Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow Reunite for New Album Tribute

Robbie Williams has reunited with his former bandmate Gary Barlow for the first time in over a decade to create a song dedicated to renowned singer Morrissey. This collaboration is part of Williams’ upcoming album, titled “Britpop,” set to release on October 10, 2023. Williams described the track as a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing that it is crafted from the perspective of an obsessed admirer.

“It’s great because that particular track is a song made by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow about Morrissey,” Williams stated. He elaborated, “The reason I am considerate about him is because I am writing it from the point of view of a stalker. So it’s somebody that’s stalking Morrissey; he’s completely obsessed and in love with him.” This unique narrative angle adds depth to the album, showcasing Williams’ artistic evolution.

In addition to Barlow, other notable contributors include Chris Martin from Coldplay, who has lent his talents to the album, and Gaz Coombes from Supergrass, who has collaborated on several tracks. Williams expressed that this album represents a long-desired project, one he envisioned creating after leaving Take That in 1995.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Williams admitted to feeling directionless in recent years, primarily focused on achieving commercial success. At a Q&A session held at London’s The Groucho Club, he shared, “I’ve kind of been musically a bit aimless for a little while because I don’t know really what to do.” He acknowledged that his past fixation on previous hits led him to spend years looking backward instead of forging ahead.

“I have just spent the last 15 years looking backwards,” he noted. With “Britpop,” he aims to refresh his creative approach, stating, “If I am going to look backwards I might as well just clear the decks, go back to the start, and head off from there.”

Beyond music, Williams discussed his personal struggles, particularly concerning his thinning hair. The 51-year-old entertainer candidly remarked, “The hair is powder and scaffolding because that’s thinning and it’s going, and I think about it every day.” He humorously reflected on his iconic looks over the years, admitting confusion over why his bleach blonde hair and red jacket had become so memorable.

“I’ve worn a lot of clothes, we all have, and you’d think out of everything I have worn there would be several iconic moments, but it turns out there was only one,” he explained, recalling his signature red Adidas top and the choice to black out one of his teeth.

On a lighter note, Williams shared insight into his skincare routine, revealing that it is minimal due to his ADHD. He quipped, “Because I’ve got ADHD, my self-care is appalling, and so I have to remember to apply moisturiser, which I do have.”

To celebrate the release of “Britpop,” Williams will perform at what he described as his smallest-ever ticketed show at Dingwalls in London on October 9, 2023. This intimate venue promises to offer fans a unique experience ahead of the album’s debut.

As anticipation builds for this new chapter in Williams’ career, his collaboration with Barlow and other artists signals a return to his roots and a commitment to artistic expression.