History of Robbie Williams in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2026

Robbie Williams is a highly successful British singer-songwriter who rose to international fame as a member of the boy band Take That in the early 1990s. After leaving the group in 1995, he launched a prolific solo career that solidified his status as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Known for his charismatic stage presence and eclectic pop style, Williams has achieved numerous chart-topping albums and iconic hits, including 'Angels' and 'Rock DJ.' Throughout his career, he has navigated personal struggles with addiction and fame, often sharing these experiences with candor. His immense commercial success, characterized by record-breaking concert tours and multiple Brit Awards, has cemented his reputation as one of the most influential figures in modern British music and a quintessential global pop star.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 1974: Birth of Robert Peter Williams

On February 13, 1974, Robert Peter Williams was born in Stoke-on-Trent to parents Janet and Peter Williams.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Joining Take That

In 1990, Robbie Williams began his path to fame by becoming a member of the pop group Take That.

November 1994: Near drug overdose before MTV Europe Music Awards performance

In November 1994, Robbie Williams experienced a near-fatal drug overdose the night prior to a scheduled performance with his band at the MTV Europe Music Awards, reflecting his escalating struggle with substance abuse during that period.

July 1995: Departure from Take That

In July 1995, following internal conflicts regarding his behavior and attendance at rehearsals, Robbie Williams agreed to leave the boy band Take That just before their tour began.

1995: Departure from Take That

Robbie Williams concluded his tenure as a member of the pop group Take That in 1995.

February 1996: Take That Disbands

On 13 February 1996, which coincidentally was Robbie Williams's 22nd birthday, the boy band Take That officially disbanded.

1996: Launch of Solo Career

Following his departure from his previous group, Robbie Williams officially launched his solo music career in 1996.

1996: Solo Career Launch with Freedom

In 1996, Robbie Williams officially launched his solo career by releasing a cover of the song Freedom, which successfully peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.

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March 1997: Recording Debut Album and Old Before I Die Release

During March 1997, Robbie Williams began recording his debut album at Maison Rouge studios in London and released his first single, Old Before I Die, which reached number two on the UK Charts.

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September 1997: Release of Life thru a Lens

In September 1997, Robbie Williams released his debut album, Life thru a Lens, which debuted at number eleven on the UK Albums Chart and was celebrated with a live solo performance at the Élysée Montmartre theatre.

1997: Release of Life thru a Lens

In 1997, Robbie Williams released his debut studio album, Life thru a Lens, which featured his highly successful single "Angels".

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October 1998: Release of I've Been Expecting You

In October 1998, Robbie Williams released his studio album 'I've Been Expecting You', which successfully debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and achieved significant international success in Europe and Latin America.

1998: Creation and Success of I've Been Expecting You and Millennium

In early 1998, Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers began working on the album I've Been Expecting You in Jamaica. The lead single from this project, Millennium, achieved significant success in 1998, becoming Williams' first solo number one hit in the UK and reaching top twenty status across various global markets.

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July 1999: Release of The Ego Has Landed

In July 1999, Robbie Williams released the compilation album The Ego Has Landed in the United States and Canada to support his promotional activities in the region.

1999: European Tour

Robbie Williams concluded his active period in 1999 by conducting a European Tour following the massive success of his previous album.

August 2000: Release of Sing When You're Winning

In August 2000, Robbie Williams released his album Sing When You're Winning, which achieved international chart-topping success and earned 2x Platinum certification in the UK during its first week.

2000: Benchmark for Album Sales

During the year 2000, a sales benchmark was established that would later be surpassed by the album Progress in November 2010.

2000: Release and Success of Rock DJ

In 2000, Robbie Williams released the single "Rock DJ," which gained significant popularity and controversy. The song reached number one in both the UK and New Zealand, and its music video—featuring graphic content—was edited by various broadcasters. Throughout 2000, the song received several major accolades including Best Song of 2000 at the MTV Europe Music Awards, Best Single of the Year at the Brit Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award for Best Special Effects.

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2000-2010: UK Airplay Chart Success

Between 2000 and 2010, Robbie Williams achieved the top position on the UK airplay chart, reflecting his significant radio presence throughout the decade.

2001: Recording for Bridget Jones' Diary

In 2001, Robbie Williams recorded the track Have You Met Miss Jones? for the film soundtrack of Bridget Jones' Diary, which served as an inspiration for his subsequent album, Swing When You're Winning.

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2003: Knebworth Concert Series

During 2003, Robbie Williams performed three historic concerts at Knebworth, attracting an audience of over 375,000 people, which marked the largest music event in the UK at that time.

2004: UK Music Hall of Fame Induction

In 2004, Robbie Williams was formally inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, having previously been voted the Greatest Artist of the 1990s.

2006: Guinness World Record for Ticket Sales

During his 2006 Close Encounters Tour, Robbie Williams achieved a Guinness World Record by selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day.

March 2009: Interest in Take That reunion

In March 2009, Robbie Williams publicly expressed his interest in rejoining his former band, Take That, although the group continued to tour independently as The Circus Live throughout that period.

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July 2010: Reunion with Take That

On 15 July 2010, Robbie Williams officially reconciled with his former bandmates and rejoined the group Take That.

November 2010: Release of Progress

In November 2010, the band Take That released the album Progress, which achieved historical commercial success as the fastest-selling album since 2000.

2010: Reunion with Take That and Progress release

In 2010, Robbie Williams rejoined the band Take That to co-write and provide lead vocals for the album Progress, which achieved record-breaking sales in the UK.

2011: Departure from Take That

During 2011, Gary Barlow confirmed that Robbie Williams had left Take That for a second time to dedicate himself to his solo musical career, noting the split was amicable.

2011: Take That Progress Tour

In 2011, Robbie Williams performed with his former bandmates during the Take That Progress tour, marking a significant moment in his collaborative history with the group despite his focus on his solo career.

August 2012: Take That's Closing Ceremony Performance

In August 2012, Take That performed as a quartet at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. Robbie Williams was unable to join the band for this event as his wife went into labor at the same time.

2014: Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent

In 2014, Robbie Williams was granted the freedom of his hometown, Stoke-on-Trent, which also included the creation of a tourist trail and naming streets in his honour.

2019: Take That 30th Anniversary Tour Plans

Robbie Williams planned to reunite with Take That in 2019 to participate in a full tour celebrating the band's 30th anniversary.

2022: Release of Compilation Album XXV

In 2022, Robbie Williams released his compilation album titled XXV, serving as a landmark addition to his extensive discography.

2024: Release of Better Man film

The biographical film titled Better Man, which chronicles the life of Robbie Williams, was officially released in 2024.

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27 June 1996: Signing with Chrysalis Records

On 27 June 1996, following legal disputes regarding his exit from Take That and his contract with BMG, Robbie Williams officially signed a new recording contract with Chrysalis Records to pursue his solo career.