Robbie Williams has opened up about the “anxiety” and “discomfort” he feels when fans approach him in public.
Posting on Instagram, Williams sent out a long post explaining his anxieties whilst also making sure to detail his “gratitude” to all his fans.
The 51 year old singer revealed that he had to turn down multiple requests for photos on a recent flight, stating: “This isn’t a complaint, it’s context.”
Speaking of one interaction, the Better Man star said: “One of them handed me a lovely note – kind words about my documentary – and then asked for a photo.
“I wrote a note back. I explained I’d been up since 4:30am, had two hours sleep, and wrangled four kids through the airport. I’ve got bags under my eyes and I’m dealing with anxiety.”
The ‘Rock DJ’ singer shared in the post that this is not only a problem for himself, but perhaps a problem with society as a whole. Speaking of the life and pressures of being a celebrity, Williams said: “There’s a kind of unspoken law: as a celebrity, you should be accessible 24/7.
“Greet all strangers like you’re the mayor of the best town anyone’s ever visited. Make sure their wishes are met, whatever they are. Otherwise – you’re a c*nt. There’s no inbetween.”
He also mentioned that he was sure that half the people he met “couldn’t name one of my albums, let alone say they’ve bought a ticket to my show.
“They’re no more fans than me than they are of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or Big Ben. They’re fans of fame.”
Despite his grievances the ‘Angles’ singer did clarify how much his actual fans mean to him, saying: “If we cross paths in the wild you are a fan of me, I want you to tell me. That means a lot. I’ll make time. I’ve got gratitude for that. It warms my heart when I feel I’ve warmed yours.”
Williams has had well-documented problems with drink and drugs in the past and has been an inspiration to many in the way he’s turned his life around. Although he may come across as a sociable, bubbly creature (a monkey?), he claimed that “Every interaction fills me with discomfort.
“I mask it well. But social interaction still frightens me. So much so, I didn’t go out for years. I had to relearn how to interact. And I had to do it without drugs or drink.”
The former Take That man has seemingly been everywhere in past months, after the release of his biopic ‘Better Man’. He has also had lots to say about the upcoming Oasis reunion, where he was quick to support the Gallagher brothers in the feud about their ticket pricing last year.
More recently, The Lottery Winners revealed that they are working on a new single with Robbie Williams, saying: “We’re working on ideas with him.”
