History of Robbie Williams in Timeline
Robbie Williams is an English singer and songwriter who rose to prominence as a member of the pop group Take That (1990-1995) before embarking on a successful solo career in 1996. His debut album, *Life thru a Lens* (1997), featured the hit single "Angels". He achieved further success with his second album, *I've Been Expecting You*, which included his first two number-one singles, "Millennium" and "She's the One". Williams has a discography boasting seven UK number-one singles and nearly all his albums reaching number one in the UK. He holds a Guinness World Record for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day during his 2006 tour.
1972: Jimmy Page moves into The Tower House
In 1972, Jimmy Page moved into The Tower House in Kensington, London. In 2016, Robbie Williams would become his next-door neighbour.
February 1974: Robert Peter Williams was born
In February 1974, Robert Peter Williams was born in Stoke-on-Trent to Janet (née Farrell) and Peter Williams.
1990: Joined Take That
In 1990, Robbie Williams joined the pop group Take That, marking a significant step in his early career.
July 1995: Agreed to quit Take That
In July 1995, Robbie Williams agreed to quit Take That after being confronted about his attitude and behavior.
1995: Left Take That
In 1995, Robbie Williams left Take That to pursue his own musical direction.
February 1996: Take That Disbanded
On 13 February 1996, Robbie Williams's 22nd birthday, Take That disbanded.
June 1996: Signed with Chrysalis Records
On 27 June 1996, after legal battles to free himself from his Take That contract, Robbie Williams signed with Chrysalis Records.
1996: Launched solo career
In 1996, Robbie Williams launched his solo career, setting the stage for his individual success.
March 1997: Began recordings for first album
In March 1997, Robbie Williams began recordings for his first album at London's Maison Rouge studios.
September 1997: Released Life thru a Lens
In September 1997, Robbie Williams released his debut album, Life thru a Lens, and launched it with a live solo gig in Paris.
December 1997: Meeting Nicole Appleton
In December 1997, Robbie Williams met All Saints singer Nicole Appleton while filming Top of the Pops.
1997: Released debut studio album
In 1997, Robbie Williams released his debut studio album, Life thru a Lens, which included the hit single "Angels".
1997: Relationship with Melanie Chisholm
In 1997, Robbie Williams was in a month-long relationship with Spice Girls singer Melanie Chisholm.
October 1998: Released I've Been Expecting You
In late October 1998, Robbie Williams released I've Been Expecting You, which debuted at number one in the UK Albums Chart.
1998: Wrote second album
In early 1998, Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers started writing the second album, I've Been Expecting You, in Jamaica.
July 1999: The Ego Has Landed release
In July 1999, The Ego Has Landed, a compilation album, was released in the United States and Canada. Robbie Williams also began work on his third studio album during this time.
1999: Break up with Nicole Appleton
Robbie Williams and Nicole Appleton broke up in 1999, after a tumultuous relationship.
1999: Finished European Tour
Robbie Williams finished the year of 1999 with a European Tour after the successful release of I've Been Expecting You.
August 2000: Released album Sing When You're Winning
In August 2000, Robbie Williams released his album Sing When You're Winning, which topped charts in many countries.
2000: Relationship with Geri Halliwell
Also in 2000, Robbie Williams was in a short-term relationship with Geri Halliwell, another member of Spice Girls.
2000: Release of Rock DJ
In 2000, Robbie Williams released "Rock DJ" as a single, which reached number one in the UK and New Zealand and won several awards, including "Best Song of 2000" at the MTV Europe Music Awards.
2000: Fastest-selling album
In November 2010, the Take That album Progress was released, becoming the fastest-selling album since 2000 and the second-fastest-selling album in UK history.
2000: Most Successful Album-Artist of the Millennium
In October 2010, Media Control named Robbie Williams the most successful album-artist of the millennium due to the fact that he had spent No. 1 on the German Albums Chart for 38 weeks since 2000.
2000: Topped UK airplay chart
Robbie Williams topped the 2000–2010 UK airplay chart, solidifying his popularity in the UK.
2001: Duet with Nicole Kidman
In 2001, Robbie Williams duetted with Nicole Kidman on "Somethin' Stupid", which became his fifth number one hit in the UK.
2001: Recorded Swing When You're Winning
In 2001, Robbie Williams recorded Swing When You're Winning, his fourth studio album, inspired by his love for Frank Sinatra.
2002: Record-breaking contract with EMI
In 2002, Robbie Williams signed a record-breaking £80 million contract with EMI, which gave him greater creative control and aimed to break him into the US market. This remains the biggest music deal in British history.
2002: Release of "Feel"
In late 2002, Robbie Williams released "Feel" as the first single from his upcoming album. The demo version was used, and it became a major international hit.
2002: Patron of the Donna Louise Trust
Since 2002, Robbie Williams has been the Patron of the children's charity the Donna Louise Trust, based in Stoke-on-Trent.
August 2003: Knebworth concerts
From August 1st to 3rd, 2003, Robbie Williams performed three consecutive concerts at Knebworth, each attended by 125,000 people. This was the biggest event in UK music history at the time.
October 2003: Release of Live at Knebworth
In October 2003, Robbie Williams released a live album, Live at Knebworth, documenting his concerts earlier that year.
2003: Featured in Finding Nemo
In 2003, Robbie Williams' song "Beyond the Sea" was featured in the movie Finding Nemo and released on the film's soundtrack.
2003: Knebworth concerts
In 2003, Robbie Williams' three concerts at Knebworth drew over 375,000 people, marking the UK's biggest music event at the time.
October 2004: Release of Greatest Hits album
In October 2004, Robbie Williams released his Greatest Hits album, a retrospective of his career including new tracks co-written with Stephen Duffy. The first single, "Radio", debuted at number one in the UK Singles Chart.
2004: Induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame
In 2004, Robbie Williams was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame after being voted as the Greatest artist of the 1990s, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
2004: Started Working on Sixth Studio Album
In 2004, after touring Latin America to promote his Greatest Hits album, Robbie Williams began working on his sixth studio album, co-writing with Stephen Duffy at his house in the Hollywood Hills.
November 2005: MTV Europe Music Award and Guinness World Record
In November 2005, Robbie Williams won the MTV Europe Music Award for 'Best Male'. He also entered The Guinness Book of World Records for selling 1.6 million tickets in one day for his 2006 World Tour.
2005: "Angels" voted Best Single of the Past Twenty-Five Years
In 2005, eight years after its release, Robbie William's song "Angels" was voted the "Best Single of the Past Twenty-Five Years" at the Brit Awards.
2005: "Angels" Voted Most Desired Funeral Song
In 2005, the British public voted Robbie Williams' song "Angels" as the song they would most like played at their funeral, showcasing the song's emotional impact.
February 2006: Purchase of Shares in Port Vale FC
In February 2006, Robbie Williams bought £240,000 worth of shares in his hometown football club, Port Vale FC, becoming the largest shareholder.
April 2006: Close Encounters World Tour Kickoff
In April 2006, Robbie Williams started his Close Encounters World Tour in South Africa. By the end of the European leg, 2.5 million people had seen the show.
May 2006: Start of Relationship with Ayda Field
In May 2006, Robbie Williams began dating American actress Ayda Field.
October 2006: Release of Rudebox album
On 23 October 2006, Robbie Williams released his dance/electro album, Rudebox, featuring collaborations with several artists. The album received mixed reviews but was a commercial success in Europe.
2006: World Tour Announcement and Ticket Sales
In 2006, Robbie Williams announced his World Tour, resulting in 1.6 million tickets being sold in a single day, earning him a place in The Guinness Book of World Records.
2006: Guinness World Record
In 2006, Robbie Williams earned a Guinness World Record for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day during his Close Encounters Tour.
2006: Emigration to Los Angeles
In 2006, Robbie Williams emigrated to Los Angeles, marking a significant change in his personal life.
2006: Inaugural Soccer Aid Match
In 2006, Robbie Williams, with the help of friend Jonathan Wilkes, organized the first Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2007: UFO Research
During his 2007-2008 sabbatical, Robbie Williams pursued his keen interest in UFOs and related paranormal phenomena, researching the subject.
2008: Record Album Sales
By 2008, Robbie Williams had sold more albums in the UK than any other British solo artist in history, solidifying his place as a top-selling artist.
2008: Ayda Field's Involvement in UFO Investigation
In 2008, Ayda Field took part in a field investigation in Trout Lake, Washington, alongside Robbie Williams for his UFO documentary with BBC Radio 4.
2008: Soccer Aid Match
In 2008, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2008: Participation in BBC Radio 4 Documentary
In 2008, Robbie Williams participated in a documentary for BBC Radio 4 with Jon Ronson about the paranormal, exploring his interest in UFOs and the paranormal.
February 2009: Confirmed writing with Guy Chambers and Mark Ronson
In February 2009, it was confirmed that Robbie Williams had written new material with Guy Chambers and Mark Ronson, and planned to start recording sessions in March for a new album to be released later that year.
March 2009: Showed interest in rejoining Take That
In March 2009, Robbie Williams had shown interest in rejoining Take That.
October 2009: Comeback performance on The X Factor and BBC Electric Proms
In October 2009, Robbie Williams published 'Songbook' as a free CD. He made his comeback on The X Factor results show, performing "Bodies" live. Williams also opened the BBC Electric Proms, his first live concert in 3 years.
October 2009: Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award
In October 2009, it was announced that Robbie Williams would receive the Outstanding Contribution to British Music award at the 2010 Brit Awards.
November 2009: Release of Reality Killed the Video Star
On November 9, 2009, Robbie Williams' album Reality Killed the Video Star, produced by Trevor Horn, was released in the United Kingdom.
2009: Guinness World Record for Cinematic Screening
In 2009, Robbie Williams appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records when his sell-out show at the BBC Electric Proms at London's Roundhouse was screened by more than 250 cinemas across 23 countries, setting a new record for the most simultaneous cinematic screenings of a live concert.
2009: Brief Return to the UK
In 2009, Robbie Williams briefly moved back to the UK, buying a mansion in Compton Bassett, before returning to Los Angeles a year later.
July 2010: Rejoined Take That
On 15 July 2010, Robbie Williams reconciled with his former colleagues and rejoined Take That.
August 2010: Wedding to Ayda Field
On August 7, 2010, Robbie Williams and Ayda Field were married at his home in Mulholland Estates in Beverly Hills.
September 2010: Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On
In September 2010, Robbie Williams switched on the Blackpool illuminations, considering it one of the greatest honours he had achieved.
October 2010: Release of In and Out of Consciousness: The Greatest Hits 1990–2010
In October 2010, Robbie Williams released his second greatest hits album, In and Out of Consciousness: The Greatest Hits 1990–2010, celebrating 20 years as a performing artist. The single "Shame", written and sung by Williams and Barlow, was also released.
November 2010: Release of Take That album Progress
In November 2010, the Take That album Progress was released, becoming the fastest-selling album since 2000 and the second-fastest-selling album in UK history.
2010: Soccer Aid Match
In 2010, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2010: Rejoined Take That
In 2010, Robbie Williams rejoined Take That, co-writing and performing lead vocals on their album Progress.
2010: Topped UK airplay chart
Robbie Williams topped the 2000–2010 UK airplay chart, solidifying his popularity in the UK.
October 2011: Signs with Island Records
On 21 October 2011, Robbie Williams signed with Island Records (Universal Music), following his departure from EMI in 2010.
2011: Left Take That again
In 2011, Gary Barlow confirmed that Robbie Williams had left Take That for a second time to focus on his solo career.
2011: Diagnosis of Andropause
In 2011, Robbie Williams revealed that he had been experiencing lethargy caused by andropause for a number of years, initially mistaking it for a return of his depression.
2011: Wealth Estimate in Sunday Times Rich List
In 2011, Robbie Williams's wealth was estimated at £90 million in the Sunday Times Rich List of wealthiest people in the British music industry.
2011: Progress tour
Since the 2011's Progress tour, although still officially part of Take That, Williams chose not to return for the group's seventh and eighth studio albums and their accompanying tours, focusing instead on his solo commitments.
March 2012: Loss of Shares in Port Vale FC
In March 2012, Port Vale FC entered administration, resulting in Robbie Williams losing all of his shares in the club and receiving only a fraction of his original investment back.
June 2012: Diamond Jubilee Concert performance
On June 4, 2012, Robbie Williams was the opening act at the Diamond Jubilee Concert, co-organised by Gary Barlow, outside Buckingham Palace.
August 2012: Missed Olympics performance
In August 2012, Robbie Williams missed the Take That performance at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics because his wife gave birth around the same time.
September 2012: Premiere and release of "Candy"
In September 2012, Robbie Williams' single "Candy" premiered on September 10 and was released on September 11 in most countries. In the UK, the song became Williams' first number one single since "Radio" in 2004.
November 2012: Announcement of European stadium tour
On 26 November 2012, Robbie Williams announced a 17-date stadium tour of Europe, with Olly Murs as the support act.
2012: Soccer Aid Match
In 2012, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
September 2013: Announcement of Swings Both Ways album
In September 2013, Robbie Williams announced a follow-up to his 2001 swing album, titled Swings Both Ways, for release in November. The album would feature covers and original songs, including duets with several artists.
November 2013: Cameo in Olly Murs' video
In November 2013, Robbie Williams made a cameo appearance in the video for Olly Murs' song "Hand on Heart".
December 2014: Release of Under the Radar Volume 1
On 1 December 2014, Robbie Williams released a compilation album entitled Under the Radar Volume 1 through his website, featuring unreleased songs. Guy Chambers disagreed with this release strategy.
2014: Soccer Aid Match
In 2014, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2014: Awarded freedom of Stoke-on-Trent
In 2014, Robbie Williams was awarded the freedom of his hometown, Stoke-on-Trent, and was honored with a tourist trail and streets named after him.
May 2016: Signs recording contract with Sony Music
In May 2016, Robbie Williams signed a recording contract with Sony Music, expressing his excitement about the new partnership.
2016: Move to Woodland House in London
In 2016, Robbie Williams moved into Woodland House, a £17 million mansion in the Kensington area of London, becoming neighbors with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.
2016: Soccer Aid Match
In 2016, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
July 2017: Announcement of Under the Radar Volume 2
In July 2017, Robbie Williams announced a new album, Under the Radar Volume 2, to be released in November.
November 2017: Release of Under the Radar Volume 2
In November 2017, Robbie Williams released 'Under the Radar Volume 2'.
2017: Brits Icon Award
In 2017, Robbie Williams received the Brits Icon award for his "lasting impact on British culture", adding to his already impressive collection of Brit Awards.
2017: Sale of Beverly Hills Mansion
In 2017, Robbie Williams sold his mansion in Beverly Hills to DJ Khaled for $9.9 million.
July 2018: Joins The X Factor as a judge
On 17 July 2018, Robbie Williams, along with his wife and Louis Tomlinson, was announced as a new judge on the fifteenth series of The X Factor in the UK.
2018: Swimming Pool Plans Delayed
In 2018, Jimmy Page delayed Robbie Williams' plans for an underground swimming pool due to concerns that construction work would damage The Tower House.
2018: Hunt for the Skinwalker TV Documentary
In 2018, Robbie Williams featured in the TV documentary Hunt for the Skinwalker by Jeremy Corbell, where he revealed that his partner Ayda Field dissuaded him from buying the Skinwalker Ranch when it was for sale.
2018: Soccer Aid Match
In 2018, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
December 2019: Release of The Christmas Present and promotional single
In December 2019, Robbie Williams released his first Christmas album, The Christmas Present, with guest appearances from various artists. He also released the promotional single "Hey Tiger" for The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
2019: Soccer Aid Match
In 2019, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2019: Release of Under the Radar Volume 3
In 2019, Robbie Williams released Under the Radar Volume 3 on Valentine's Day.
2019: Planned return for anniversary tour
In 2019, despite focusing on his solo commitments, Williams planned to return for a full tour to celebrate Take That's 30th anniversary.
June 2020: Addiction to Online Golf Games
In a June 2020 interview with Weight Watchers Magazine, Robbie Williams revealed that he had developed an addiction to online golf games.
2020: Playing Strip Design for Port Vale FC
In 2020, Robbie Williams helped to design the playing strip for the 2020–21 season of his hometown football team, Port Vale FC.
2020: Soccer Aid Match
In 2020, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2020: Backlash for Defending Pizzagate Conspiracy Theory
In 2020, Robbie Williams received backlash for defending the widely debunked Pizzagate conspiracy theory, generating controversy.
2021: Soccer Aid Match
In 2021, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
September 2022: Released compilation album XXV
On 9 September 2022, Robbie Williams released his latest compilation album, XXV.
2022: Soccer Aid Match
In 2022, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2023: Soccer Aid Match
In 2023, Robbie Williams organized a Soccer Aid charity football match to raise money for UNICEF UK.
2024: Release of Better Man
In 2024, a film based on Robbie Williams' life, titled Better Man, was released.
2024: Better Man biopic release
In 2024, the biopic Better Man, heavily portraying Robbie Williams's relationship with Nicole Appleton, was released.
February 2025: Auction Purchase of Eric Morecambe Memorabilia
In February 2025, Robbie Williams, a long-time fan, bought Eric Morecambe's distinctive imitation tortoiseshell Metzler spectacles and pipe for £20,000 at an auction of Morecambe's memorabilia and personal items.
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