Robbie Williams' boldest tour yet proves the 90s aren't dead
Robbie Williams first captured the nation's hearts back in 1990 when he burst onto the music scene as a cheeky and loveable member of beloved boyband Take That. Now, 35 years on from his fresh-faced debut, his latest UK tour has well and truly proved that the 90s aren't dead.
The 51-year-old pop icon has been wowing fans up and down the UK on his highly anticipated 2025 tour, with shows in Edinburgh, London and now Manchester's Coop Live Arena. The singer of 'Angels' promised this tour would be his 'boldest yet', and judging by the audience response on Wednesday, June 12, he certainly delivered.
The concert kicks off with a fusion of futuristic tech and nostalgic messages, reminding everyone in attendance why we're here, to simply savour the music.
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Following a series of tongue-in-cheek messages from AI-generated replicas of icons like Freddie Mercury, David Bowie and Elvis, Robbie takes to the stage in a rather understated Troy Bolton-style bright red vest and matching trousers. It's an ensemble he sticks with for most of the evening, switching into a pink version halfway through the show.
Kicking off the set with 'Rocket' didn't quite appear to hit the mark with the crowd initially, but any reservations were swiftly forgotten when the opening chords to 'Let Me Entertain You' rang out.
This became a recurring theme throughout the night, as Robbie switched on his 90s boyband popstar persona to deliver the evening's highlights, interspersed with less popular tracks from his long showbiz career.
Robbie wasn't shy about being the butt of the joke if it meant winning the crowd back over. Throughout the night, the former Take That member engaged with the audience.
Fans heard the star's heartfelt revelations about his journey as he spoke candidly about his battles with addiction and mental health, thanking his fans for their unwavering support.
A particularly touching moment came during "I Love My Life," which he dedicated to his wife and children.
Robbie spent a significant portion of the evening chatting to his audience, leaving the evening feeling more like 'an evening with Robbie', rather than a straightforward gig of back-to-back hits. And when it came to the classics, Robbie often let the audience take over the singing.
For this reviewer, the high point of the evening came in the final 10 minutes when Robbie powerfully performed Angels and Feel. These iconic songs were destined to steal the spotlight, with everyone lighting up their phones for a truly magical atmosphere.
Rocket
Let Me Entertain You
All My Life / Song 2 / Seven Nation Army / Rim Tim Tagi Dim / 500 Miles / Minnie the Moocher
Monsoon
Old Before I Die
Rock DJ
Love My Life
Strong
The Road to Mandalay
Supreme
Let Love Be Your Energy / Sexed Up / Candy
Relight My Fire (Dan Hartman cover)
Something Beautiful
Millennium
Theme From New York, New York (John Kander cover)
Come Undone
Kids
She's the One (World Party cover)
My Way (Claude François cover)
Feel
Angels
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