More about: Robbie Williams

Unsold Copies of Robbie Williams’ last album ‘Rudebox’ are to be shipped to China and used as a raw material in the relaying of road surfaces, it’s been claimed.

The unusual plan announced in the Guardian, which would also see the albums crushed to become ingredients in the production of the country’s streetlights, is understood to form part of EMI’s attempts to cut spending.

Released in 2006, ‘Rudebox’ was seen as a radical departure for Williams, who signed an £80 million deal with EMI in 2002.

In an announcement yesterday (January 15th), the record label’s new owners Terra Firma said big advances were one of the main reasons that EMI had plummeted into financial difficulties.

Terra Firma’s boss Guy Hands, who has confirmed that up to 2,000 staff will lose their jobs at the label, said EMI would have to adapt because it was "struggling to respond to the challenges posed by a digital environment".

In light of Mr Hands’ plans, Williams is understood to be withholding his new album until its financial future is proven.

More about: Robbie Williams