Robbie Williams has captivated fans with a surprising revelation about his fitness regime while celebrating the release of his latest musical project, an album he describes as the record he wanted to make three decades ago. The former Take That star, now 51, is poised to achieve his 16th UK number one album with BRITPOP, which dropped unexpectedly on 16 January.
A Musical Return to the 1990s
Williams explains that his new 11-track offering represents a deliberate return to the golden age of British guitar music. "This is the album I wanted to release after I left Take That in 1995," he reveals. "It was the peak of Britpop, and I've worked with some of my heroes to create something raw, guitar-driven, and more anthemic than my usual work."
The singer admits he approached the creative process by imagining it was 1997, when bands like Blur, Pulp, and Oasis dominated the charts. "When commercial radio stopped playing my music, that's when I first looked back and thought about what I needed to recreate," Williams reflects. "Now I'm in a place where I want to make music that makes me happy, rather than desperately chasing hits."
Oasis Influence and Morrissey Tribute
One standout track, All My Life, carries distinct Oasis-style flavours that Williams openly acknowledges. "Britpop had many bands, but only a few achieved gold-plated status," he observes. "Out of Radiohead, Oasis, and Blur, I'd most want to sing balls-to-the-wall Oasis songs. That's what I was into when I left Take That."
In a particularly intriguing collaboration, Williams co-wrote a song about Morrissey with former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow. The track features lyrics expressing admiration for the controversial singer. "Morrissey is probably the most important songwriter of the last 40 years," Williams declares. "The song is basically a stalker singing about Morrissey - in this case, I am that stalker."
Personal Transformation and Family Life
Beyond the music, Williams discusses significant personal changes, including his recent relocation to Miami with actress wife Ayda Field, 46, and their four children. "I spent 24 years in California and need sun for my self-care and mental health," he explains. "There's also anonymity in America - I get to be Bruce Wayne in Miami and Batman in the rest of the world."
The singer credits his marriage with transforming him from a boy into a man. "Marriage has actually made me the man that I am," he admits. "It provides safety from my own hedonistic tendencies. When you're totally seeking pleasure, that's when the wheels fall off."
Surprising Fitness Philosophy
Fans on Williams's BRITPOP tour have noticed his noticeably toned physique, often displayed in tight vests during performances. Surprisingly, the singer reveals he has never enjoyed traditional gym workouts. "People in entertainment started looking like athletes around 2002-2003," he notes. "Before that, you could have 'dad bods' in your teens."
Williams explains his current approach differs fundamentally from previous attempts. "I've managed to put together a schedule I can maintain," he says. "Whereas before I'd exercise based on hating myself, now I work out based on staying alive. Those vests help too - they're like Spanx that hold me together and make me look better than I actually am."
Career Reflections and Future Plans
As Williams prepares for UK dates on his Long '90s tour starting in February, he reflects on lessons learned throughout his career. When asked what advice he would give his 17-year-old self, he responds after thoughtful consideration: "I wish I'd known that confidence isn't important - bravery is. I can always be brave, but it's very difficult to be confident."
The singer acknowledges the challenges of balancing touring with family life, particularly during recent transitions. "This tour, in particular, I've been an absent parent," he admits quietly, referencing the family's move to Miami and his children settling into new schools.
Despite these challenges, Williams appears content with his current creative and personal direction. His BRITPOP album represents both a musical homecoming and personal evolution, blending nostalgic influences with hard-won wisdom about health, relationships, and artistic fulfillment.
