

[@matthewkiggin5456]

Were going to see him this year for my mums Christmas present

[@danielkandi8105]

You can only love that man. I hated take that with a passion. I didn't like the music until everything changes, Robbie prolly had a hand in that. But ofc no one would ever admit that was a right tune, as a guy at least. Once he became himself, i remember thinking freedom was the lamest cover of all time. I literally thought he would disappear in months. He proved us all wrong. The albums have so many tunes that you can't really fathom it. Uncountable. No regrets as a musicvideo and the fire theme of it, has stuck with me forever. And plenty more videos. Incredible music.

[@louisep5178]

Just such a likeable person 💙💎🙏

[@Antonella-nn5uy]

ROBBIE ❤THE BEST 🙌🥇♾

[@MeMe-uq4lh]

LOVED & still love Rudebox 🎶🙃🎵

[@ilariadalpasso7245]

Love this man from 1993

[@Rick_Cleland]

😔😔😔

[@goose5551111]

he's become a pretty wise man

[@c.w.steffensen7691]

Its also from the hard times in your life you learn the most

[@rhodeley6293]

Guy chambers is an outstanding song writer

[@Gary-mu1bu]

Done really well Robbie well done 👍

[@eamonncarmel99]

This interviewer is so star struck

[@888mf4]

Great chat Zane. Such an honest discussion from both sides.

[@irenesartori4207]

Love him so much , is wonderful

[@johnboucher5285]

Robbie is such a wise person! A true gent! My role model! A bench mark for me!

[@c.w.steffensen7691]

Same here