Robbie Williams Voices Remorse Over Historic Take That Rivalry with Gary Barlow
Robbie Williams has openly expressed profound regret for his past conduct towards former bandmate Gary Barlow during their intense rivalry in the 1990s. The iconic singer, aged 52, made these heartfelt admissions during a recent concert performance at Manchester's Aviva Studios, reflecting on the long-standing feud that has captivated fans for decades.
A Tumultuous History of Conflict and Reconciliation
The contentious relationship between Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow dates back to their early days in the massively popular boy band Take That. In 1995, Williams dramatically quit the group, publicly branding Barlow as a 'clueless w****r' and sparking a bitter personal and professional conflict that would define both artists' careers for years.
Following his departure, Williams embarked on a highly successful solo career, directly competing with Barlow for pop supremacy throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. This period of intense rivalry saw both artists achieving remarkable commercial success while maintaining their public feud, until Barlow eventually stepped away from the music industry temporarily.
The turning point came around 2009 when the pair finally reconciled their differences, paving the way for Take That's monumental reunion and comeback tour in 2010. This reconciliation marked the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship, though recent revelations suggest Williams still carries significant remorse about their past conflicts.
Documentary Revelations Spark Fresh Apologies
During his Manchester concert, Williams revealed that watching Take That's new three-part Netflix documentary had triggered deep feelings of guilt about his historical behaviour towards not only Barlow but all his former bandmates. The documentary features candid footage of Williams admitting, 'My problem always was with Gary, I wanted to crush him. I wanted to crush the memory of the band and I didn't let go. Even when he was down I didn't let go.'
Addressing the audience directly, Williams asked, 'Did anybody see the Take That documentary? I have to say I was a bit of a 'c***' in the second episode. I don't think anybody has seen a man smugger than Robbie Williams in the second episode.'
The singer continued with emotional candour, stating, 'And you know what, I felt really bad. I felt f***ing horrible about it. I'd been horrible to Gary, horrible to Mark, horrible to Howard and I was genuinely thinking about it for days and days and days and I'd go to bed at night and I was thinking I've gotta apologise again.'
Mutual Understanding and Moving Forward
Williams emphasised that despite his lingering guilt, their relationship has fundamentally transformed, declaring, 'But just to clarify, I f**king love Gary Barlow now. And he loved me. There's only so many times I can apologise now.' This statement underscores the genuine reconciliation that has occurred between the two music icons.
The Netflix documentary also provides Gary Barlow's perspective on their historic conflict. Barlow, now 55, discusses his personal struggles with bulimia that began following Take That's initial split in 1996, as well as the psychological impact of his rivalry with Williams.
Reflecting on their reconciliation process at the documentary premiere, Barlow recalled, 'When we had our reunion we spent a lot of time talking about it and I remember leaving on one particular day and we'd discussed everything. And I remember leaving and my shoulders were light.'
Barlow elaborated on specific incidents that fueled their feud, including insensitive comments about Williams' weight and songwriting abilities. 'I'd called him Blobby rather than Robbie one day, which I shouldn't have done. Then I hit him with things he had done to me that I didn't like,' Barlow admitted.
Remarkably, Barlow revealed that their reconciliation conversation lasted only about 25 minutes, yet effectively resolved issues that had 'haunted us for years.' This demonstrates the power of direct communication in healing long-standing personal conflicts.
Legacy of Take That and Lasting Friendship
Both artists originally rose to fame as part of Take That's legendary lineup alongside Howard Donald (57), Jason Orange (55), and Mark Owen (54). Their journey from teenage pop sensations to mature artists who have navigated personal and professional conflicts offers a compelling narrative about growth, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of shared history.
Williams' public expression of regret represents a significant moment in pop culture history, highlighting how time and reflection can transform even the most bitter rivalries into mutual respect and affection. The story serves as a powerful reminder that public figures, despite their fame and success, experience genuine human emotions including regret, guilt, and the desire for reconciliation.
