Karaoke Star

About

Karaoke Star was issued as a B side to the 2000 single Kids, recorded during the Sing When You’re Winning period. Written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, it formed part of a run of self-aware, often sharply observed tracks that accompanied the main campaign.

The writing drew on experiences Williams discussed publicly at the time, including confrontations about fame, value and responsibility. Several lines reflect real exchanges he described in interviews, where he was challenged about his lifestyle and perceived obligations as a public figure. The song’s tone, balancing cynicism with humour, aligned with the broader character of his early-2000s B sides.

Musically, the track matches sweeping strings with pointed lyrical phrasing, contrasting its polished arrangement with themes of scrutiny and expectation. Its structure emphasises direct address, highlighting the gap between celebrity caricature and Williams’s own frustrations with public commentary.

One of my favourite B sides.Robbie Williams

Although never performed on tour, Karaoke Star has remained a notable fan favourite. Its mix of theatricality and candour encapsulates much of Williams’s off-album work from the era, offering a clear example of the sardonic, reflective writing that defined his B-side catalogue.