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Home / Entertainment

Robbie Williams says anti-depressants have 'calmed my demons'

Daily Telegraph UK
29 Nov, 2016 05:30 AM4 mins to read

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Robbie Williams says he's had a 'weird summer.' Photo / Getty

Robbie Williams says he's had a 'weird summer.' Photo / Getty

Robbie Williams has told how anti-depressants are helping to put his demons to bed.

The singer, 42, said that he had a "weird summer" when he could not relate to anyone apart from his wife, Ayda Field.

The chart-topper, who has previously battled addictions to drink, drugs and prescription medication, said of his demons: "They've been all right."

Robbie Williams performing. Photo / Getty
Robbie Williams performing. Photo / Getty

"But it happens to coincide with finding a different medication ... It's called Brintellix. I had a really weird summer. Just couldn't connect with anybody, apart from my wife.

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"I didn't know how to talk to anybody, even people who are with me every day. I was isolated, in my head."

He told Radio Times magazine: "It was troublesome and sad. Then I tried this anti-depressant and things have changed. The demons are quiet."

Singer Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field. Photo / Getty
Singer Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field. Photo / Getty

Williams, who has two children with Field, said he could never touch alcohol again.

Asked whether he could do any drugs safely, he laughed: "Yep!" but clarified:

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"I'm not searching to do anything. But I definitely can't drink. I definitely can't do coke. I can't do ecstasy. And I don't fancy heroin."

"Or M-Cat (mephedrone) or ketamine or any of those things. But maybe there's a once-a-year special voucher that I get for good behaviour. But not for any of those things. I'll leave it to your imagination."

Robbie Williams and Ayda Field. Photo / Getty
Robbie Williams and Ayda Field. Photo / Getty

The star also questioned the small royalty cheques he receives from streaming sites.

"The music industry is obviously in rapid decline. I don't understand it but it looks like record companies are running for cover behind Spotify," he said.

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"Streaming seems to be a big deal. There must be some sort of Cold War covert (dealings) going on, because you get something like 0.006 pence per play.

Robbie Williams with Victoria and David Beckham. Photo / Getty
Robbie Williams with Victoria and David Beckham. Photo / Getty

"I've probably had a Spotify royalty cheque, but it won't be very weighty. I'm not a streamed artist. But we redefine success. Number one is number one, and you can't argue with popularity. Well, you could, but you'd be wrong."

Williams has many awards, including a haul of 17 Brit Awards before he was recently anointed a Brits Icon.

But asked about his trophies, Williams said: "I've given them away.

"Dad's got one, my mum's got a couple, Wayne Rooney's got one..."

He added: "I was stoned and Wayne got injured in a match, and I shouted to my manager (in a slurred voice): 'Michael, will you send a Brit to Wayne Rooney... Tell him to get better from me...'

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Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field with their dogs. Photo / Getty
Robbie Williams and wife Ayda Field with their dogs. Photo / Getty

"It was like those shopping decisions you make on Amazon when you're on Ambien (a sleeping pill). But it was well intentioned, and he sent me a pair of signed football boots. So, good deal!"

The singer has been crowned the most successful British solo act in official chart history but admitted that he has struggled to get some big names to work with him.

He wished "good luck" to Harry Styles, after discovering that the One Direction star, who is pursuing a solo career, had not had the same difficulties.

Robbie Williams presents Harry Styles of One Direction with the Global Success at The Brit Awards 2013. Photo / Getty
Robbie Williams presents Harry Styles of One Direction with the Global Success at The Brit Awards 2013. Photo / Getty

He said: "Last year I tried to work with Bruno Mars - didn't hear anything back. Tried to work with (Swedish hitmaker) Max Martin - didn't hear anything back. They literally didn't return my calls.

"Then I met Harry Styles in an airport. 'Oh, you're writing, Harry? Great, who with?' He goes: 'Well, I just spent a week with Bruno Mars, and I'm about to spend a week with Max Martin."'

Williams said he tried to put on a generous face and added: "'You're the new me. Good luck!"'

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Robbie Williams presents Harry Styles of One Direction with the Global Success at The Brit Awards 2013. Photo / Getty
Robbie Williams presents Harry Styles of One Direction with the Global Success at The Brit Awards 2013. Photo / Getty

He said: "I think Harry Styles has beguiled the whole world just by being Harry Styles. He's got a David Beckham-style quality. So he's won in that regard."

But he cautioned: "There's a space for him but the music has to be great."

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