Has EMI finally given up on plans to break Robbie Williams in the United States? The superstar English performer continues to sell albums by the truckload outside America, but, despite the efforts of his record company, EMI, he simply can’t get arrested Stateside.
EMI executives have now admitted that America is no longer on Williams’ agenda. “In order to crack the U.S. market, we probably would need six months to a year to do it. It simply isn’t in his schedule now,” EMI Music chairman/CEO Alain Levy said today (Nov. 16) in a conference call with reporters.
When pressed on the future for Williams in the United States, Levy acknowledged, “Right now I don’t think it’s on the cards. I don’t think it’s necessary.”
The former Take That singer’s latest solo album, “Intensive Care” (Chrysalis), has proven to be another international smash. EMI says the Billboard European Top 100 Chart-topper has shifted 3.5 million units since its release in late October.
In the United States, “Care” is currently only available via digital download. It debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Digital Albums tally but has sold just 4,000 copies, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Williams begins a world tour April 10 in Durban, South Africa. There are no North American dates on the itinerary at present.
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