Those in the know in America are pessimistic about EMI's chances of breaking Robbie Williams in the US big time. A key part of the £80 million deal between Robbie and EMI was finally breaking Mr Williams in the USA – both sides keen to see his fortunes change there. But after a lukewarm receptionat a pre-Grammys show last week the editor of one US music magazine – Blender – reckons Williams has only a 40% chance of making it over the Atlantic. "He has a couple of strikes against him. He does everything with a layer of irony that doesn't translate well." Sean Ross, Group Editor at Airplay Monitor, which has a crucial role in deciding US chart positions, added that it was too early to say whether Williams could make it in America. Talking to the New York Times he said: "There are certainly records that are too British to translate over here, or are perceived as too British to make the cut, but Robbie Williams isn't one of those."
Mar 4, 2003
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1 min read
Pundits not optimistic on Robbie in USA
US industry figures are pessimistic about EMI's chances of breaking Robbie Williams in America, with one magazine editor giving him a 40% chance.