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."

Williams recounted feeling undervalued, like a "backing dancer," and that Barlow seemed unaware of his own behavior. These tensions and Williams's struggles with addiction and mental health contributed to his first departure from Take That in 1996. He later reconciled with the band and returned in 2010, only to leave again in 2011 to focus on his solo career.