Robbie Williams Talks Taylor Swift Inspiring ‘Sweet’ Fan Movement

Robbie Williams Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Robbie Williams is grateful Taylor Swift has revived a trend that was popular in the ’80s and ’90s — because it’s become a symbol of connecting with his own fan base.

In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly to promote his new film, Better Man, Williams, 50, dished on his favorite gifts that he’s received from fans. “Well, Taylor Swift has started this thing with these bead wristband things,” the British pop star told Us, referring to friendship bracelets. “I quite like that people are bringing in these bracelets.”

In “You’re on Your Own, Kid” from Swift’s 2022 album, Midnights, the Grammy winner, 35, sings, “So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it,” and during the Eras Tour, Swifties everywhere — including Selena Gomez, Jennifer Garner, Kyle Richards, Flavor Flav, Paula Abdul, Ashley Greene and Mindy Kaling — took that lyric literally by creating their own friendship bracelets to share during the concerts.

After spending his formative years in Take That and enjoying a massively successful solo career, Williams is thankful to be able to show his appreciation for the fans who have been along with him every step of the way.

Jonno Davies as “Robbie Williams” in Better Man. Paramount Pictures

“It’s very sweet, and a representation of something that I’m very grateful to, which is people buying a ticket to come and see me,” the “Angels” singer continued. “It’s a representation of them and me, and it’s an unusual relationship that we have. It’s nontraditional.”

Noting that the only time he takes the accessories off are when he attends awards ceremonies, he added of rocking the jewelry on a daily basis, “It’s a way of me accepting their gratitude — and me having gratitude to them by existing on my body.”

Williams’ fans are also coming out in droves to watch Better Man, a musical fantasy film exploring the ups and downs of his decades-spanning career. Though musical biopics are nothing new, what sets Better Man apart is that Williams is depicted by a CGI monkey — a risk inspired by Michael Gracey’s conversations with the singer, who would refer to himself as the animal while talking about his career.

Gareth Cattermole/TAS18/Getty Images for TAS

Better Man is the one movie Williams could watch for the rest of his life — “I’m not just saying that for promo,” he told Us — and his favorite moment is the same one that fans can’t stop talking about: “The Rock DJ choreography scene on Regent Street,” he said of the now-viral moment featuring his character dancing in London.

Better Man is in theaters now.