ROBBIE WILLIAMS' SWEET TRIBUTE TO HIS WIFE AND DAD AS BRITPOP TOUR HEADS TO SYDNEY
Robbie Williams has proved he can still work a stadium, turning Melbourne's Marvel Stadium into one big singalong on Wednesday, November 11.
It was his first show at the venue since 2006, and the two-hour set mixed swagger, silliness and some surprisingly tender moments.
According to a review by Noise11, he opened the night by cheekily asking the crowd whether he still had it.
Judging by the reaction, the answer was a resounding yes.
Robbie Williams opens up about family
Between the big numbers, the 52-year-old singer spoke warmly about the people who keep him grounded.
He credited his wife, Ayda Field, and their four children with saving his life.
Then, in true Robbie style, he joked that nobody ever expected him to have four children with the same woman.
One of the most touching moments came when he spoke about his father, the comedian Peter Williams, who is no longer able to travel.
Robbie told the crowd his dad had said to him, "I am good, but you are the greatest."
It was the kind of moment that reminded fans why he has always connected so well with audiences in this part of the world.
What he played
The show opened with Rocket, the lead single from his album Britpop, before launching straight into Let Me Entertain You.
Fans also heard Pretty Face and Hot Fudge, which Noise11 says he brought back after encouragement from his drummer, Karl Brazil.
On a smaller B stage, he sang Better Man, a song closely tied to his recent biopic of the same name.
He also performed an acoustic version of Wonderwall with Thom Rylance from support band The Lottery Winners.
Back on the main stage came Millennium, Come Undone, Kids and She's The One, plus a cheeky take on Theme From New York, New York.
He sang My Way before the encore and finished, as only he could, with Feel and Angels.
He even poked fun at Coldplay, who had played the same stadium earlier, describing himself as a cheaper version of the band.
The Britpop album
The tour is named after Britpop, the album Robbie Williams released earlier this year.
The Note reports that collaborators on the record include Chris Martin, Gaz Coombes, Tony Iommi and his old Take That bandmate Gary Barlow.
He has described it as the album he wanted to make after leaving Take That in 1995, when he was a big fan of the Britpop sound.
Expect more guitars and a rawer edge than some of his best-loved ballads.
Robbie Williams tour dates still to come
The BRITPOP World Tour opened at Adelaide Oval on November 7, and there are still several chances to catch him.
Saturday, November 14: Accor Stadium, Sydney.
Tuesday, November 17: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle.
Friday, November 20: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Tuesday, November 24: Eden Park, Auckland.
Saturday, November 28: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch.
Supports across the tour include Australia's G Flip, New Zealand's Drax Project and The Lottery Winners from the UK, although line-ups can vary by city.
Before you go
All shows are all ages, but anyone under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian, and the shows are recommended for ages 16 and over.
If you are heading to Sydney, check the Accor Stadium event page for transport and bag rules before you leave home.
Tour details and ticket information are also on Robbie's official website.
Stadium shows mean plenty of walking, so comfortable shoes, a refillable water bottle and a light layer for the evening are always smart choices.
And whatever else you pack, bring your voice, because Angels is always going to be loud.
