Robbie williams, the former Take That frontman who launched a hugely successful solo career, is opening up about his decades-long battle with addiction and mental health. In a new interview with The Sunday Times, Williams details hitting rock bottom amidst a period of heavy substance use – including amphetamines, heroin and cocaine – and reveals how his family is now navigating his past struggles. The singer, who recently marked 20 years of sobriety, is approaching the topic with candor, even involving his children through open interaction and humor.
Robbie Williams rose to international stardom as a member of the boy band Take That. In 1995, he left the group to pursue a solo career, a move that would define his trajectory as a global pop icon.
TAKE THAT: Take That in 1993. From left: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Robbie Williams and Jason Orange. Foto: Neil Munns / Pa Photos / NTB
Williams has been candid about the toll fame took on his personal life, leading him down a path of substance abuse. In a new interview with Sunday Times, he revealed just how close he came to losing everything.
“Reached Rock Bottom”
Williams described the height of his career in 2007 as a period largely defined by partying. He admits to using amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and a heavy reliance on prescription drugs before deciding to seek help. This revelation comes as many artists are increasingly open about their struggles with addiction and mental health.
PARTYING AND DRUGS: Robbie Williams’ life consisted of partying and drug use. Foto: Valery Hache / AFP / NTB
Today marks 20 years since Williams last touched alcohol or drugs.
“It was 18 months of alcoholism and addiction. When I reached rock bottom, I took a shovel and dug a basement. If I had continued, I would have been dead,” Williams told the Sunday Times.
The singer now lives a quieter life with his wife, Ayda Field (46), and their four children.
Open with His Children
Williams is openly honest with his children about his battle with addiction. He and his wife use humor when talking to their children about his wild past, Williams explained.
WITH WIFE: Robbie Williams and Ayda Field at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in 2018. Foto: Alastair Grant / AFP / NTB
“It all happens on a very humorous level.”
Williams lists all of his challenges with a smile – the addictions, the alcoholism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, the self-absorption and narcissism.
“Teddy has me in her iPad contacts under ‘Narcissistic Dad,’” he says about his 12-year-old daughter, Theodora.
In addition to Theodora, the couple have children Charlie (10), Coco (7) and Beau (5).
Wife Ayda Field previously explained in the podcast Loose Women that they talk to their children in an age-appropriate way.
“In our home we are very honest, and Teddy is aware that her dad is an alcoholic and a drug addict, and that’s why daddy doesn’t do those things,” Field explained in the podcast, according to Danish publication B.T.
