ROBBIE WILLIAMS NAMED BRITISH ICON

British treasure Robbie Williams will be honoured with the BRITs Icon Award, following in the footsteps of Elton John and David Bowie. It's his 18th BRIT and will be awarded a few days after the release of his 11th studio album, Heavy Entertainment Show, which is due 11/4 through Columbia.

Williams will accept the award during a one-off show at London’s Troxy on 11/7, to be aired on ITV in December. A BRITs Icon is presented to artists whose writing, recording and performances have set them apart as having made a lasting impact on British culture, recognising the very highest level of achievement in music.

The Troxy show will feature performances of Williams’ classic hits and new material, along with collaborations, surprises, a candid interview with Williams and key figures who have influenced his career and life.

After leaving Take That in ‘95, Williams has sold 77m albums worldwide, enjoyed 14 #1 singles and, in 2006, set a new record when he sold 1.6m tickets in one day.