Pop icon Robbie Williams has recently shared a personal revelation that has drawn attention to the complexities of mental health and neurological conditions.
Speaking candidly on the podcast “I’m ADHD! No You’re Not,” the 51-year-old artist described his experience with what he calls “inside Tourette’s,” adding that he’s an “Olympian at masking” the condition.
His openness offers a rare glimpse into the unseen challenges behind fame and performance.
Understanding Robbie Williams’ “Inside Tourette’s”
During the podcast, Williams explained that he only recently realized he might have a form of Tourette’s syndrome. He said, “I’ve just realized that I have Tourette’s, but they don’t come out. I was just walking down the road the other day and realized that these intrusive thoughts are ‘inside Tourette’s.’”
According to the NHS, Tourette’s syndrome causes sudden and repetitive sounds or movements called tics. Stress, excitement, and fatigue often trigger these actions. Many people link Tourette’s to visible tics, but Robbie Williams describes a different side of it. He explains it as an internal experience—mental and emotional impulses that stay hidden yet feel just as intense and difficult to control.
The Battle Behind the Stage Persona
Robbie Williams, who launched his Britpop tour in May, opened up about his complex relationship with live performances. Despite a career spanning decades and crowds of adoring fans, he admitted that performing still triggers intense anxiety.
He told hosts Paul Whitehouse, a Welsh comedian, and Dr. Mine Conkbayir, a specialist in neuroscience, “You would think that a stadium full of people professing their love to you would work, but whatever it is inside me cannot hear it.”
He continued, “I have a very complicated relationship with touring and performing live. People say, ‘Oh, you must be really excited.’ Not really. I’m terrified.”
Williams described how he often hides behind confidence and showmanship to get through performances. “I mask, like I’m an Olympian at masking. I look full of bravado and do these grand gestures, which have worked for me because they put my face on posters, but actually, I feel the opposite of that most of the time.”
Growth and Shifting Perspectives
Despite years of internal struggle, Williams shared that his mindset has begun to shift, especially after turning 45. He said, “It’s getting better. This tour, I’m actually excited about doing my shows again.” That change, he explained, is tied to acceptance and gratitude for his current place in life.
He also reflected on his past experiences with performance-related trauma, mentioning what he called “PTSD stuff about performance.” Williams said that memories from his early days with “Take That” and later solo fame still affect him deeply. “When I got to the top of the mountain, it didn’t fix me. It made things worse inside me. Whatever that stuff was, I still get triggered from it and it still affects me.”
The Role of Family and Gratitude
The singer credited his wife, Ayda Field Williams, with helping him reframe how he views success and performing. Her support has helped him recognize how fortunate he is to still perform for massive audiences. “There was something about that moment that changed the perception, and the gratitude came in—for where I am, who I am, and what I’m allowed to do.”
He added, “Thinking about maybe never being able to do it again—because of waning popularity or death or whatever—it just changed my perception. But 80,000 people never changed my opinion about me.”
A Look Back at His Career
Before starting his solo career, Robbie Williams performed with “Take That,” the group behind hits like “Pray,” “Everything Changes,” and “Sure.” He left the band in 1995 and released his debut album, “Life Thru A Lens,” in 1997. The album topped the charts and marked the beginning of his solo success.
Williams went on to release several No. 1 albums, including “I’ve Been Expecting You” (1998), “Sing When You’re Winning” (2000), “Escapology” (2002), “Intensive Care” (2005), and “Rudebox” (2006). His latest album, “Britpop,” came out on October 10 and reinforced his reputation as one of Britain’s most enduring performers.
The Power of Vulnerability in the Spotlight
Robbie Williams’ openness about “inside Tourette’s” and mental health shows the emotional weight fame can carry. His words encourage honest conversations about well-being, even among performers who appear confident under the spotlight.
By speaking openly, Williams reminds people that self-awareness and acceptance take time. His journey shows that vulnerability can build empathy, understanding, and emotional strength.