Robbie Williams says releasing single 'Rudebox' was the "biggest regret" of his career | MarkMeets | Entertainment, Music, Movie, TV & London Film Premiere News

Robbie Williams, the renowned “Let Me Entertain You” hitmaker, recently opened up about his music career’s biggest regret. The source of his remorse is none other than his 2006 single, “Rudebox.” This particular release left fans puzzled as it marked a significant departure from his familiar pop-rock sound in favor of a peculiar hip-hop and dance-inspired direction. The lyrics featured references to Adidas Superstars, “pockets full of Durex,” and unconventional rhymes that added to the intrigue.

At 49 years old, Robbie Williams candidly admitted that “Rudebox” stands as the “biggest regret” of his illustrious career. The song’s unconventional style and eyebrow-raising lyrics set it apart in a rather unconventional way. In this article, we delve into the details of this revelation and explore its broader implications. We’ll also take a closer look at Robbie’s career journey, his personal life, and his reflection on significant relationships, all of which are featured in a new four-part Netflix documentary.

The “Rudebox” Dilemma

When “Rudebox” was unleashed upon the world in 2006, it sent shockwaves through Robbie Williams’ fanbase. The artist, known for his pop-rock prowess, took an unexpected detour into the realms of hip-hop and dance music, leaving listeners perplexed and divided. The lyrics of the song further fueled curiosity with lines like “Do the rudebox/Shake your rudebox,” making references to Adidas Superstars, DJ Semtex, and TK Maxx. One couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at phrases such as “Up yer jacksy, split your kecks/Pocket full of Durex, body full of Mandrex/Are we gonna have sex?”

In hindsight, Robbie Williams acknowledges that releasing “Rudebox” as the lead single from his seventh solo album was a decision he deeply regrets. The initial reception was far from what he had anticipated. He now believes that if he had released it as the third single and offered a more comprehensive explanation of its eccentricity, things might have turned out differently.

Robbie admitted, “My biggest regret is putting that out as the first single. If I’d have put it out third and explained properly [that] it’s daft – I know! I’m not trying to be a grime artist. I know it’s daft.” He expressed his cringe-worthy moments when he had to explain to the audience, who were about to listen to “Rudebox” for the first time, that it would be the biggest single since “Angels.” However, he also realized that “Rudebox” marked a pivotal moment in his career, as it heralded the end of his imperial phase, a fact he recognized but not in the manner he had envisioned.

Reflections on Relationships

Robbie Williams’s career has been marked by not only musical milestones but also significant relationships. In particular, he touched upon his time dating Spice Girls’ Geri Halliwell. He found her company easy to be in, but their relationship was perplexing due to the dynamics of friendship intertwined with romantic involvement. He candidly admitted, “[But] it was a very confusing relationship because she’s a girl and I’m a boy; we are very good friends trying to sort out the wreckage of the past.”

These insights into his personal life provide a more comprehensive understanding of the man behind the music, offering fans a glimpse into the challenges and complexities of his relationships.

Battling Personal Demons

Beyond his music and relationships, Robbie Williams also delves into the darker aspects of his life, particularly his history of self-harm and depression. These deeply personal struggles will be explored in the upcoming Netflix documentary. The artist acknowledges the evolving discourse surrounding mental health and the importance of addressing it in a more open and compassionate manner.

He emphasized the need for caution when discussing these sensitive topics, taking issue with what he referred to as “celeb washing” of mental illnesses, where celebrities make mental health issues appear fashionable. Robbie stressed that there is nothing glamorous about his own suicide attempt, and the way we address and discuss these issues must be sensitive and responsible.

Robbie Williams’s willingness to share these struggles reflects the broader shift in society towards recognizing the importance of mental health discussions and the need to de-stigmatize them. His journey serves as a testament to the fact that even those in the spotlight face their own battles.

The Netflix Documentary – A Candid Glimpse

The upcoming four-part Netflix documentary titled ‘Robbie Williams’ promises an unfiltered look into the life and career of this iconic artist. The series covers his rise to fame, his time with Take That, his successful solo career, as well as his struggles with addiction and mental health. It is a poignant exploration of the highs and lows that have defined Robbie’s journey.

Director Joe Pearlman, who worked on the documentary, acknowledged the challenges of revisiting the darker aspects of Robbie’s life, particularly his battle with addiction. It was a daunting task to navigate these sensitive moments, with great care taken to ensure Robbie’s well-being throughout the process.

“He was going to have to rewatch active addiction: I think we knew that was going to be incredibly challenging and also potentially triggering,” Pearlman shared. The documentary aims to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the music, showcasing the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Robbie Williams’s life.

Robbie Williams – The Man and His Wealth

Robbie Williams is not only celebrated for his music and candid revelations but also for his remarkable success and wealth. With a net worth of £222 million, he stands as one of the most financially successful artists in the entertainment industry. This financial success is a testament to his enduring appeal and the impact of his music on fans worldwide.

In conclusion, Robbie Williams’ candid admission of regret regarding the release of “Rudebox” offers a unique insight into the artist’s evolution and the complexities of the music industry. His reflections on relationships and battles with personal demons further humanize the pop sensation. The upcoming Netflix documentary promises to be a revealing journey through the highs and lows of his career and personal life. And his substantial net worth is a testament to his enduring success in the entertainment world. Robbie Williams’s story is one of resilience and growth, reminding us that even in the world of glitz and glamour, artists are, at their core, human beings with their own triumphs and tribulations.

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Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com