Topic

Introduction

In his interview, “Robbie Williams: ‘My main talent is turning trauma into something showbizzy’ ”, writer Alexis Petridis focuses on three main topics: Williams’ struggle with addiction and self-doubt, his relationship with his family, and his experience in show business. Note that Petridis mentions how Williams launched a new album at the time when the article was written and offers some criticism in the article as well. This indicates that the interview also has a promotional aspect.  

Also, note that this text is an interview and, therefore, features both Petridis’ and Williams’ perspectives. Consequently, it is important to pay attention to both of them when analysing the interview.

The three topics are connected as the article often indirectly compares Williams’ past self with his present self in the context of his show business career and his relationship with his family.

Robbie Williams’ struggle with addiction

The topic of addiction is introduced at the beginning of the article, as the writer is surprised that Robbie Williams lights up a cigarette: “Williams made a bit of a song and dance about giving up smoking when his first child was born, four years ago.” (ll. 15-17).

The musician explains that he did give up smoking but that he then adopted other habits – working out and eating candy (ll. 23-26) – which turned into addiction. He suggests that this is part of his personality: “ ‘that’s the thing with having an addictive personality. One fire goes out and another pops up.’ ” (ll. 19-21).

Williams also speaks about the consequences of his new addictions – after he stopped working out, he continued to eat candy and gained weight. Some of the media reacted negatively to his weight gain: “ ‘I ballooned to the point where the Daily Mail suggested I was akin to Elvis before he died.’ ” (ll. 29-31). Williams became ashamed of himself, as it made him doubt his audience would find him physically appealing (ll. 32-36). To lose weight, Williams adopted a drastic diet (ll. 38-41) and started smoking again to suppress his appetite (ll. 44-47). However, this led him to hide his smoking from his wife for five weeks.

Williams seems accepting of his addictive personality – his words suggest that he does not try to change this but only hopes he will not develop other bad habits in the future:

 ‘January’s the cut-off point, then I go on tour and I hope I don’t look like Elvis before he died. And, you know, when that fire goes out, hopefully the next one isn’t sugar. Or anything that will put my marriage in jeopardy.’ (ll. 67-72)

Robbie Williams’ struggle with self-doubt

The topic of self-doubt is discussed throughout the article. Williams’ fear of failure is something that followed him his entire career. His words also suggest that he suffers from impostor syndrome, as he feels like a charlatan and fears the public would eventually see this as well: “ ‘See, you’re right, this is ultimately what you wanted, because you wanted to sabotage this, be found out for the charlatan you are, and you have to go and work for your mum at the flower shop.’ ” (ll. 175-179).

Williams built his post-Take That career at a time when indie musicians – such as Oasis – were appraised in the media, while boy bands were looked down upon. Therefore, Williams felt he was rejected because of his past as a pop group member: “ ‘I was the underclass, because of who I was and where I’d...