By Leah Victoria

Artist: Robbie Williams

Date / Venue: Wednesday February 14th, 2018 - Spark Arena, Auckland

With 28 years of entertaining the world under his belt, I think it’s safe to call Robbie Williams the heavy weight champion of song.

Bursting onto the Auckland Spark Arena stage donning a full length satin boxing robe surrounded by his posse of lady dancers wearing boxing gloves and boots, he was greeted with screams of excitement, and went straight into the tour title The Heavy Entertainment Show. Robbie reckons he’s not as famous as he was in the 90’s. The packed-out venue strongly contradicts him, but the straight-talking entertainer is thankful that he’s now performing indoor arena’s and not outdoor stadiums when he arrives to atmospheric conditions such as Auckland is experiencing right now.

The Heavy Entertainment Show World Tour is laden with the his greatest hits. Such a show may indicate it’s time for the artist to retire, but reports have denied that the end is near, rather that some of his older, most popular tracks will be put to bed for a while to make room for brand new material. Robbie’s repertoire is full of lyrical wit, melodically reflecting the physical and phycological challenges he has faced in his colourful life so far, Come Undone and Feel are just two examples containing lyrics from his heart and mind.

Now a fit and sober husband and father of two, this change of pace has seen him calm considerably and it’s extremely apparent how much he appreciates his fans who have followed him along the way permitting him to live the ups and downsin the life he has created for himself. The grown up responsible version of super star Robbie Williams has in no way detracted from his sense of humour and potty mouth that has always been a big part of his showmanship.

He interacted with the crowd throughout the entire show, commenting on the handmade posters held up high, in particular one that read “Sing Angels For Boobs”. Robbie noted that was a fair swap and happily obliged for a quick flash or 3!

We were treated to all our Robbie classics, from his first ever number 1 solo single Millennium, the rap attempt that was Rudebox (which apparently almost ended his career in music), and a few of his favourite swing classics thrown in for good measure. He even added a Take That throwback with Never Forget.

Mr Robbie’s Dad made his second appearance alongside his son in Auckland as they sang the family favourite together 'Sweet Caroline' on the couch, reminiscent of the lounge room performances Robbie enjoyed growing up.

It was a night full of colour and laughter. The main man retains his crown and throne at the top of his game. If you’re still unsure if it’s worth going to see him live, maybe the fact that he wears a skirt, flashes his famous tiger Rock DJ panties and throws in a butt appearance more than once might convince you!

The night began its closure as he sang Angels for one of the very last times. This is one of the songs that is sadly retiring from his tours so if you’re heading to see him in Dunedin or Aussie, be sure to put your devices away and fully immerse yourself in this as you won’t be likely to hear it live again for quiet some time, insert sad face here. The crowd continued the song with full volume as the main man waved us goodbye for now. Robbie, we love you, please visit again!!

Full Set List.

National Anthem of Robbie

HEAVY ENTERTAINMENT SHOW 

LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU 

MONSOON / YMCA

WIN SOME LOSE SOME

MINNIE THE MOOCHER

CREEP

FREEDOM

LOVE MY LIFE 

(Stadium Medley)

COME UNDONE  / NEVER FORGET

MILLENNIUM

SOMETHING STUPID  ( audience member )

RUDEBOX / KIDS

SWEET CAROLINE  ( with Pete )

FEEL   

ROCK DJ

BETTER MAN   

SHE’S THE ONE                                       

ANGELS                                   

MY WAY    ( RW & Guy only)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL ROBBIE WILLIAMS GALLERY