Latest news with #BetterMan

Sky News AU
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Not ready': Robbie Williams shares emotional update during live concert as his 84-year-old mother Janet battles dementia
Robbie Williams has shared a deeply personal update on his mother Janet's health, revealing she no longer knows who he is as she battles dementia. The 51-year-old singer opened up during a concert in Leipzig, Germany last week, telling fans: "My mother has dementia and she doesn't know who I am anymore. She doesn't know where she is anymore." "I'm not ready for it," he added, as per The Sun. The British pop icon first revealed his mother's diagnosis in November last year, drawing a connection to his late grandmother's depiction in his 2024 biopic Better Man. "My mum's currently got dementia – like my nan in the film," he told Hello! at the time. Williams also touched on the declining health of his father, singer Pete Conway, who has been living with Parkinson's disease since 2020. He previously shared the news during the Covid lockdown, describing the emotional toll of being thousands of kilometres away from his parents while isolating with his wife Ayda and their children in Los Angeles. "My dad has Parkinson's and he can't leave the house," he said during his Leipzig show. "He used to sing with me every night on stage, he would come out, steal the show and be charming and then wander backstage for a glass of red wine. Now he can't leave the house." The health challenges extend to his wife Ayda's family as well. "My mother-in-law, who I absolutely worship and adore, has three illnesses," he said. "She's got lupus, Parkinson's and cancer. She is the most courageous lady and she is fighting, fighting, fighting." The Angels singer reflected on the emotional strain of entering this stage of life, admitting he's still coming to terms with it. "It's a strange place to be, this place we find ourselves, 51-years-old, it's very strange to be the grown up," he told the crowd. In December, the father-of-four admitted he was struggling to cope with his parents' illnesses. "The truth is that I'm very busy and I'm not dealing with the situation as I should," he told The Mirror. "I don't really know how to do it, it's an incredibly complicated thing. But I prefer not to go into details… You know, if I say something, they might read it, and then I would have to answer a lot of questions. "Let's put it this way: we are all human beings, with our difficulties, and I am trying to deal with mine."


Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Hidden treasure' music biopic finally arrives on Amazon Prime Video
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A stunning biopic, branded a 'hidden treasure' by impressed fans, has finally landed on Amazon Prime Video. Better Man hit the big screen last December, and focused on music icon Robbie Williams' rise to superstardom. However, in a surprise move, the Angels singer was portrayed by a CGI monkey while everyone else in the movie was human – a decision by director Michael Gracey that left baffled moviegoers around the world. Despite the confusion, many praised the movie, hailing it as 'one of the best biopics' ever made. The film has now arrived on streaming and is available to watch on Amazon Prime, for those who didn't manage to catch the cinema release. Better Man currently boasts a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score from the audience, compared to a critics ranking of 89%. Commending the flick, Maria L wrote: 'A movie that will have you crying, laughing, and dancing! This movie is a hidden treasure and should truly be seen by everyone!! One of the best movies of 2024.' Marianne E agreed: 'One of the best biopics I've seen in a long time, very touching, made me cry a lot.' 'BRILLIANT. A true masterpiece and like nothing you've ever seen,' AE J said. 'I am a fan of Williams but even a nondevotee would leave appreciating what an absolute marvel this film is, from the music, the epic dance numbers and the acting this biopic is a stunning exploration into the depths of self-loathing to redemption. Lovely.' Ker M added: 'It is rare to see a modern movie with such an incomprehensible degree of creativity embedded into every frame. 'While my faith in modern film is at an all-time low, works of genius like Better Man give me renewed vigor and hope. This is a MUST see. Will clearly become a cult classic in years to come, box office be darned.' With many questions over the monkey's involvement, Robbie previously shed light on why he was portrayed by a CGI animal in a chat with Metro while at the premiere. 'I didn't know that I'd have to explain it, but obviously [I do],' he told us. 'Because it's unusual, right? That's the thing. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I'm on the spectrum, so things that are unusual to me, aren't that unusual – I don't pick up on those sorts of cues. I don't know where I am on the spectrum, by the way, I just know I am.' 'It shouldn't work but it actually works better than if it was me. I don't know why,' he added. 'It made complete sense to me as soon as [Gracey] pitched it to me'. 'I don't know if this film would be as talked about if it hadn't had the monkey in it. And it does, and it has. And it all makes sense when you see it.' Although it wasn't a box office smash in the US, Robbie previously shared his hopes that we could get a sequel very soon. More Trending In a chat with Australian DJ Sean Brown, the Rock DJ icon said in January: 'There is so much that didn't make the movie. 'Only because we couldn't fit it in – not because I was too embarrassed or ashamed to put it in… many stories. It would have had to be a five-hour film to fit everything in. 'And hopefully it does good and there is a Better Man 2.' Better Man is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Major American actress 'top name for next Bond Girl' after stratospheric rise MORE: Robbie Williams reveals his mum heartbreakingly 'doesn't know who I am anymore' MORE: Ghost legend Patrick Swayze was 'the 10th choice' for iconic 90s movie


Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Robbie Williams gives heartbreaking update on mum's dementia
Take That star, Robbie Williams, has opened up about his beloved mum Janet's dementia decline as he heartbreakingly admitted he 'isn't ready for it' Robbie Williams has given a heartbreaking update on his mum's health following her dementia diagnosis last year. The Take That star, 51, revealed Janet was diagnosed with the disease in November, and has now, sadly, admitted that she no longer recognises her superstar son. Dad-of-three, Robbie, spoke candidly about Janet's health battle during a recent concert while on tour in Germany as he conceded he 'wasn't ready for it'. He also discussed his dad Pete's Parkinson's diagnosis, explaining that he can no longer leave the house after previously admitting he was fighting "fear and panic" over the situation. As per The Sun, Robbie revealed that his mum "doesn't know who I am anymore", sharing: "My mother has dementia and she doesn't know who I am anymore. She doesn't know where she is anymore." He continued: "My dad has Parkinson's and he can't leave the house. He used to sing with me every night on stage, he would come out, steal the show and be charming and then wander backstage for a glass of red wine. Now he can't leave the house." Robbie also revealed his wife Ayda's mum is also battling ill health, saying that she was sadly suffering from lupus, Parkinson's and cancer. Speaking about the reality of his mum's journey ahead, Robbie concluded: "It's a strange place to be" before admitting "I'm not ready for it". Towards the end of last year, Robbie told The Mirror that he "didn't know" how to cope with the "incredibly complicated" situation. He said: "The truth is that I'm very busy and I'm not dealing with the situation as I should. I don't really know how to do it, it's an incredibly complicated thing." He continued: "But I prefer not to go into details, You know, if I say something, they might read it, and then I would have to answer a lot of questions." "Let's put it this way: we are all human beings, with our difficulties, and I am trying to deal with mine." Robbie's biopic, Better Man, features themes of familial love and loss, and touches on his relationship with his late grandmother, who also had dementia. Speaking to Hello! about his family's plight, he explained: "My mum's currently got dementia - like my nan in the film - and my dad's got Parkinson's and can't get out of bed. So I'm in a different part of my life right now." Back in 2020 Robbie revealed his dad Pete had been diagnosed with Parkinson's, admitting at the time that he was fighting "fear and panic" over the situation. He told us that receiving the diagnosis during Covid made things twice as hard as he, wife, Ayda, and their children were self-isolating thousands of miles away from his parents in Los Angeles. Robbie's parents split in 1977. They also share daughter Sally, who is 11 years Robbie's senior.

Associated Press
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Classic/alternative rock band Broken Daisies invites listeners to lean into our soul's full potential with 'Better Man'
'When someone comes to a Broken Daisies show, we hope they not only enjoy the music, but experience the passion and meaning we put behind our music, lyrics, friendships and show.'— Jim Petipas, drummer and band manager BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, July 13, 2025 / / -- New England-based alternative rock band Broken Daises is inviting listeners to lean into the full potential of their souls with 'Better Man,' now streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. 'The song's theme is the tension that rises up in every human soul between being a better man or woman — or falling into bitterness as the circumstances of life come at us,' the band reveals. 'There is a lot of relevant Adam and Eve imagery mingled in.' That imagery supports the idea that each person has a clear daily choice to live in alignment with their values — or not. The song's theme is carried by classic alternative rock instrumentation, a sound that the band has established through live gigs across the New England area. Broken Daisies is comprised of Anthony Freddura (lead guitar), Stephen Kaufmann (bass and saxophone), Ben Knight (keyboard, vocals), Jim Petipas (drums, vocals) and Renato Zeppi (guitar, vocals). The collective of musicians recorded 'Better Man' at Northgate Studios, where it was produced by Berklee graduate Tim Bongiovanni. Randy Leroy of Tonal Park mastered the final track. The invitation found in 'Better Man' is a hallmark of Broken Daisies's music: thought-provoking encouragement. An accompanying music video to be released on July 18 expands on the themes, giving listeners a visual to grasp the theme. 'I want them to feel a sense of hope and encouragement from the music. It is intended to be uplifting,' Renato Zeppi offers. Listeners are likely to experience that emboldening dose of hope when they see the song live as well. With a willingness to play any venue, Broken Daises is committed to offering performances with impact. Jim Petipas explains, 'When someone comes to a Broken Daisies show, we hope they not only enjoy the music, but experience the passion and meaning we put behind our music, lyrics, friendships and show.' That ethos informs even the band name, which references the idea that daisies are resilient flowers that can symbolize rebirth and renewal. That kind of hope is Broken Daisies's mission, whether on stage or in the studio. 'Better Man' is streaming now. You can learn more about Broken Daisies by finding their website and social platforms at Mary Nikkel Mary Nikkel Media 9033712395 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.


Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Robbie Williams movie fans dub 'masterpiece' is streaming now
The film can now be streamed by fans at home Prime Video has quietly added Robbie Williams movie A Better Man which fans have labelled a 'unique masterpiece.' The film released in cinemas in 2024, is now part of the ever changing library on the retail giant's streaming platform as from today (July 12). It is a welcome surprise for many fans who were not expecting its addition on the platform. According to the synopsis, the movie promises to tell the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams. Helmed by Michael Gracey, known for also directing the hit musical movie The Greatest Showman, the film is uniquely told from Robbie's perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie's journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist, all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring. There is a significant twist however, which was the most talked about aspect of the film during its promotion at the time of its release. That is the fact that the character of Robbie Williams in the film, is portrayed by a CGI monkey. In fact, the role of Robbie, according to the credits was played by three different performers. Robbie Williams provided narration and some vocals himself. Meanwhile, Jonno Davies provided voiceover and motion capture, Adam Tucker performed additional singing and Carter J. Murphy was the voice for Young Robbie. Despite the confusion surrounding the creative decision to not have the actor's human face on display for their performance as Robbie, the film was a hit with fans and critics upon its release. It has managed an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with its fan score standing at 90%. One critic identified the use of the CGI monkey as a clever selling point. They argued: "Those willing to take a chance will find a biopic that works because any fears of bad casting have been eliminated. What is left is a production with enough energy and originality to send the film world into a dizzying spin." Another suggested: "Better Man is the best musical of this decade so far". While someone else added: "I loved it so much I had to watch it again the next day, and now I can't get the songs out of my head." One fan claimed: "Better Man is a unique masterpiece. The choreography was superb. The singing and CGI special affects, made this true story come alive. It was a joy to take this journey with a young boy, who was dearly loved and nurtured by his mother and grandmother. Such an inspiring and warm movie. Well done to the team who created such a wonderful cinematic experience." Someone else posted: "A true masterpiece and like nothing you've ever seen. I am a fan of Williams but even a non-devotee would leave appreciating what an absolute marvel this film is, from the music, the epic dance numbers and the acting this biopic is a stunning exploration into the depths of self-loathing to redemption. Lovely."