TOGETHER they have crafted some of the biggest pop hits of the past 30 years but Robbie Williams is making his new album without his long-time partner Guy Chambers.
Insiders told me Robbie, who created genius tracks like Angels, No Regrets and Rock DJ with Guy, is now working on his 13th studio album with his drummer and live music director Karl Brazil.
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The album is the follow up to his last record, XXV, which went straight to the No1 spot when he released it three years back.
Karl has now penned three new songs for the new album with songwriter Owen Parker, called Goodnight Johnboy, Number One and Sombrero.
My insider said: “Robbie’s ambition has not diminished and he still wants to have number ones.
“Robbie and Guy are still dear friends but Robbie wants to explore other songwriting options on what is going to be a very eclectic record – displaying his rock influences and his skill for crafting pop hits.
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“Robbie has developed a close working relationship with Karl on tour and he likes what Karl and Owen have come up with.
“Karl has come up with those three tracks and they’ll all make it onto the album.
“Robbie is so excited with how it is sounding.”
Last year Karl let slip that Robbie had teamed up with Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi for a song called Rocket, which will also make the record.
Speaking about his new music, Robbie said:“ I wanted to make the album that I’d make if I’d left Take That now, knowing what I know.
“This [track] is massive guitars, as you can imagine. It’s adrenaline-filled and balls-to-the-wall. That one in particular is my favourite song off my new album.
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“Unfortunately, and fortunately for me, pop songs turned up along the way, too. I’m like, ‘Ah, f**k – a hit.’”
Teasing Robbie’s new work, Karl added: “It’s predominantly a guitar record. Let’s face it, he can do what he wants.
“Modern-day Elvis I call him, he’s absolutely bossing top of the tree.”
NO INSTA S-MILEY FOR BILLY RAY
WITH Miley Cyrus tipped for a mega year it’s no surprise to see her dad Billy Ray trying to get back in her good books.
They had a spectacular fall out in 2022 when Billy proposed to a much younger woman, a singer called Firerose, just months after divorcing Miley’s mum Tish.
The family was left divided and Miley sided with her mum. But now he has divorced Firerose, the Achy Breaky Heart singer is keen to make amends.
Miley’s new ‘visual’ album Something Beautiful, which is out in May, will be accompanied by a feature-length film.
On Instagram, he praised Miley and her younger sister Noah, also a singer.
He wrote: “You are witnessing what it feels like for a Dad who in less than one week’s time has had his ass kicked and his mind blown by not one, but two, of his own daughters @mileycyrus @noahcyrus.
“Flesh and blood . . . taking their art to a whole new level. Congratulations girls! I’m so damn proud of both of you. Love Dad.”
I think it’s going to take more than a gushing Instagram post to build bridges with his girls.
Cynthia in GLAAD rags
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CYNTHIA Erivo has bags of energy as she attends GLAAD Media Awards in California.
The Wicked actress was all smiles in a smart black dress and clutching an embellished bag at the VIP event.
During the evening Cynthia gave an emotional speech as she collected the Stephen F. Kolzak Award.
The gong, named after the late Los Angeles casting director, honours a professional who has made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
Cynthia, who is bisexual, said: “This has been a wild, wild ride and I’ve been deeply grateful for every second of it.
“More than anything that I have seen and felt, how open-armed my community has been.”
Cat’s the way to do it
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DOJA CAT is poised for a great few months.
The quirky rapper is chanelling her inner Jedward with a blonde spikey ’do and thick black glasses.
Doja is gearing up for the release of her fifth album Vie, which will be her first since Scarlet in 2023.
Knowing Doja, the record – and publicity shots – will be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
