Wondering what freshly rehabbed Robbie Williams was doing sitting in the audience for Dancing with the Stars last night? So were we, and because we just happened to be there, taking in all the frilly and fluorescent glory of no fewer than 11 competing couples, we went straight to the source to find out.
EW: What brings you out tonight, Robbie?
Robbie Williams: Well, I’ve met Joey [Fatone] quite a few times before. He’s a really lovely guy. And I love rubbish television. So he and I were out in the same place last week [Hollywood hotspot Les Deux], and I thought I’d combine my liking Joey with my liking crap television by visiting both of the same time.
EW: Any idea what the reaction has been in England to Heather Mills being on the show?
RW: I honestly don’t know. I’ve been living here for the last few years.
EW: But the show is popular in the UK, right?
RW: I know it was massive three years ago, and today, it was exciting as well. I wouldn’t mind checking out American Idol myself.
EW: Did you ever have a chance to work with Simon Cowell?
RW: No, but I’ve met him a few times and I like him. Simon was quoted as saying, "Britney Spears and Robbie Williams just need to get their s— together and go spend a few weeks with their mothers." He’s usually right about things, he’s probably right about that.
EW: How are you doing post-rehab?
RW: It’s going really good. I got the train back on thetrack. I’ve been sober since February 13. Almost two months and look atme, I’m brand spanking new again!
EW: You’re not releasing your latest album, Let’s Swing Again, in the US. Why?
RW: I decided about four albums ago that I like living here.I get to be Batman by day. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m famousenough to enjoy my celebrity and do fun stuff without all the crap thatgoes with it. And it would be insane to invite what I have in the restof the world into this country, so I’m not gonna bother promoting orreleasing records here.
EW: So it was a life decision that didn’t really have to do with your career?
RW: Absolutely, and I don’t regret it.
It’s worth noting that, some three hours later, Robbie was back at Les Deux again for the Tudors premiere party. There, he was spotted in deep conversation with Lindsay Lohan, perhaps offering his own post-rehab tips?
And a few more things we learned at Dancing with the Stars last night:
- Always the supportive boy-bandmate, Justin Timberlake postponedthe start of his concert last Monday night so that he could watch JoeyFatone perform on the kick-off show.
- Country star Billy Ray Cyrus has lost 11 pounds since the competition started.
- Eighteen-year-old newcomer Julianne Hough, who’s partnered up withchampion speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, is also an aspiring singer andmanaged by Irving Azoff (Christina Aguilera, Nick Lachey). She’scurrently working on her debut album.
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Poor Robbie. I remember when everyone thought he was going to be huge in America and now he’s resigned to never conquering it. On the other hand, I can see how it’d be nice to not be famous here.
I didn’t even know Robbie had gone to rehab! And for a painkiller addiction no less. Well, I’m glad to see he’s sober and hope he’ll release more singles and songs in the US. IMHO, Millenium was great and that Sinatra inspired duets album was pretty kewl.
So Robbie isn’t promoting his album has nothing to do with the fact that his previous releases have tanked Stateside and he can’t get arrested as a celebrity over there? Yeah, right.
Robbie Williams is super hot. Probably STD-filled but I’d take my chances. I wish he would release that new album here again b/c I would buy it and support him! Every album he does is amazing.
As a rule, I don’t buy albums from singers who are better looking than me. This means I own a lot of Billy Joel and Motorhead records…j/k
I AM BOYCOTTING EW UNTIL ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ IS OVER!
Robbie’s strategy seems to be paying off–I consider myself a fan of his, but I didn’t notice that that was him they kept showing in the audience. Oops?
I hope he continues on the right track. And even if he doesnt “make it” in the US I have discovered him and will continue to listen.
This is really sad : one of the greatest musical acts of his generation in the UK, he’s reduced to spot appearance as reality television audiences for a moment’s attention. Even his stint in rehab failed to get wide notice. Now I have every album of his and it’s quite clear to me the reason why he’s not making it as big in America : He swears in every bloody song, he does ! (except perhaps on his Swing When You’re Singing album, but that’s because he had nothing to do with the lyrics – but still managed to take potshots at Ricky Martin in Me and My Shadow!) Both cases, not radio friendly (but much appreciated by me). Neither are his huge ego and cocky demeanor (real or not, no matter) backed by a really mean streak that’s almost omnipresent in his songs (Karma Killer, Supreme) and collages of ramblings hidden at the end of his records (his message to his step dad, the whereabouts of his former bandmates, etc.)
Does anyone know if he will still be releasing the new album on iTunes like he did for ‘Intensive Care’? That seemed to work well. (Or at least for me since I could still buy the album without having to pay for the import!)
His last four albums are available on iTunes, so I hope that stays true for “Let’s Swing Again”, oh I hope I hope I hope. If not, I’ll just have to pay the import price on Amazon or something. The worst thing about being a fan of Robbie in the US is never getting to see him perform live. Someday I’ll have to spend the dough & utilize my passport to see him live. He’d be worth every penny.
I super heart Robbie, gargantuam ego notwithstanding. Glad he’s out and about again but I do wish he’d do some gigs over here every now and again…
The irony is that his former group, Take That, will probably release their latest album in the US and be hugely successful. I agree with Robbie, though, that his anonymity in the US is probably a good thing.
I highly doubt Take That will break over here. They already tried and failed right around the time Robbie defected.
Bill, I thought that Take That broke up a while ago. From what I heard Gary Barlow was doing pretty well in the Euro circut, and he had a so-so hit here.
mad, “Rudebox” was released on iTunes this fall and is awesome. I don’t see how his swearing has anything to do with his lack of success. Rap music is littered with swears. Also, his attitude is nothing new either. WHat I think gets in the way is that US radio is about hip hop, and any pop music (but especially Brit Pop) is ignored. Look at Madonna. Her last album was one of her bests, but she was virtually ignored in favor of artists featuring rappers for “street cred” (ahem, Fergie).
Stephanie, I would have thought the same about Take That, that is until I visited London last Fall. Apparently Gary Barlow’s career fizzled soon after Take That broke-up (ref. Wikipedia), being overshadowed and embarrassed by Robbie Williams’ career. Then, 10 yrs after they broke-up, Take That reunited, sans Robbie Williams, for a sold-out tour. The success of the tour prompted them to record a successful album “Beautiful World,” which has since spawned two #1 singles. In fact the album overshadowed Williams’ release “Rudebox.” I’ve listened to the album and am not embarrassed to say that I like it very much. It is less pop than what they previously used to do and more adult contemporary. Their first single, “Patience,” is particularly good. Also, all of the remaining members sing lead on at least one of the songs…which helps to keep things interesting.
I never understood why RW never became a bigger star here. I was hooked the first time I heard Millenium and Angels. Shame on the music industry!
Stephanie- Take That has got back together and so far have had two big hits in the UK from their latest album.
Ben- really good point! We lose out on pop stuff like the Sugababes and Robbie. I think Robbie’s wit and irony get in his way over here.
Robbie is worth spending the money to go see him live. Happy that he still releases albums in Canada. He should do a show in Montreal for all the north american fan!!!
As for Take That, when they do release their album state side you have to call radio stations and get the song played. The album is genius for a band who didn’t speak to each other in 10 years… It got release in Canada, and so far the reception isn’t too hot. But they sold more than 300,000 tickets of a 29 date UK tour in less than 3 hours it’s nuts!
Gary Barlow and the TAKE THAT guys are sooo much better than Robbie Williams, I have never understood his success, obviusly Gary’s songwriting is far superior…unfortunately we live in a world that made Britney Spears a FAMOUS SINGER…so go figure….still Take That is awesome!!
Ben, I hate to start an argument ( especially over Fergie) but I don’t think you can consider a rapper’s feature on one of her songs an attempt to acheive “street cred,” since she is technically a member of a hip-hop group. Also, if it is true that Madonna is working with Timbaland and JT, I would consider that a desperate attempt for “street cred.” (That doesn’t mean I think it’s a bad idea, or that I wouldn’t buy that album in an instant!)
Robbie is fantastic! catch him live if you can and demand a concert in the States. I have been waiting years to see him here and I have to travel to Europe to see him and be amongst 125,000 fans, not ideal, I would love to see him here. He has enough US fans and thousands and thousands would travel to see him in the States too, you guys really don’t know what you are missing. Fantastic songs with amazing lyrics and an edgy live performer. Rudebox album is an amazing album and it did make the US iTunes chart. Check it out! Take That? who the hell are they?
i had the pleasure of seeing robbie here in pittsburgh in 1999. he played in a small venue, but he was fantastic. american radio has no intention of being smart enough to play more than the same 3 horrible rap songs in a loop. lily allen and amy winehouse should be household names but this country’s radio refuses to take a chance. what a shame.
BilliamE: Ben is right when he says Fergie has street cred and is played on the radio, because like every other american artist out there they have to confine themselves to hip hop and r&b if they want to be played on American radio. Robbie williams, whom I don’t like, obviously doesn’t fit that mold so he isn’t popular or have street cred in America.
Another mistake you make is saying that Madonna is working with Timbaland (maybe)for street cred. she doesn’t need to be street cred, she already is without American radio play and doesn’t mold herself and her music to fit what’s popular (never has). If she works with Timba and other hip producers, it’s to show that ANYBODY can make that kind of music (i.e music that american radio has been playing to death in the last few years), except hers will obviously be better that the rest of the pack. I actually predicted she would do this, as a two-finger salute to American radio, once they are forced into playing her new music.
Love Robbie Williams, wish he toured more in the USA
found a great site for you fans
http://www.purerobbie.com
Robbie Williams is too intelligent for America. He is self-deprecating and egotistical a bit at the same time. His lyrics are funny, biting, and autobiographical. America doesn’t know what to do with him. They would rather slobber over gangsta rap, Timberlake, and the Simpson twits than take time to research someone of substance. I had to go to London this last tour to finally see him in concert. Best entertainer around, easily the next Sinatra. People from 10 yrs old to our grandparents listen to him. That takes talent.
robbie have fans in the us ? really? cool !!! im from mexico and i think you should visit us for a robbie gig since 2004 he comes here for promo once a year i know someday he will be the king of pop
Robbie Williams is super hot. Probably STD-filled but I’d take my chances. I wish he would release that new album here again b/c I would buy it and support him! Every album he does is amazing.
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