Robbie Williams reveals he needs autocue while performing due to past drug abuse

Robbie Williams has revealed his past drug abuse has left him needing an autocue while performing on stage.

The former Take That star rocketed to solo stardom thanks to hits such as Angels and Let Me Entertain You in the late 1990s, but the singer fell to many of the trappings that came with fame.

The star has been open about his drug use during the height of his stardom, but it would appear the years of over-indulgence has impacted on his ability as a performer.

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Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the 46-year-old said: “Now if you were in a stadium full of people and you had done drugs in your life, your brain is not going to be working properly.

“And the last thing you want to do when you are staring at 80,000 people is go, ‘Yep I do not remember these words’.

“That’s why I got an autocue, because I suffer with anxiety and it is a high-pressure scenario.”

The autocue revelations come after recent comments from Williams branding the UK “delusional” in its approach to drugs and alcohol.

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The now 20-years-sober Williams told The Sun: “The thing about drugs and drink is the delusion. In the UK and many places, it’s as natural as breathing.

“You just do not think about it - you leave school then you go to the pub and that is it, and then you drink.

“Then it becomes a crutch and then people rely on it and I totally get it.

He added: “But it’s such a crying shame that it is such a natural thing to do. I think it shouldn’t be a ­natural thing to do.”