Robbie Williams brought the house down at A Day on the Green in Geelong over the weekend, treating more than 20,000 fans to a sensational show filled with energy, nostalgia, and undeniable star power.
Under the star-studded canopy of a day on the green in Geelong, Robbie Williams, the maestro of musical revelry and King of entertainment, defied age and weather alike to orchestrate a symphony of utter joy for 23,000 adoring fans. At the cusp of 50, Williams, a name etched in the annals of pop history, proved once again why he’s not just an artist but an unrivalled host of the ultimate music party.
The air was charged with anticipation as the heavens themselves seemed to conspire, drenching the venue in an early thunderstorm and persistent rain. Yet, undeterred by the capricious weather, fans gathered in a sea of ponchos, their spirits undampened, ready for an evening that promised to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The festivities kicked off with a vibrant prelude, setting the scene for the night ahead. As ponchos and raincoats began to dot the renowned winery landscape, Yo Mafia took the stage, steering the audience into a dance-fueled euphoria. With seamless transitions and an expertly curated mix, Yo Mafia ensured that the rain became an afterthought for the crowd, who surrendered to the beats and let the music take control. The dance floor came alive, and the collective anticipation for Robbie Williams grew with each passing track.
The vibes continued with the electronic beats of Lufthouse, a dynamic electronic group from Melbourne, reverberating through the air, infusing the venue with an electric energy that had the crowd swaying and dancing despite the rain. Lufthouse’s pulsating rhythms and infectious tunes laid the groundwork for an evening of musical celebration.
Right before the main event, Gaz Combes, of Supergrass fame, set the stage with a minimalist yet engaging and intriguing performance. Against a backdrop that displayed only his name in bold orange across three screens, Combes continued to warm up the diverse, rain-soaked crowd with a collection of his best tracks. With a knack for crafting deeply personal songs set to expansive, addictive melodies, highlights included ‘Don’t Say It’s Over’, ‘Deep Pockets’, and 2015 single ‘Detroit’.
View this post on Instagram
With the rain seemingly gone, punters hurried to the best vantage points as the ultimate showman prepared to take to the stage as part of his XXV Tour.
From the inaugural chords of ‘How Wow Yeah Yeah,’ the stage became a pulsating epicentre of energy, and Robbie Williams emerged as the charismatic ringleader, not merely a performer but the architect of an immersive experience. In a career spanning more than two decades, Williams has perfected the art of transforming a concert into a delightfully raucous affair of sound and spectacle – and he sure as hell knows it.
The infectious energy of ‘How Wow Yeah Yeah’ seamlessly led into the classic anthem ‘Let Me Entertain You’, where Williams put forward his very best moves in the sparkliest of outfits, supported by impressive visuals, a high-energy band, incredible backup vocalists and of course, the rhythmic collection of dancers.
Taking a moment to acknowledge his fans, Williams, unfiltered and unapologetic, took the helm, “I’m Robbie Williams, and I’m fucking amazing.” His infectious confidence set the tone for an evening where the boundaries between the stage and the audience blurred into a collective celebration, proving that he is indeed still on top of his game (not that we were ever doubting that!).
Williams’ setlist, a carefully curated journey through his iconic repertoire, became a sonic odyssey and nostalgic rollercoaster as he took fans on a journey through his “highest of highs and lowest of lows”, referencing and building on much covered in his recent Netflix documentary. From early Take That classic like ‘Back For Good’ to unexpected diversions into Oasis with ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ and Barry Manilow’s ‘Could It Be Magic, alongside Williams’ own vulnerable cuts ‘Strong’ and ‘Undone’ wove a tapestry of hits and anecdotes, making each song a cherished chapter in the evening’s narrative.
A personal highlight was overwhelmingly beautiful 2016’s ‘Love My Life’, the second single from his eleventh studio album Heavy Entertainment Show. Williams’ performance of this track was a poignant moment, captivating the audience with its heartfelt lyrics and touching melody. Singing and unleashing a burst of streamers into the sea of fans, the adoration from the crowd was palpable, creating a shared moment of connection and unity that transcended the wet weather.
From here, it was hit after hit, as he delivered favourites in ‘Better Man’, ‘Candy’ (while projecting free t-shirts into the crowd), ‘Feel’, and the dance-ready ‘Kids’, and ‘Rock DJ’, with the latter two having the entire crowd singing and dancing along.
View this post on Instagram
With a charm that transcended mere vocal prowess, Williams invited the audience into a world where music wasn’t just heard but experienced. His cheeky banter, a delightful blend of wit and irreverence, turned the songs into conversation starters, a moment to laugh, reminisce, and escape. Williams, ever the charismatic showman, brought a personal touch to A Day in the Green with his playful interactions with the crowd too.
Throughout the performance, he took a moment to single out the likes of Jason, a good-natured target to roast on for the night, while also finding an “extra from Game of Thrones in the shit seats”, who he ended up gifting front row seats and a cherished moment on stage. Every time the crowd erupted in laughter, highlighting Williams’ ability to connect intimately with his audience. Amidst the banter, he dedicated a heartfelt rendition of ‘She’s The One’ to another fan, Chelsea, creating a memorable and personal experience that showcased the genuine rapport between the entertainer and his fans.
In the encore, against the backdrop of rain-soaked euphoria, Williams paid homage to Australian greatness with a spirited cover of ‘You’re the Voice’, in one of the largest singalongs of the entire evening. The night reached its zenith with ‘She’s the One’ and a poignant dedication of ‘Angels,’ transforming the concert into a collective catharsis as the 23,000-strong crowd embraced the elements together.
As lights and lasers danced in the rain and the crowd echoed the anthems of the night, Robbie Williams, with a beaming smile and a genuine love for the crowd, left an indelible mark on Geelong, proving that not even rain could overshadow the magic of his performance.
“Fucking brilliant. I’m so proud of you for standing in this fucking rain, well done Oz. Give yourselves a round of applause you fuckers!
Beyond a performance, it was a sheer spectacle of pure, unbridled joy, a testament to why, after more than 25 years, Robbie Williams remains not just a musician but the G.O.A.T of entertainment, leaving us all with a night that transcended the ordinary and etched itself into the realm of the extraordinary.
Robbie Williams at Mt Duneed Estate for a day on the green on Saturday, November 25 2023.
