Robbie Williams has revealed he postponed the release of his upcoming album Britpop after discovering it was set to drop at the same time as Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl.
The 51-year-old pop star admitted he made the move to protect his shot at scoring a record-breaking 16th UK number-one album, which would finally push him ahead of The Beatles, with whom he’s currently tied at 15.
Why He Moved the Date
Robbie said he’s still a heavyweight in music, but competing with Taylor Swift’s chart dominance wasn’t worth the risk.
“I’m still a big deal but I can’t compete with that one,” he laughed.
“So I’ve shifted it. I’ve moved it a little bit.”
Britpop is now slated for release in February 2026, rather than 2024.
He openly admitted the decision was driven by ambition:
“I’m really competitive. I desperately want that thing.”
Live Lounge Throwback & Fresh Tracks
During his appearance on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, Robbie performed:
- Old Before I Die (from his 1997 debut)
- Pretty Face (new single)
- A surprising cover of Wet Leg’s “Chaise Longue”
He said Wet Leg’s music reignites the teenage excitement he used to feel discovering new bands:
“It makes me feel like I’m 14 again.”
2026: Smaller Venues, Big Nostalgia
Beyond the album launch, Robbie is planning a UK tour in smaller, more intimate venues. He’ll perform:
- His full debut album Life Thru A Lens
- Followed by the new album Britpop
He says the shows will double as a celebration—for fans who grew up with his early music and for his own three-decade journey.
“Me witnessing people enjoying that… it feels like a celebration. I can’t wait to do that.”
About the Author
