Robbie Williams has broken his silence on the recent Netflix documentary about his former band Take That, candidly admitting "I was so mean" during a sold-out performance in Liverpool. The 51-year-old singer addressed the documentary directly while bringing his Long 90s tour to Liverpool's Olympia venue last night before an enthusiastic audience.
Intimate Performance Sparks Candid Reflections
In contrast to Robbie Williams' typical stadium and arena shows, the Liverpool Olympia performance hosted fewer than 2,000 people, creating an intimate atmosphere that prompted personal revelations. During the concert, Williams performed his latest album Britpop in its entirety, alongside his debut solo album Life Thru a Lens from beginning to end. The record-breaking album recently saw Williams surpass The Beatles with the most official UK number one albums ever, according to the Official Charts Company.
Documentary Prompts Public Apology
During the Liverpool gig, Robbie Williams directly referenced the Netflix documentary about Take That, asking the audience: "Did anybody see the Take That documentary?" As the crowd responded enthusiastically, Williams confessed: "Episode two, I'm a right c*** aren't I? I spent the last two weeks thinking 'I shouldn't have said that about Gary'."
The singer elaborated on his feelings of remorse, stating: "Honestly I've been going to bed with it, [thinking] 'I was so mean, I shouldn't have said that. I mean yeah I was upset and I was angry, but there was no way I should've carried on that long. I'm full of shame, I'm full of disappointment'."
From Regret to Self-Acceptance
Williams described an emotional journey regarding his past behavior, explaining how his perspective shifted during rehearsals for his song "Ego a Go Go." He told the Liverpool audience: "I thought 'no boy band member has ever left and gone 'they're all c****'. Only me. Think about it," before adding: "I went from feeling shamed to f****** 'good for you little Robbie'."
Take That's Documentary Reveals Band History
The Netflix documentary that prompted Williams' reflections includes rare and never-before-seen archival footage spanning Take That's 35-plus year career. The production features new interview material with current members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, plus archive appearances from Robbie Williams and Jason Orange. The narrative focuses on the rise, fall, reconciliation, and resilience of the band in their own words.
Take That's Formative Years
Take That formed in Manchester in 1990, assembled by manager Nigel Martin-Smith as a UK answer to New Kids on the Block. The original lineup included Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Orange. The band initially struggled, with their first singles barely making an impact, though they developed a strong following in clubs and among young fans before gaining mainstream recognition.
Everything changed with their 1992 single "It Only Takes a Minute," which propelled Take That to national prominence. The band released hit albums including Everything Changes (1993) and Nobody Else (1995), with major hits including "Pray" (their first UK number one), "Relight My Fire," "Back for Good" (a global smash), "Never Forget" and "Sure."
Williams' Departure and Band Evolution
Robbie Williams left Take That in 1995 midway through the band's tour, struggling with fame, mental health issues, and substance use. He also experienced creative and personal clashes with other group members. The remaining four members continued and released "Never Forget," but the momentum began to falter. In February 1996, Take That shocked the nation by announcing their split.
Take That became Britain's biggest band during their peak, selling millions of records and dominating charts, magazines, and television. Gary Barlow wrote almost all their hits, giving the band credibility beyond typical boyband fare. They distinguished themselves by performing with live vocals, writing their own songs, and gradually shifting from dance-pop to more mature pop-rock.
Recent Viral Moment
This week, Robbie Williams became an internet sensation after posting a video featuring Greasby teacher Jemma Williamson, who appeared in the Take That documentary. The 48-year-old teacher appeared in historical footage from the early 1990s, captured with friends outside HMV in Chester. The then 14-year-old seized an opportunity with camera crews present to try and pass her phone number to Robbie Williams.
Williams shared a clip of this incident on his social media platforms and attempted to call the number, with the video now watched over three million times. This viral moment adds another layer to Williams' ongoing connection with his Take That past and the documentary that has prompted such public reflection.
