Robbie Williams makes chart history

Robbie Williams’ album Swings Both Ways has become the 1,000th record to top the UK charts.

16:21 25 November 2013

Pop star Robbie Williams’ new big band album Swing Both Ways has achieved the peak position in the UK album charts, becoming the chart’s 1000th topper 57 years after Frank Sinatra first topped the UK scoreboard with Songs For Swingin’ in Lovers in 1956.

As a solo artist, Williams is comparable to the late Elvis Presley for having 11 number ones as a solo artist. He also had four number ones with his old band Take That. This puts his name in the pole position for 15 times – just like the Beatles. 

The 39-year-old singer said: "I've always said I want to sell a million-and-one records, and I want Gaz to sell a million.” He said, referring to his old band mate, Gary Barlow.

"Gaz is a very good friend of mine, and I want him to knock it out of the park next week when his album comes out, but a few yards shorter than I knock it out of the park. It's honest. I love him to bits, but I want to sell more."

He added that this milestone is attributed to the enduring appeal of his type of entertainment: "I think in these days, with people taking their clothes off and doing drugs and being cynical in whatever way possible to get attention - and good luck to them - I think there is a market for middle-of-the-road entertainment.

"It harks back to a simpler time."