Around 12,000 Melburnians packed into Federation Square yesterday (2 January 2025) for a free pop-up concert by iconic pop star Robbie Williams – with less than 24 hours’ notice.
From the moment he stepped onto the stage, Williams exuded charisma and energy, captivating the massive crowd that had gathered hours in advance – kicking off 2025 for Melbourne in a spectacular manner.
Opening with his classic hit “Let Me Entertain You,” he immediately had the audience singing along, setting the tone for an electrifying performance.
Throughout the 45-minute set, Williams delivered a series of fan favourites, including “Better Man,” “Feel,” and the timeless “Angels”.
His witty banter between songs showcased his trademark humour and deep connection with fans. Acknowledging the beefed up police and security presence he quipped: “What’s making me laugh about this whole thing is the police horses here because of the menopausal audience that I attract.”
‘They’re violent fuckers,” he added.
A particularly touching moment occurred when he dedicated “She’s the One” to a fan named Emily, who said had never been able to attend his concerts before due to financial constraints. He also promised her his manager would arrange tickets for her next time he plays in Melbourne, as well as a personal meet and greet with him. This gesture highlighted Williams’ genuine appreciation for his supporters.
The city’s love for Williams was further cemented when Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nick Reece presented him with the Key to the City, an honour bestowed upon only a select few before – including Olivia Newton-John, Dolly Parton and Muhammad Ali.
Williams’ heartfelt acknowledgment of Melbourne as his “second home” resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the special bond he shares with the city. Melbourne loves Robbie as much as Robbie loves Melbourne.
After getting the Keys to the City, our time with Robbie was almost at an end. He closed the show with his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” before leaving the stage, and an electrified, pumped crowd in his wake.
I arrived at Fed Square several hours before the kick-off time to secure a decent spot, despite waiting in the sun. I was quite touched by the sense of community among those who gathered so early on, swapping Robbie Williams stories, inviting others to play card games to break the boredom, taking care of one another’s belongings and minding their spot if they needed to use the loos or fill up their water bottles. That part of the experience will stay with me, just as much as Robbie’s performance will.
Williams was in town to promote his new biopic Better Man, which is the largest feature film to be made locally in Victoria and according to the state government created 2,900 jobs – including more than 420 in regional Victoria – and engaged more than 840 local businesses like caterers, accommodation providers, metal workers and sign writers, injecting over $142 million into the state’s economy.
Directed, co-produced and co-written by Victorian filmmaker Michael Gracey, Better Man follows the rise, fall and resurgence of Robbie Williams – ingeniously portrayed on-screen as a monkey thanks to Melbourne’s talented visual effects experts. It’s in cinemas now.
