Nothing like a name:

Names are very important in life. You probably are wondering what I am getting it but the truth it your name defines you. I interviewed Robbie Williams in London recently. (To be seen on German television soon, the exact date will be announced in a few weeks). Robbie, I read before the interview, wants to be called Robert from now on. I can understand him. The name wasn't his choice, it was his former manager's idea, presumeably to keep his image young. Now Robbie is older he wants to revert back to the name his parents gave him. I changed my surname shortly before I started work for MTV. Blame doesn't exist until then. Years ago I talked to a therapist about this and she told me that if you have two names you have two personalities. If you are named after a football team then you are in real trouble. But for me the personality Blame is definitely different to the other personality, who is probably more thoughtful. But it's a form of protection. Blame is an invention, a face I used to present to people who I hadn't met before. That's changed over the years. I feel I have married both sides today, a fusion of both personalities. By now you have probably sent for the psychiatrist, either because you have changed your name (marrieds watch out) or you are thinking that Blame has lost it. My theory is all famous people hide behind the invention of their stage persona, and that persona is encompassed in their name. Madonna, for example, once spoke about herself during an interview I conducted in the third person. What would Madonna do? Clearly this is a form of self-preservation, a way of keeping some sides of yourself personal and private. Robbie wants to discard Robbie and be Robert. I think, again only a theory, he is looking to put aside some of the attributes (and probably what he sees as failings) he associates with his time as Robbie and move on. Changing his name will quicken the process. And by the way he's a great guy, makes great music, and it's a great interview.