In the latest 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 joins Mark for a warm, honest and reflective conversation about The Commitments, life after the film, his musical roots, and returning to the songs for a new run of shows celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary. You can watch the full video version on the XS Noize YouTube channel below.
Robert talks about being a musician before The Commitments, fronting his own band Housebroken, and how his sister first introduced him to Roddy Doyle’s book. He also reflects on why he initially saw the film as a distraction from his music, before eventually becoming the face and voice of one of the most loved music films of all time.
The conversation looks back at the audition process, whether Robert was originally considered for the role of Deco, what Alan Parker saw in him, and how he found the natural Dublin rhythm of Jimmy Rabbitte. Robert also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot, including Van Morrison auditioning for Joey “The Lips,” the famous bath scene, Johnny Murphy’s motorbike mishap, and the moment he realised The Commitments had become much bigger than just a film.
Mark and Robert also discuss what happened afterwards — the pressure of sudden fame, travelling to Los Angeles, signing to MCA, working on an unfinished Housebroken album, and the frustration of being seen as Jimmy Rabbitte when he wanted to be recognised as an artist in his own right.
Elsewhere, Robert talks about the lasting connection people still have with The Commitments. In 2024, he took part in a Commitments Celebration event in Birmingham, followed by further events in Dublin, Manchester, Solihull and London in 2025, where hearing directly from fans reminded him how deeply the film had stayed with people.
Now, in 2026, Robert is bringing the music back to the fans with Robert Arkins’ Commitments, marking the 35th anniversary of The Commitments with club shows, festival appearances, and special celebration events. The live set will feature songs from the film alongside Detroit and Northern Soul favourites, recreating the atmosphere of dark basement ’60s soul clubs.
At its heart, this episode is about music, identity, second chances, and what happens when a role follows you for the rest of your life — not as a burden, but as something you gradually learn to carry, understand and celebrate.
Prefer audio? Stream the full episode below.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
Get tickets for Robert Arkins’ Commitments 35th anniversary shows here
About The XS Noize Podcast
With more than 280 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast is a trusted home for in-depth conversations with music’s legends, innovators and trailblazers.
Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured guests including Glen Hansard, Steve Lillywhite, Matt Berninger, Gary Numan, John Lydon, Peter Hook, Crowded House, Elbow, Travis, New Order, Simple Minds, Shaun Ryder and many more.
The XS Noize Podcast is ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts globally by Listen Notes, has reached #1 in Apple Podcasts Music Interviews in Ireland, and has also charted inside the UK Top 5 reflecting its growing reputation for thoughtful, long-form music conversations.
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