Robbie Williams Reflects on Success and Self-Devaluation in the British Culture

Thu Feb 05 2026 14:43:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Robbie Williams discusses his achievements and the tendency of British people to downplay success, as he prepares for his Long 90s tour and new album 'Britpop'.

In a candid interview, Robbie Williams shares insights on his successful comeback, challenges with mental health, and the cultural phenomenon of self-devaluation among British people. As he celebrates a record-breaking moment in his career with the release of his new album, he reflects on the lessons learned over his three decades in entertainment and expresses gratitude for a more peaceful personal life now.

After more than three decades in entertainment, Robbie Williams is back on the road and ready to celebrate.

With the release of his latest album, Britpop, Williams has achieved his 16th number one, breaking the previous record set by the Beatles. As he embarks on his Long 90s tour, Williams takes a moment to reflect on his journey and the British tendency to undermine personal success.

I think as British people we’re very good at piercing the balloon of our own success and undercutting it and devaluing ourselves. It’s what we do best. In many ways, it’s why we’re great, he states. He wants to allow himself to revel in his accomplishments rather than dismissing them.

Williams’ tour will feature smaller venues reminiscent of where he performed early in his solo career. He describes Britpop as the album he envisioned making when leaving Take That, collaborating with former bandmate Gary Barlow, and other notable artists.

Reflecting on a past filled with highs and lows, he admits to experiencing deep depression during the time of Britpop's success, feeling unable to enjoy the accolades. I was going through my own mental illness... but now I look back at it and think, what a decade. The last great decade for popular culture... the '90s was an amazing time to have a bad time,” he shares.

Later in life, especially after becoming a father, he found purpose and clarity. When things stopped being about me and started to become about precious souls, I realized I've got the best job in the world.\

Williams expresses relief at being in a more stable place both personally and professionally, moving away from the relentless scrutiny of the British press that characterized the early years of his solo career. He recalls, Now I'm left alone just to put my songs out and be married. This newfound peace allows him to focus on his music and family life.

Despite the past, Williams looks forward to the future, hinting at aspirations that include building hotels with venues dedicated to performances and even creating a university for entertainment. His vision represents a desire to inspire and revolutionize education, drawing on his unique experience. Britpop is available now, as the Long 90s tour has kicked off.