Old Before I Die

"Old Before I Die" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, released as the first single from his debut album, Life thru a Lens (1997). The Oasis-influenced song became a number-two hit in the United Kingdom and a number-one hit in Spain following its release on 14 April 1997. Williams wrote the song along with Desmond Child and Eric Bazilian, with production by Guy Chambers and Steve Power.

"Old Before I Die"
Single by Robbie Williams
from the album Life thru a Lens
B-side	"Better Days" "Average B Side" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Kooks"
Released	14 April 1997 (1997-04-14)
Studio	Matrix Maison Rouge (London, England)
Genre	Rock
Length	3:50
Label	Chrysalis
Songwriter(s)	Robbie Williams Desmond Child Eric Bazilian
Producer(s)	Guy Chambers Steve Power
Robbie Williams singles chronology
"Freedom" (1996) "Old Before I Die" (1997) "Lazy Days" (1997)
Music video
"Old Before I Die" on YouTube

Critical reception

Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented, "Williams certainly can't be accused of playing it safe in the wake of his departure from U.K popsters Take That. Instead, post-Freedom, he's opted for a radical change of musical direction. Gone is the sweet, middle of the road style, in favour of a solid and confident rock sound, somewhat reminiscent of his new pals, Oasis."^[1] A reviewer from Music Week rated the song four out of five, describing it as "a confidently composed return from the former Take That man, boasting a strong vocal, tuneful Beatlesesque melody and a ILR-friendly hook. On this evidence, Owen, Barlow and co may be left in Williams shadow."^[2] The magazine's Martin Aston complimented it as "pure Britpop/Beatles swagger and crunch."^[3] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror noted that the singer "has come up with some magic tracks", adding that songs like this are "stadium thrillers".^[4]

Music video

A music video was made to accompany the song. It features Robbie Williams performing for the camera with ageing rock stars as his backing band, and some fade-ins by the cameraman. There are also shots of Williams flying through the air.

Track listings

UK CD1[5] "Old Before I Die" "Better Days" "Average B Side" UK CD2[6] "Old Before I Die" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Kooks" UK cassette single[7] "Old Before I Die" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Better Days" European CD single[8] "Old Before I Die" "Average B Side"

Australian CD single[9] "Old Before I Die" "Kooks" "Average B Side" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Better Days" Japanese mini-album[10] "Old Before I Die" "Kooks" "Average B Side" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Better Days" "Freedom"

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the Life thru a Lens album booklet.^[11]

Studios

• Recorded at Matrix Maison Rouge (London, England)
• Mixed at Battery Studios (London, England)

Personnel

• Robbie Williams – writing, vocals, backing vocals
• Desmond Child – writing
• Eric Bazilian – writing
• Steve McEwan – backing vocals, guitar
• Guy Chambers – guitar, keyboards, production, arrangement
• Fil Eisler – guitar, bass
• Steve Power – keyboards, production, mixing
• Geoff Dugmore – drums, percussion
• Jim Brumby – Battery Studios assistant
• Matt Hay – Matrix Maison Rouge assistant

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1997) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[12] 56 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[13] 30 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[14] 47 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[15] 15 Europe (European Hit Radio)[16] 6 Germany (GfK)[17] 37 Hungary (Mahasz)[18] 2 Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[19] 23 Ireland (IRMA)[20] 11 Italy (Musica e dischi)[21] 23 Italy Airplay (Music & Media)[22] 3 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[23] 32 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[24] 53 Scotland (OCC)[25] 1 Spain (AFYVE)[26] 1 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[27] 33 UK Singles (OCC)[28] 2

Year-end charts Chart (1997) Position UK Singles (OCC)[29][30] 79

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[31]	Silver	200,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
United Kingdom	14 April 1997	CD cassette	Chrysalis	[32]
Japan	21 May 1997	CD		[33]