During a recent press tour for his newly released biopic ‘Better Man’, Robbie Williams has approached his latest interview with Esquire with an utmost honest vulnerability. In the interview Williams addressed his historic feuds including his very public feud with Liam Gallagher, along with his experience in Take That, 1990s Britpop and the release of ‘Better Man’.
Williams and the Gallagher’s feud dates back to the early 2000s. As the ‘Angels’ singer was establishing a solo career off of the back of his success in Take That in the mid-1990s, Oasis would briefly take Williams under their wing. Their friendship only spanned a few weeks, as Williams reflected the trio didn’t “gel” so they ultimately “stopped hanging out, simple as that”.
The next 25 years would be tumultuous between the Gallagher’s and Williams, as their successes in Britpop would often be pinned against one another, igniting their very public feud. This comparison continued after Williams beat Oasis’ record at Knebworth Park for the biggest music event in British history at the time, headlining three nights in 2003, while Oasis performed two in 1996. After Noel Gallagher very publicly referred to Williams as the “fat dancer from Take That” and Williams openly challenged Liam to a fight during his acceptance speech for ‘Best British Single’ at the 2000 BRIT Awards, their feud was placed at the forefront of early 2000s pop culture.
In his interview with Esquire, the ‘Rock DJ’ performer provided viewers with an update as to the current status of his feud with Liam.
When asked, what he learnt from these difficult moments with the Oasis frontman, Williams responded: “I’m deeply sensitive and if you belittle me or bully me it’s napalm death for you”.
He continued: “Here’s the thing about Liam Gallagher… the voice of our generation, charisma off the charts, wonderful to watch, incredible to listen to. The world is a better place for having Liam Gallagher in it”.
Brother.that means a lot to me ..Carry on being celestial .the world needs you .Your fan rob
— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) May 27, 2020
Regarding their reconciliation, the former-Take That singer stated ‘peace’ was made when Gallagher tweeted him when a story revealed Williams’ parents were ill, recalling “it was very very lovely…” and it erased the tension between the pair from his perspective, as it made him see a heightened kindness in Liam, later concluding: “He’s a hero of mine”.
Later in the interview the singer was asked on his thoughts on the upcoming Oasis reunion tour: “Yes I do think the Gallaghers will make it to their reunion tour and not only get to the reunion, complete the whole thing”. Neglecting to mention Noel, assuming their feud is ongoing, Gallagher approached questions relating to the Gallaghers and Britpop with an essence of maturity, inferring he had moved on from these historic feuds.
Williams is evidently utilising the release of ‘Better Man’ and its accompanying press tour to display a profound sincerity, focusing on the intricacies of his career and personal life through a perspective that allows viewers to understand the popstar through a humanised lens.
