Did Robbie Williams want to write songs for Take That?

Yes, Robbie Williams wanted to become more involved in writing lyrics for Take That but stated he was deterred from doing so.

Why did Gary Barlow control Take That's songwriting?

Gary Barlow guarded his role as the primary songwriter, aiming to please various stakeholders and feeling musically superior.

When did Robbie Williams leave Take That?

Robbie Williams first left Take That in 1996 and departed again in 2011 to focus on his solo career, after rejoining in 2010.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Robbie Williams: Gary Barlow Blocked My Songwriting

Robbie Williams: Gary Barlow Blocked My Songwriting

28 Jan

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Summary

Robbie Williams wanted to write songs but was deterred by Gary Barlow.
Gary Barlow guarded his songwriting role, feeling musically superior.
Williams left Take That in 1996, returning in 2010 briefly.

Robbie Williams: Gary Barlow Blocked My Songwriting

Robbie Williams recently opened up about his experience within the boy band Take That, revealing that he was discouraged from songwriting by lead singer Gary Barlow. Williams expressed a desire to contribute more to the band's lyrics, but Barlow, who saw himself as the sole architect of their sound, maintained tight control over the songwriting process.

Barlow admitted in the documentary that he "guarded" his role as the primary songwriter, aiming to please everyone from the record label to management. He recalled Williams presenting song ideas that he felt were not in line with Take That's style, likening them to Oasis songs and stating, "we're Take That." Barlow acknowledged feeling "above everybody else, musically."