Robbie Williams: “I’m Bruce Wayne in Los Angeles and Batman everywhere else”

In a candid, wide-ranging interview on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, Robbie Williams opened up about his relentless ambition, his complex relationship with fame, and the high stakes surrounding his upcoming album, Britpop.

Chasing Chart History

With Britpop set for release on February 6, Robbie is on the precipice of a historic milestone. If the album reaches Number One, he will surpass The Beatles for the most Number One albums in the UK.

“I want that more than anything in my career right now,” Robbie admitted, while noting that the achievement triggers his imposter syndrome. “Outside of my family, it’s the most important thing to me in the world.” Describing the new project, he explained the title: “It’s called Britpop because I’m British and I do pop… it’s 1997, let’s do this again.”

The “Batman” Strategy

Discussing his failure to “break America”—a topic even Jon Bon Jovi recently questioned—Robbie revealed it was a conscious choice for his survival. During his initial US push, he was struggling with addiction and found global fame overwhelming.

“I chose to be Bruce Wayne in Los Angeles and Batman everywhere else,” he explained, noting that the anonymity of LA allowed him to enjoy his life. “I don’t think I might be here if I hadn’t.”

Ambition and the Future

Despite his massive success, Robbie shows no signs of slowing down, confessing to Scott that he has five more albums “in the chambers” and ready to go. Both Robbie and Scott bonded over their shared “addiction” to work and their lack of a “happy medium” or balance. “I’m still incredibly ambitious,” Robbie stated. “I want to work, I want to go out there, I want to be at it.”

While a return to Take That isn’t in his immediate plans, he spoke fondly of the band’s current Circus tour revival—the same show that originally “spellbound” him into reuniting with the group years ago. “I’m sure we will ride again,” he teased, “but it’s not in my plans right now.”