Robbie Williams bared his soul to over 38,000 fans at his sold out Sydney concert at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
The 49-year-old pop icon shared a heartfelt gratitude to Australia for playing a pivotal role in his journey towards happiness.
Williams, whose raw Netflix documentary series about his tormented struggles with fame and addiction is at No. 1 this week, opened up about his turbulent relationship with fame and his battles with mental health.
Williams recounted the profound impact of his visit to Australia in 2022 to shoot his biopic, Better Man, amidst the global pandemic.
The trip, according to Williams, was an ‘eye-opening experience’ that helped him gain a deeper appreciation for life as he performed to an empty arena in Australia for the film.
Robbie Williams bared his soul to over 38,000 fans at his sold out Sydney concert at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night (pictured)
The 49-year-old pop icon shared a heartfelt gratitude to Australia for playing a pivotal role in his journey towards happiness
‘I came and did a few shows in Oz for Better Man and just became overwhelmed with the fact that these seats get filled with human beings that come to my show,’ he explained.
‘It made me remember and realise that in those deepest, darkest moments, where this voice was the loudest.
‘One of the main things that kept me on the planet was the fact that you guys turned up for me and you think that I’m okay,’ Williams continued.
‘When there was little to no evidence in my own head, I could see it in your faces.’
His experience in an empty arena in Australia, reflecting on the joy his performances brought to others, helped him understand the value of his life and the love he had been given
Ending on a note of profound thanks, Williams expressed his gratitude to his audience, whose support had unknowingly helped him through his darkest times.
‘Thank you for helping me when you didn’t know you were,’ he said, acknowledging the silent strength his fans provided him.
With unabashed honesty, he admitted, ‘I am the happiest I have ever been … I f**king 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 recounted the profound impact of his visit to Australia in 2022 to shoot his biopic, Better Man, amidst 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. (Pictured in 1993)
Despite his stardom, Williams described how the inner criticism grew louder, leading him down a path of self-destruction through alcohol and drugs to silence the pain.
‘I drank and I took drugs to numb the pain, and also just stop the voice from caving my head to be honest with you because I do drink, and drugs, that was a quick one way trip Into hell and eventually I had to stop drinking.
‘I had to stop taking drugs or else I was gonna die…’
He confessed to moments where he questioned his will to live despite his success, unable to enjoy it due to his mental health battles
His eventual decision to become sober 24 years ago was a turning point, though it left him facing the stark reality of his mental health issues.
Williams spoke openly about his struggles with depression, isolation, and various dysfunctions, which he combatted daily for decades.
He confessed to moments where he questioned his will to live despite his success, unable to enjoy it due to his mental health battles.
‘What happens is, when you stop drinking, you’re left with the person that you are. And the person who I really was, was depressed and isolated,’ he said.
‘I didn’t know how to socialise… I didn’t know how to be a human.’
If you, or someone you know would like to talk 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 from his fans
