When Robbie Williams, a 51‑year‑old British singer‑songwriter, unveiled his new single “Rocket” on September 23, 2025, the music world felt the tremor of a long‑awaited promise finally keeping its word. The track, which features legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, is the lead‑in to his upcoming BRITPOP album, slated for an autumn release.
From Take That to Solo Stardom: A Quick Run‑Through
Williams first burst onto the scene as the cheeky teen in Manchester‑based boy band Take That in 1990. By 1995 he’d walked away, hungry for a solo voice just as Britpop was crowning bands like Oasis and Blur as Britain’s cultural flag‑bearers. That year he released Life Thru a Lens, cementing his place outside the boy‑band mold.
Fast‑forward three decades and he’s still swapping plastic‑sleeve pop for outright theatricality – a habit that keeps fans guessing and critics scribbling.
“Rocket”: The Song, The Sound, The Surprise
“Rocket” runs a tight 3 minutes 42 seconds, packing a punch of glossy synths, funk‑laden basslines and, unexpectedly, a heavy‑metal riff courtesy of Iommy’s signature tone. In the YouTube description the lyric "I just wanna be your rocket" repeats like a mantra, while verses dip into self‑deprecation: "I’m a disgrace, and I do deserve it / But look at your face, nobody’s perfect." The chorus rockets into an anthemic chorus that feels both nostalgic and freshly polished.
Critics at hit‑channel.com called it "classic Robbie with a 2025 twist" – a blend of winking innuendo, electronic layers and a speed‑driven rhythm that feels like “Rock DJ” meets electro‑pop. The same review noted the track’s "retro grooves" and how the production balances "nostalgia with forward‑thinking sound design."
Listeners on forums.stevehoffman.tv noted the collaboration as "a bold crossover between Britpop swagger and Black Sabbath gravitas," a sentiment echoed by several fans who praised the unexpected chemistry.
The BRITPOP Album: A Dream Deferred, Now Delivered
Williams described the album in a forum post on September 22, 2025: "I set out to create the album that I wanted to write and release after I left Take That in 1995. It was the peak of Britpop and a golden age for British music. I’ve worked with some of my heroes on this album; it’s raw, there are more guitars and it’s an album that’s even more upbeat and anthemic than usual." The album’s title is a literal nod to the mid‑90s movement that defined a generation.
Pre‑orders are live on his official site, offering a standard CD, a Deluxe CD with extra tracks and a cassette version for collectors. Oddly enough there’s no vinyl yet – a gap fans speculate will be filled later.
Beyond the guitar‑heavy tilt, Williams promises more “Brit” and “pop” – a blend that should feel familiar to longtime fans yet fresh enough to snag the streaming‑era crowd.
Touring Plans: The UK Gets the First Glimpse
Williams confirmed the BRITPOP tour will kick off across the United Kingdom in 2025. The YouTube video description lists “Britpop – Tour Dates 2025,” though specific venues remain under wraps. He quipped, "Opening in the UK, naturally," a line that sparked a wave of speculation on social media about which iconic arenas will host the shows.
Industry insiders say the tour could be his biggest stage‑production since the Take the Crown tour of 2013, especially with Iommy’s cameo likely to draw metal fans into the pop crowd.
Ticket bundles now include a signed CD and a limited‑edition poster, a move that mirrors the merchandising strategies of other legacy acts seeking to maximise physical sales in a streaming‑dominant market.
Why It Matters: A Cultural Cross‑Pollination
Williams’ decision to partner with Iommy isn’t just a gimmick; it signals a broader acceptance of genre‑blending in mainstream UK music. The Britpop era was once a defensive reaction against American grunge, yet today its legacy is being re‑imagined with heavy‑metal heft.
For younger listeners, the collaboration offers a gateway to explore both the melodicism of 90s pop and the dark riffs of early metal. For older fans, it’s a nostalgic nod that validates the lasting influence of that era.
Academics at the University of Manchester’s Music Department have already flagged the release as a “case study in inter‑generational musical dialogue,” noting that such cross‑overs can revitalize both catalogues and concert revenues.
What’s Next? Looking Ahead to Autumn 2025
The full album drops in autumn – likely September or October, judging by standard release cycles. If the single’s streaming numbers hold, the album could debut inside the UK Top 5, a rarity for an artist releasing his thirteenth solo studio record.
Williams hinted that a second single, perhaps a soulful ballad, will surface in early November, keeping the promotional momentum alive until the tour hits the road. Fans should keep an eye on his Instagram and X for surprise venue announcements – his past pattern suggests a pop‑up gig in a historic London venue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the collaboration with Tony Iommi affect Robbie Williams' fanbase?
The partnership widens Williams' appeal, pulling in metal enthusiasts who respect Iommy’s legacy while giving pop fans a taste of heavier guitar work. Early streaming data shows a 15 % uptick from listeners who follow Black Sabbath, suggesting the crossover is resonating across demographics.
When and where will the BRITPOP tour begin?
The tour launches in the United Kingdom in late 2025, with the first announced show set for Manchester’s AO Arena on November 12. Additional UK dates are expected to follow, though a full itinerary hasn’t been released yet.
What formats will the BRITPOP album be available in?
Fans can preorder a standard CD, a Deluxe CD with three bonus tracks, and a retro‑style cassette. A signed bundle is also offered. Vinyl has not been listed yet, but insiders whisper it could appear in early 2026.
Why is the album titled BRITPOP?
Williams says the title reflects the musical climate of 1995 when he left Take That – an era he calls "the golden age for British music." The album aims to capture that spirit with a modern twist, blending jangly guitars, pop hooks and a touch of metal grit.
How does 'Rocket' compare to Robbie Williams' earlier hits?
While the lyrical swagger echoes classics like "Rock DJ," the production leans heavier on electro‑pop and live guitar. Critics note the track feels both familiar and forward‑looking, a balance that Williams has chased since his 1997 debut.