Robbie Williams: Māori Tattoo, Mental Health & NZ Return Tour 2024/2026

Robbie Williams, the English singer-songwriter, attributes a significant turning point in his life to a Māori ta moko tattoo he received over two decades ago. In a recent interview, Williams revealed he believes the tattoo, which contains a prayer inscribed on his arm and shoulder, played a role in his continued existence.

“I have a prayer on my arm and my shoulder, that must’ve gone a long way at protecting me because there’s no reason for me to be alive,” Williams told Seven Sharp. “So I put it down to my tattoo, I put it down to my wife and the kids.”

The revelation comes as Williams reflects on a period of intense fame and personal struggle, documented in the 2023 Netflix docuseries simply titled Robbie Williams. The series offered a candid look into his life, including his departure from the hugely successful boy band Take That in 1995 and the subsequent impact on his mental health. Williams described the pressures of fame with Take That as overwhelming, admitting to a period of heavy alcohol apply – “I’m literally drinking a bottle of vodka a night before going into rehearsals, that’s happening every night.”

The singer’s journey from teen pop sensation to solo artist, and then through periods of addiction and recovery, has been well-documented. Rising to prominence at just 16 with Take That, Williams experienced a level of global success that proved challenging to navigate. The band’s hits, like “Back For Good,” topped charts worldwide, but behind the scenes, Williams was grappling with internal turmoil.

Now sober and a family man, Williams describes a markedly different lifestyle. “The diary is not that interesting,” he remarked, signaling a shift away from the relentless pace of his earlier career. He also shared news of a rekindled friendship and creative collaboration with former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow, who appears on his latest album. “I haven’t stopped collaborating with him since we became friends after my dramatic fallout with him…. Hopefully this won’t be the last of the things we do together, I love him and he’s an incredible person.”

Williams is preparing to return to New Zealand in November for his BRITPOP World Tour, with performances scheduled for Eden Park in Auckland and the newly constructed Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch. This marks his first performance in Christchurch in 25 years and will make him the inaugural international act to play at the new stadium.

The tour is receiving support from the New Zealand Government’s Major Events and Tourism Package, a 70 million dollar fund designed to attract major events to the country and stimulate tourism. Williams last performed in New Zealand in 2023, selling out a show at Mission Estate Winery in Hawkes Bay.

Williams’s embrace of Māori culture extends beyond the personal significance of his tattoo. The increasing visibility of Māori and Pasifika tattoos – known as tā moko and tatau respectively – on international figures like Williams, Ben Harper, Kehlani, Jason Derulo, and Rihanna, speaks to a growing global appreciation for their artistry and cultural weight. These tattoos are increasingly recognized as powerful statements of identity and heritage.

The art of moko, as detailed by Ngahuia Te Awekotuku of the University of Waikato, is deeply rooted in Māori tradition, representing not just beauty and belonging, but a profound connection to ancestry and spirituality. Unlike Western tattooing techniques, traditional Māori moko involved using chisels to cut and scar the skin, creating a raised pattern unique to each individual. Each line within the moko tells a story of courage and achievement.

The practice of receiving tā moko or tatau is often a deeply personal and challenging experience, as highlighted by Dr Phillip Borell (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Dr Dion Enari. For those of Samoan heritage, completing the tatau process is seen as a demonstration of strength and resilience, while failing to finish can carry a sense of shame. The commitment required underscores the cultural significance of these markings.

As Williams prepares to return to New Zealand, his connection to the country and its culture appears to be deepening. His planned visit, coupled with his continued reflection on the protective power of his ta moko, suggests a continued appreciation for the traditions and artistry of Aotearoa.