Home / Arts and Entertainment / Robbie's Angels Feud Reignited: Songwriter's Claim 30 Years On
Robbie's Angels Feud Reignited: Songwriter's Claim 30 Years On
23 Feb
Summary
- Songwriter Ray Heffernan claims he wrote Robbie Williams' hit Angels.
- Heffernan is disputing a £7,500 deal made nearly 30 years ago.
- Robbie Williams states he significantly rewrote the song with Guy Chambers.
A dispute over Robbie Williams' iconic song 'Angels' has resurfaced, nearly three decades after its 1997 release. Irish singer-songwriter Ray Heffernan, who previously sued Williams, is once again claiming authorship of the mega-hit. Heffernan asserts he sold his rights for £7,500 under "false pretences" and feels he has been wronged.
Williams, reflecting on his debut album 'Life Through A Lens,' stated that he recorded a demo with Heffernan. However, he claims that he and Guy Chambers significantly rewrote the song. Williams also revealed he purchased the rights from Heffernan for £7,500 prior to the song's release to preempt potential legal issues.
Heffernan has recently shared videos on TikTok detailing his account, including a 1997 clip of Williams stating he wrote 'Angels' in "a couple of hours." The song was later voted the best British song of the past 25 years at the 2005 Brit Awards and chosen as a tune many Britons would play at their funeral.
Williams' representatives have been contacted for comment on the ongoing claims. The biopic 'Better Man,' featuring the British singer, was released towards the end of 2024.
