Robbie Williams has recently made a somewhat backhanded remark about Noel Gallagher, suggesting that the magic in his songwriting seemed to fade after the initial success of the early Oasis albums. The history between Robbie and the Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel, dates back to a prolonged feud triggered by Noel labeling Robbie as the “fat dancer from Take That” and culminating in a challenge for a £100,000 fight at the 2000 BRIT Awards.
Despite the past animosity, relations have improved over the years. Robbie now voices his opinion that Noel’s songwriting prowess started to wane post the release of Oasis’ first two albums, Definitely Maybe and (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?. During an appearance on the Heretics podcast, Robbie reflected on the mysterious nature of creativity and how some artists seem to possess the “magic” for a limited time.
Robbie praised Noel’s exceptional run of hit songs but suggested that the quality began to decline after a peak period. He pondered on the transient nature of creative brilliance, citing examples like Paul McCartney’s sustained success. Notably, Robbie highlighted that Noel’s setlist during the Oasis Live ‘25 tour predominantly featured older hits, indicating a shift in creative output.
Robbie, reminiscing about his admiration for Oasis and other iconic bands, shared his journey in the music industry. He acknowledged experiencing a writer’s block similar to Noel’s perceived decline, prompting him to revisit his creative process for his upcoming album BRITPOP. Robbie expressed a desire to recapture the essence of his early career, aiming for a more liberated and authentic approach to music creation.
This introspective phase for Robbie signifies a return to his roots and a departure from the pressure of chasing commercial success. As he delves into a nostalgic mindset reminiscent of the mid-90s, Robbie aims to rediscover the raw energy and passion that fueled his earlier works, signaling a shift towards a more genuine and fulfilling artistic direction.