As the new millennium began, the Spice Girls were at the forefront of the music scene. The hit song ‘Wannabe’ not only became the song of the year but also catapulted the group to the pinnacle of the fan phenomenon, marking them as one of the most successful acts of the time.
Parallel to the Spice Girls’ success, Take That made waves in the male music market. Robbie Williams, a group member, left in 1996 to embark on a solo career. His journey, filled with music, scandals, and extravagant stage shows, led him to greater success than he had achieved with Take That.
Robbie Williams’ Life in the Spotlight
Netflix’s release of the ‘Robbie Williams’ series on November 8 provides an in-depth look at the “Rock DJ” singer’s 25-year solo career. The series reflects on Williams’ time in the spotlight, delving into his personal and professional life, including his relationships and struggles.
In the documentary, Williams opens up about his “magical” relationship with a Spice Girl, which he describes as one of the happiest times of his life. However, he also reveals the reasons behind their breakup. Plagued by sordid rumours about his partner and their mutual struggles with mental health and substance abuse, Williams felt compelled to end the relationship. He and Geri Halliwell, both attendees of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, faced personal battles with alcohol and eating disorders, with Halliwell dealing with bulimia and Williams with anorexia.
During a summer holiday in the south of France in 2000, a pivotal realization led Williams to end their relationship. Despite the joy and connection they shared, the burden of the rumours and their struggles proved too much, leading to the relationship’s end, as Williams recounts in the Netflix documentary.