Robbie Williams bared his soul in front of over 38,000 fans at his sold-out Sydney concert at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
The 49-year-old pop icon warmly thanked Australia for its crucial role on his path to happiness.
Williams, whose raw Netflix documentary series about his agonizing struggles with fame and addiction is No. 1 this week, opened up about his tumultuous relationship with fame and his struggles with mental health.
Williams opened up about the profound impact of his visit to Australia in 2022 to film his biopic “Better Man” amid the global pandemic.
According to Williams, the trip was an “eye-opening experience” that helped him gain a deeper appreciation for life as he performed in an empty arena in Australia for the film.
Robbie Williams bared his soul in front of over 38,000 fans at his sold-out Sydney concert at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night (pictured)
The 49-year-old pop icon warmly thanked Australia for its crucial role on his path to happiness
“I came to Oz and did a few shows for Better Man and was just blown away by the fact that these places were filled with people coming to my show,” he explained.
“It reminded me and made me realize that it was in those deepest, darkest moments that that voice was the loudest.”
“One of the biggest things that kept me on the planet was the fact that you showed up for me and thought I was okay,” Williams continued.
“When there was little to no evidence in my own mind, I could see it in your faces.”
His experience in an empty arena in Australia and reflecting on the joy his performances brought to others helped him understand the value of his life and the love he was given
In closing, Williams expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his audience, whose support had unknowingly helped him through his darkest times.
“Thank you for helping me when you didn’t know,” he said, acknowledging the quiet strength his fans gave him.
With unabashed honesty, he admitted: “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been… I love you, Australia.”
The star also delved into his past, revealing the persistent negative inner voice that began in his youth and only intensified with the success of Take That in the early ’90s.
Williams opened up about the profound impact of his visit to Australia in 2022 to film his biopic “Better Man” amid the global pandemic. (Pictured in Melbourne in 2019)
The star delved into his past, revealing the persistent negative inner voice that began in his youth and only intensified with the success of Take That in the early ’90s. (picture 1993)
Despite his fame, Williams described how the inner criticism grew louder and led him down the path of self-destruction, using alcohol and drugs to dull the pain.
“I drank and took drugs to numb the pain and also to stop the voice from messing with my head, to be honest, because I drink and take drugs, it was a fast one-way ticket to hell, and At some point I had to stop drinking.
“I had to stop taking drugs or I would die…”
He confessed to moments when, despite his success, he questioned his will to live and was unable to enjoy it due to his mental health issues
His ultimate decision to get sober 24 years ago was a turning point, even though it brought him face to face with the harsh reality of his mental health struggles.
Williams spoke openly about his struggles with depression, isolation and various dysfunctions, which he struggled with daily for decades.
He confessed to moments when, despite his success, he questioned his will to live and was unable to enjoy it due to his mental health issues.
“What happened is when you stop drinking, you stay the person you are. And the person I really was was depressed and isolated,” he said.
“I didn’t know how to socialize…I didn’t know how to be a human being.”
If you or someone you know would like to speak to someone confidentially about addiction, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Reach Out. In an emergency, call 000.
Two life-changing factors kept him grounded: meeting his wife Ayda Field and starting a family, and the overwhelming support of his fans