Biography
Who is Robbie Williams?
Early life and school years
Robert Peter Williams was born on February 13, 1974, in Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom. His parents ran a pub called the Red Lion in Burslem before his father became the licensee at the Port Vale Social Club. His maternal grandfather was an Irishman from Kilkenny. Growing up in the area, he attended St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy in Tunstall. During his school years, he participated in several school plays and especially took on the role of the Artful Dodger in a local production of Oliver!
His mother later read a newspaper advertisement seeking members for a new boy band and suggested that he try out for the group. This led to his audition and his entry into the music industry at a young age, setting the stage for his future career in pop music and entertainment.
Rise to fame with Take That
In 1990, Robbie Williams joined the pop group Take That as its youngest member at the age of sixteen. During his first stint with the group, he performed lead vocals on several tracks, including the hits Could It Be Magic, I Found Heaven, and Everything Changes. However, creative differences with the management and band members, along with personal struggles, led to friction within the group. He ultimately left Take That in July 1995 before the group disbanded.
After leaving the group, he pursued a solo career and faced various legal battles regarding his contract and release agreements. Years later, in 2010, he officially rejoined Take That to record the album Progress. This release became one of the fastest-selling records in UK chart history and was followed by a big stadium tour across the United Kingdom and Europe before he returned to his solo commitments.
Solo music career and achievements
Robbie Williams launched his solo music career in 1996 with a cover of George Michael's song Freedom. His debut solo album, Life thru a Lens, was released in September 1997 and featured his best-selling single Angels, which propelled him to widespread international recognition. His second album, I've Been Expecting You, included the number one singles Millennium and She's the One.
Over the years, he has released numerous albums and achieved multiple number one singles in the United Kingdom. He set records for ticket sales during his Close Encounters Tour and drew big crowds for his concerts at Knebworth. His discography spans pop, dance, Britpop, and alternative rock genres, cementing his status as one of the most successful solo artists in British music history.
Awards and personal life
Robbie Williams has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a record number of Brit Awards, German ECHO Awards, and MTV European Music Awards. In 2004, he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame after being voted the Greatest Artist of the 1990s. In 2014, he was awarded the freedom of his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, where a tourist trail and streets were named in his honour.
In his personal life, he is married to Ayda Field and previously had a partner named Nicole Appleton. He has also been involved in football and played for Hollywood United F.C. His life and career continue to be celebrated through various projects, including biographical films and compilation albums.
Birthday and age
Robbie Williams was born on February 13, 1974, which makes Robbie 52 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Robbie shares the date with 23 other famous people.
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