Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film (#286)

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker's classic 1991 film The Commitments.

Robert looks back on life before the film, his musical roots, fronting his own band Housebroken, and how his sister first introduced him to Roddy Doyle's book. He reflects on why he initially saw The Commitments as a possible distraction from his music, before becoming the face and voice of one of the most beloved music films ever made.

In this warm and honest conversation, Robert talks about working with Alan Parker, finding Jimmy Rabbitte's natural Dublin rhythm, the humour and energy that still make the film resonate, and the moment he realised The Commitments had become much bigger than just a film.

He also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot, including Van Morrison auditioning for Joey "The Lips," memories of the famous bath scene, Johnny Murphy's motorbike mishap, and what fans still say to him more than three decades later.

The conversation also goes deeper into what happened after The Commitments — the pressure of sudden fame, travelling to Los Angeles, signing to MCA, working on an unfinished Housebroken album, and the frustration of being recognised as Jimmy Rabbitte when he wanted to be seen as an artist in his own right.

Now, Robert is returning to the music with Robert Arkins' Commitments, marking the 35th anniversary of The Commitments with UK and Ireland shows. He talks about bringing those songs back to the stage, adding Detroit and Northern Soul into the live set, and why the audience energy still reminds him of watching the film with a crowd.

At its heart, this episode is about music, identity, second chances, and what happens when one role follows you for the rest of your life.

Listen to the full episode now.