Kaylah Walton
‘El Hormiguero’ welcomed Robbie Williams to kick off the week. The famous singer and actor introduced his upcoming biopic, ‘Better Man’, set to hit theaters on January 1. This unique film, where a monkey portrays Williams, chronicles the rise, fall, and remarkable comeback of the pop icon’s life.
Robbie Williams Discusses ‘Better Man’
As the conversation began, host Pablo Motos praised Williams on his film and asked for insights about his life story it tells. Williams humorously noted, “It all began in 1974 when I was born and…” Before sharing that since becoming famous at 16, he has dealt with numerous challenges such as addiction, poor influences, and a tumultuous inner life. He expressed that at the core, everyone seeks love and recognition, which the film aims to depict.
The Impact of Robbie Williams’ Father
During a break, Motos emphasized the pivotal role Williams’ father played in his life. Williams described his father, a charismatic comedian and singer, as someone he admired deeply. Despite his father’s abandonment during childhood, Williams acknowledged that each person’s upbringing shapes who they become. He recognized the potential pitfalls of parenting and reflected on learning from one’s own upbringing.
Navigating Fame, Addiction, and Debt
Motos asked Williams why he believes he was selected for Take That at just 16. Williams humorously attributed it to a wink during his audition, suggesting that it sparked the recognition that propelled his career. However, the fame came with a heavy toll, leading to struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction. Williams recalled feeling numbed by his substance use during his initial years of fame, even facing significant financial challenges after leaving the group.
As Williams departed from Take That, he found himself in debt alongside battling significant personal demons. He candidly shared that while his peers thrived, he faced a tumultuous lifestyle fueled by addiction, which masked the true chaos of his life.
Experiencing a Panic Attack
Williams talked about a panic attack he suffered right before a concert in his solo career. Facing the pressure of performing for a large audience, he almost withdrew but was encouraged to proceed by his manager. Although he still experiences stage fright, he expressed love for his work and a newfound joy in performing.
A Tale with U2’s Bono
Finally, Williams shared a humorous story involving U2’s Bono while affected by hallucinogenic mushrooms. At a party at Bono’s, he mistook a window for a beautiful painting, leading to a light-hearted moment when Bono pointed out the truth.
