Drugs, alcohol crashes and sex escapades. He fell low and is back stronger and healthier than ever. Yesterday, Robbie Williams paid a flying visit to Zurich and talked about his new vice, Swiss fans and his new album "Heavy Entertainment Show".
"Hi darling. Haven't we met before?" With these words, superstar Robbie Williams greets me in the Zurich TV studio. His suit is black, his teeth gleam snow-white, his handshake is firm and he looks me in the eye. Robbie is probably the most charming celebrity I have ever met.
It's like a home game for you to be here. A nice comeback?
Robbie Williams: Yes, very much so. I have nothing but good memories of Switzerland, I've already shown it to my wonderful wife Ayda and our children Teddy and Charlie. I love being here. The people are extremely respectful and nice. And that's regardless of whether someone is a fan of mine or not.
After three years, your 11th album "Heavy Entertainment Show" has just been released. One song on it is called "Motherfucker". Who did you dedicate it to?
To my son Charlie.
You can't be serious!
Yes, I am (he laughs heartily). When my daughter Teddy was born four years ago, I wrote the song "Go Gentle" for her. It suits her, she's my girl. After the birth of my son two years ago, I thought he deserved a song too. I remembered what I would have liked to hear about myself as a twelve-year-old. That's the bad boy image. I wish him the same.
One song is called "Party Like A Russian". When was the last time you partied like a Russian?
In the song, I sing that I would like to be an oligarch and what I would do then. I haven't partied in my private life for a long time, but I eat all the more chocolate (laughs). I haven't drunk alcohol for a few years now and I keep my hands off strong drugs and, as far as possible, light ones too.
You were once at rock bottom, then you suffered from depression and panic attacks. What helped you recover?
My children saved me. They give me the opportunity to take responsibility. I never thought I would be able to do that. But I am and I love it every day. My family makes my life so much more meaningful and richer than it has ever been.
You have back problems and are now at the start of your "Heavy Entertainment Tour". How do you manage that?
I don't know, at the moment I'm having injections and it's going quite well. I'm an entertainer and I'll think of something. Incidentally, my passport also states this as my profession. First it said singer, then songwriter and now entertainer.
You've been experimenting musically in recent years, now you're singing pop and ballads again. Why is that?
Because I would love to be able to write and sing the soundtrack to people's lives again. I want to touch hearts.
Suddenly you're back, it's like a comeback for us.
I never stopped working. My gigs were more in Abu Dhabi and Riga and not in Zurich (laughs). My next album and even the one after that are already written, 80 songs are ready.
Your voice sounds much stronger than it did three years ago.
I think that's because I'm older and more experienced. I used to have a very high speaking and singing voice, but now I have a deeper timbre, which I really like.
You have your studio at home. When do you work?
Always during the day, actually. That's when my children can and should come in. Before I had children, I worked through the night. Since I became a dad, everything has changed.
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
2.9.17, Letzigrund Stadium Zurich
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