Robbie Williams’ Ambitious Plans
Robbie Williams has expressed his desire to create a “new Rat Pack album.”
In 2001, the pop star launched a collection of big band swing covers, Swing When You’re Winning, and in 2013, he followed up with Swings Both Ways. Both albums reached number one in the UK.
- READ MORE: ‘A Better Man’ Review: Robbie Williams’ Film Could Be the Strangest Music Biopic Ever
In a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter, Williams shared his eagerness to return to this musical style in his upcoming album.
“I’d like to write a new Rat Pack album,” he told the publication. “I think I could do it. Whether they join or not is up to their estates, and we’ll see.”
His remarks followed a question about which artist he would like to collaborate with, “dead or alive.”
Williams elaborated: “Most of the time we take artists for granted because they just exist in our lives. It wasn’t until the Olympics that Celine (Dion) came (on stage) and reminded me, ‘Oh my God, this is a very special person.’
The Legacy of the Rat Pack
The Rat Pack was an informal group of vocalists in the 1950s and 60s, including icons like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. Many regard them as the founding fathers of Las Vegas, performing together in the city’s casinos.
In 2016, NME included Williams’ track “Swing When You’re Winning” on its list of the UK’s all-time best-selling albums “without any redeeming qualities.” The singer performed a duet with Sinatra’s recorded voice on the album’s song “It Was A Very Good Year.”
In another interview with Hollywood Reporter, Williams discussed creating the soundtrack for his new biopic, Best Man, which he co-wrote with Michael Gracey. He shared, “I sent a bunch of songs to Michael Gracey, the director, and he then sent them back kindly, indicating they weren’t good enough,” drawing a humorous comparison to Eminem in 8 Mile.
He added: “I didn’t get a bird’s eye view of the film. I didn’t know what was needed. After watching the movie, it became clear he needed a hug, so we embraced him because, by the end, you’ve been through a lot and need that support.”
- READ MORE: Robbie Williams and Director Michael Gracey on Bananas, ‘The Best Man’ Biopic With CGI Monkey: ‘It’s Healing’
Upcoming Projects and Tours
Williams recently released a reflective new single, “Forbidden Road,” for the Best Man soundtrack last November. In April, he mentioned he had “written a lot of songs” and felt “full of purpose and loving life.”
He later announced that a new album would be coming soon but was “waiting to determine exactly when the film would debut” before providing further details about the project.
In a conversation with NME last month, Williams addressed rumors of Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi featuring on a track from his new “guitar rock” album.
“And Glenn Hughes! I aimed to create the album I would have made if I left Take That now, knowing what I know,” he stated. “This particular song captures that perfectly.
“Luckily and unfortunately for me, I had pop songs along the way. I found myself thinking, ‘Oh, damn, it’s a hit!’ This (track) is all about massive guitars. It’s adrenaline-fueled and breathtaking. This song, in particular, is my favorite from my newly announced album!”
When NME inquired about the track and album’s release, Williams responded, “I don’t know; we’ll see how good the movie is.” You can watch the full video interview above.
Williams is set to embark on an extensive tour across the UK, Ireland, and Europe later this year. This announcement followed his hints to fans about hitting the road again “soon.” Remaining tickets can be found here.
In other news, Williams commented on “Forbidden Road” being disqualified from the 2025 Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song.
