T-mobile -behind the scenes- (video)

T-mobile Web'n'Walk behind the scenes videoclip:
watch it here and another one here

And ehmm...who is that lady in the white bride's dress?

Celebrity art going under the hammer for charity

Quoted from: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

'By Maureen Coleman
27 April 2006

A host of celebrities have put pen and paint to canvas to help raise money for a Northern Irish charity.
Former Boyzone star Stephen Gately, Dr Who's Billie Piper, the Lord Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, actors John Hurt and Neil Morrissey and king of satire Ian Hislop are among the star-studded line-up who have put their painting skills to use for local chairty Wave.
Popular Ulster actor James Nesbitt is the driving force behind Art Wave and encouraged mnay well-known names to draw or paint a picture to be auctioned off this weekend in Belfast.
Other stars who have created works of art for the auction include Bono, Jude Law, Rio Ferdinand and Robbie Williams.
Ian Hislop, of Have I Got News For You Fame, donated a cartoon which was in keeping with his satirical nature, while John Hurt donated a self portrait.
Ken Livingstone provided a colourful reptile and Stephen Gately a pair of pink butterflies.
Billie Piper and Neil Morrisey donated simpler drawings to the auction.
Nesbitt is patron of Wave and is hoping the auction will raise funds to help the charity use the arts as effective therapy for those traumatised as a result of the Troubles.
Paintings by established artists such as Tracye Emin and Damien Hirst will also be auctioned over the weekend.'

T-mobile advertisement

A new T-Mobile clip will be broadcast in May
















more pictures at Fans-Supreme

Cullum turns to dance

Quoted from: http://contactmusic.com/

'Jazz singer JAMIE CULLUM is temporarily ditching the blues to produce a dance album - under an anonymous name. The TWENTYSOMETHING hitmaker has been inspired by pop star ROBBIE WILLIAMS, who also plans to release a collection of dance tracks under a fake name, according to SunOnline. Cullum, 26, has been recording on his home computer and claims his talents extend to more musical genres than people realise. He says, "I make a lot of electronic music that I would like to put out under a pseudonym. Not because I'm trying to be eclectic, but because it's what I do. "I'll probably just put it on MySpace or iTunes as an EP or something. "I don't want to make a big song and dance about it but I'm sure it'll end up floating about on there some time before the next official Jamie Cullum album. "I make so many different styles of music that people don't necessarily hear or expect. "I think that would surprise people and I want to have an outlet for it."

28/04/2006 14:03 '

Robbie Williams promotes T-Mobile Web service

Quoted from: http://www.netimperative.com

'Van: Staff
28-04-2006 10:45 AM

Related:

Mobile operator T-Mobile has launched a TV ad featuring singer Robbie Williams to promote the mobile network operator's Web'n'Walk mobile Internet service.
The TV commercial, to premiere in the UK and pan-European markets in May, highlights the open Internet access offering with no limitation or restriction on the web sites that customers can access.

Robbie Williams' brand association with Web'n'Walk is the result of signing an 18-month partnership with T-Mobile.

The commercial was created by T-Mobile's agency Saatchi & Saatchi, London and will premiere in Germany on 2 May, in the UK on 19 May and in other markets across Europe later in May.

Television, print, online, outdoor and point of sale are included in the campaign.

In July 2005, Robbie Williams and T-Mobile announced an 18-month partnership in association with Sony Ericsson. '

Forget Queen... Robbie Williams is the King of Reading

Quoted from: http://icberkshire.icnetwork.co.uk

'Apr 27 2006

IT took nearly six weeks to complete and was the biggest musical survey ever undertaken in the town... but, at last, the musical taste of people in Reading has been revealed like never before.
And it's Robbie Williams who comes out as top of the town's all-time 500 chart.
The chart was compiled by Reading 107FM, with the help of The Chronicle, and played over the Easter bank holiday.
The rock heritage of the town was reflected by songs such as Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, The Eagles' Hotel California and Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven making the top five.
Reading 107FM managing director Ian Smith said that he was blown away by the response to the all-time chart, with thousands registering their top hits through The Chronicle and 107FM's web-site.
Out of the many entries three people were chosen to win prizes., courtesy of Richer Sounds in Oxford Road. Louise Vincent of Blanchard Close, Woodley won a CD hi-fi worth £320, Frances Townsend of Chesnut Crescent, Shinfield won a DAB player and Rebecca French, of Rylstone Road, Reading won an MP3 player.
The top 60 songs of the chart are printed in Reading Watch.'

Robe and HSL Light Robbie Williams in Dubai

Quoted from: http://www.zioshow.com

'Robbie Williams played Dubai's largest to date at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse in Dubai in front of 23,000 wildly enthusiastic music fans, who were also responsible for making it the fastest selling out show ever in the United Arab Emirates.

The entire production lighting rig, including 150 Robe moving lights, 60 points of rigging and all necessary power distribution was supplied by UK-based HSL. They air freighted 36 tonnes of equipment - with the help of Mapcargo - from their Blackburn base to Dubai, to meet the specification for Al Gurdon's spectacular design.
The lighting deal was put together by Robbie Williams' production manager Wob Roberts, local production manager Peter Loh working for Midas Promotions and Robe Show Lighting's International Sales Manager, Harry von den Stemmen.
Sourcing enough lighting equipment locally for the show was proving challenging and costly. Von Den Stemmen was simultaneously alerted to an opportunity by both Tony Sawyer of V.V. & Sons, Robe's UAE distributor, and Louis Teo of Lighting & Sound Singapore where Loh is based. He immediately went to HSL, one of the UK's fastest growing lighting rental companies with a large inventory of Robe moving lights - where MD Simon Stuart jumped at the chance of quoting to service the Robbie Williams show.

Stuart comments, 'The show was awesome! I'm extremely proud of the fact that we have worked alongside one of the best live production teams in the world and helped them produce such a great result'. The show - artistically directed by Lee Lodge - amazed and enthralled everyone present with its high production values and characteristically superlative performance by Robbie.
HSL's crew chief and project manager was Mike Oates, who worked alongside hand picked crew of 9 HSL A-Team regulars. On site they liaised closely with Robbie Williams' lighting crew chief Mark 'Marky Mark' England, lighting director and show operator Richard Gorrod, site co-ordinator Tom Armstrong, Wob Roberts and Al Gurdon. Oates comments, 'It was an absolutely brilliant experience and a great exercise in teamwork and good communication'.
Moving lights were absolutely integral to the lighting design. The rig was based around 8 structural 'ribs' - tall, hinged architectural set pieces originating from the 'Intensive Care' album launch show at Berlin Veldorome in October, arranged in a gentle upstage curve. Designed by set designer Ray Winkler and constructed by Brilliant, each is edged with 288 Saco LED lights, and they also contain 48 Turbo Fuzz Lights that travel as part of the set.

Forty Eight Robe ColorSpot 1200AT fixtures - 6 per rib, were then added, along with 5 strobes per rib.
On the floor were 10 ColorWash 1200ATs sitting on the risers in between the ribs, with eight right behind the ribs, sitting on cases and shining through them. More ColorWash 1200ATs were used to up-light the set drape.
Rigged onto the sides of the offstage PA towers were five Robe ColorSpot 1200ATs and five Moles, with another 5 blinders on the onstage PA towers.
On a horseshoe shaped rear truss that followed the line of the ribs were another 16 ColorWash 1200ATs, plus four rigged above the central LED screen. Another two per side were hung off two individual front trusses, together with 3 Moles a side.

Under the set grill were twenty-four Robe ColorSpot 575ATs - their smaller size making them ideal for the space - shining upwards through the grills, along with strobes and 8-lites. On the catwalk thrust around the floor were 60 Birdies, along with an additional 24 PARs, also utilised as up-lighters through the grills.
The moving lights were used for a whole variety of effects from tight pencil beam matrix patterns to colourful washes to the creation of enveloping walls of colour, and also for profiling Robbie in the moodier moments.
HSL supplied the six Robert Juliat Manon onstage follow Spots, with the four FOH ones sourced locally from rental company Nemesis.

Richard Gorrod operated all the lights plus an EX1 digital media server from his Virtuoso console which tours with them. He commented 'HSL have been fantastic, nothing has been too much trouble and the kit has been meticulously well prepared'. Oates adds, 'The Robes were absolutely brilliant - they were transported half way round the world, came out of their crates and all worked first time. There's really not many other fixtures as reliable as this!'.
The biggest challenge for everyone on site in Dubai was the short timescale in which they had to build the technical infrastructure. However this also galvanised everyone into action, firing up the 'show must go on' spirit across all departments, who worked seamlessly together through some very long days and nights.
The Dubai show was part of a series of 4 'warm ups' by Robbie Williams (preceded by three shows in South Africa), all ahead of his massive European summer stadium tour that kicks off in June. This streamlined 'rest of the world' rig (bigger than a lot of people's 'A' rigs) as seen in Dubai and South Africa, will be used for shows in Asia and other territories in the autumn.'

Virtual Robbie Williams on stage

Quoted from: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/

'27.04.06

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, British pop heart-throb Robbie Williams has rejoined - virtually - the 1990s boy band that made him famous. Take That projected a 6m hologram of Williams, who quit the band in 1995, for a version of their hit Could It Be Magic at their sell-out comeback concert in Newcastle, England. Williams, who reportedly gave his blessing to the project, was seen during the intro of the tune, before the other band members took over the song and the hologram faded.'

Robbie Williams goes dance for gay fans

Quoted from: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk

'2006-04-26 13:01:02

Robbie Williams is recording a dance album - to please his gay fans.
The 'Let Me Entertain You' singer has reportedly hooked up with superstar producer William Orbit, who previously worked with Madonna, to reinvent his sound.
Robbie, who is rejoining former band Take That for their Manchester homecoming gig, has also recorded several tunes with the Pet Shop Boys and top New York DJ Mark Ronson.
The 36-year-old hellraiser wants to make a "Kylie-style' album with more pop and dance tracks, and turned to Orbit, who reinvented Madonna with her 'Ray of Light' album, to mastermind the project.
The singer, who collaborated with Kylie Minogue on their hit 'Kids', wants to debut his new sound under a false name before launching the album in August.'

Robbie's new dance floor sounds

Quoted from: http://www.itv.com/

'7.36AM, Wed Apr 26 2006

It appears as though Rock DJ Robbie Williams is planning on ditching pop to turn to dance music.
Rumour has it the Ex Take That singer is planning on launching an attack on the dance charts and has been busy writing tracks with top producers William Orbit and the Pet Shop Boys.
Robbie has apparently said he is taking a leaf at of Kylie Minogue's book and wants to produce dance floor fillers to get the crowds going and bring his sound to the clubs.
Although the Robster may be looking to turn to more up-tempo tunes, it has been reported he doesn't want anyone to know it's him, and is releasing the tracks under a false name.
Rob is huge fan of pop mate Kylie's Can't Get You Out Of My Head and wants to steer clear of his rock music sound which was the main influence in his latest album Intensive Care.
Industry experts are apparently loving Robbie's new sound and have described the tracks as brilliant and different.
There will certainly be no Lazy Days in the months to come for the singer- he is set for a busy time what with performances with ex bandmates Take That, training sessions for next month's Soccer Aid, plus performing at Posh and Becks' World Cup ball.'

Robbie Williams joins Take That...sort of...

Quoted from http://www.soulshine.ca/

'Published: 2006-04-25

The biggest boy band the UK has ever seen is heading out on the Ultimate Tour this weekend with almost all five original members. The original Take That lineup included Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange, Howard Donald, and Robbie Williams. Williams left the group in 1995, shortly before the band split altogether. Williams has since proven to be the most successful member when flying solo. The artist is popular mostly in the UK for hits like 'Sure,' 'Babe,' and 'Back For Good,' all tracks which never made a huge splash here in North America. In 2005 Take That made the dreams of thousands of British girls come true when they announced that the band would be back for a reunion tour. Backing their new 'best of' compilation, Never Forget - The Ultimate Collection, all members except Williams were set to take for the road. But in what came as a bit of a surprise to fans during their first show on April 23, Williams made an appearance as a 10-foot hologram for the tune 'Could It Be Magic.' According to NME 'it was also revealed that Williams, who is just embarking on his own solo world tour, re-recorded his vocals on the track especially for the occasion.' The band will be out on the road in the UK until the end of May. Robbie will also be on the road with his own album Intensive Care in the UK this summer.

Writer: Michelle Garcia'

Robbie Williams to join Take That

Quoted from: http://www.thehollywoodnews.com

'Source: The Sun
Date: 25th April, 2006
Posted by: Paul Heath

The Sun newspaper are reporting that Robbie Williams will join Take That on their UK tour. Williams, who is over in South Africa in the midst of his huge world tour is said to be joining the lads on stage one more than one concert.
The Take That boys kicked off the tour on Sunday night in Newcastle, and featured the Robster during a performance of their hit record, Could It Be Magic. Robbie was projected onto the stage in the form of a hologram.
The Take That tour has been getting rave reviews from fans and from critics alike, and there are even rumours that there could be a new album in the stores once the concerts have run. The band's Jason Orange told The Sun; 'It would be great if Rob wrote with us. We let Gary write all the songs before and he walked away with all the money.
'This time it’s going to be an equal split - as it should have been the last time around.' '

Virtual Robbie thrills Take That fans

Quoted from: http://tonight.co.za

'April 25, 2006

London - Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, British pop heartthrob Robbie Williams has rejoined - virtually - the 1990s boy band that made him famous.
Take That projected a six-metre hologram of Williams, who quit the combo in 1995, for a version of their hit Could It Be Magic at its sell-out comeback concert in Newcastle, north-east England, on Sunday night.
Williams was seen with his hands in his pockets, wearing ripped jeans and a camouflage jacket, for the intro of the tune, before the other band members took over the song and the hologram faded.
Could It Be Magic was part of an 18-song concert that featured eight costume changes, huge light shows and a breakaway circular stage which was lowered into the middle of the audience half-way through the night.
Formed in Manchester in 1990, Take That dominated the pop charts in the first half of the decade with its dance tunes and soulful ballads, before Williams struck out on his own, a year before the group's demise.
Mark Owen, Jason Orange, Howard Donald and Gary Barlow announced in November last year that they would reunite, while Williams - who has been invited to join them anytime he likes - reportedly gave his blessing. - AFP'

Barlow: Robbie will sing with Take That

Quoted from: http://contactmusic.com

'LATEST: Nineties boyband TAKE THAT have confirmed rumours they will sing with departed bandmember ROBBIE WILLIAMS at a series of performances during their current comeback tour of Britain. The BACK FOR GOOD foursome - comprising of GARY BARLOW, HOWARD DONALD, JASON ORANGE and MARK OWEN - returned to the stage in Newcastle, England, on Sunday (23APR06) after a ten year hiatus. Williams famously quit the group in July 1995 - one year before the band split. While the boys have used a hologram of Williams for a majority of the Take That gigs, Barlow confirms the ROCK DJ heart-throb has agreed to join them for a few concerts. He says, "Robbie is doing more than one gig. I don't know which dates, but he has told Mark Owen he is definitely coming back."

25/04/2006 02:24 '

Robbie Williams

Quoted from: http://www.undercover.com.au/

'by Daniel Zugna
April 24 2006

Robbie Williams (photo by Ros O'Gorman)

After much public debate concerning the prospect of his eternal damnation, notorious love-rat Robbie Williams has all but confirmed his position on St Peter's red list with the release of his new single, Sin Sin Sin.
The single is the third to be taken from Williams' Intensive Care album. The video for Sin Sin Sin - shot in Cape Town, South Africa - is a typically sacrilegious Williams effort, featuring the bearded singer acting as a guru in a commune full of pregnant women.
Williams' world tour is already underway, having kicked off in Durban on 10 April. It is expected that a number of outdoor Australian dates will be announced in around four weeks time.'

Robbie Williams injures his groin

Quoted from: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/

'Just weeks before Soccer Aid...

By: Lowri Williams on 4/24/2006

Pop star Robbie Williams has injured his groin just weeks before he is due to play in the Soccer Aid tournament.
Robbie was reportedly left severely hurt after he fell down a flight of stairs after performing at the Nad Al Sheba stadium in Dubai.
A source said to the Star of the injury: 'The area is very tender but he's having acupuncture as he'll be gutted if he has to miss it.'
Robbie is scheduled to be playing against Gordon Ramsey's team that is made up of among other Maradona, Gianfranco Zola and Marcel Desailly.
The ex Take Thatter is hoping that his team of Jude Law, Orlando Bloom and Shayne Ward can kick some ass.'

Robbie Williams guests at Take That comeback show!

Quoted from: http://www.nme.com

'The old pals find a way to be together

Pop legends Take That made their UK live comeback last night (April 23) - with a little help from old bandmate Robbie Williams!

The four-piece kicked off their first jaunt since 1995 at Newcastle Metroradio Arena before a sell-out 9,000 crowd - but although Robbie couldn't be with them in person, he joined them via a 10ft hologram for a version of 'Could It Be Magic'.

It was also revealed that Williams, who is just embarking on his own world solo tour, re-recorded his vocals on the track especially for the occasion.

Take That's set contained all of their hits, including 'Back For Good', 'Pray' and 'Sure', which sampled a segment of Gorillaz' 'Dirty Harry'.

Support act Beverly Knight took Lulu's place on 'Relight My Fire', as she will for all the arena dates, though Lulu, who sang on the 1993 Number One, will take her rightful place at the stadium shows this summer.


The set was:

'Once You've Tasted Love'
'Pray'
'Today I've Lost You'
'Why Can't I Wake Up With You'
'It Only Takes A Minute'
'Girl'
'Babe'
'Everything Changes'
'A Million Love Songs'
'Beatles Medley'
'How Deep Is Your Love'
'Love Ain't Here Anymore'
'Sure'
'Relight My Fire'
'Back For Good'
'Could It Be Magic'
'Never Forget'


The remaining tour dates are at:

Newcastle Metroradio Arena (24)
Birmingham NEC (26, 27, 28, May 16, 17)
Glasgow SECC (30, May 1)
Sheffield Arena (2, 18)
Manchester MEN Arena (4, 5, 6, 20, 21, 22)
London Wembley Arena (8, 9, 10, 24, 25, 26)
City Of Manchester Stadium (June 17, 18)
Cardiff Millennium Stadium (21)
Milton Keynes Bowl (24, 25)'

Reunited Take That - back for good?

Quoted from: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/

'Monday Apr 24 08:56 AEST

British boyband Take That, minus its most famous member Robbie Williams, kicked off a comeback tour on Sunday, playing before a packed, mainly female audience at Newcastle Arena.
A decade after the cuddly quintet split, four of the original five members have reformed, proving their lasting popularity when the tickets sold out in minutes when they went on sale in December.
They have sold an estimated 300,000 tickets for the tour of Britain, and it has been reported that each was offered STG1.5 million ($A3.63 million) to go back on the road.
Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen took to the stage late on Sunday to play some of their greatest hits.
At their height in the early 1990s, Take That were hailed as the biggest thing since The Beatles, with a string of number one singles in Britain including Pray, Relight My Fire and Back For Good. They also sold an estimated 10 million albums.
Their days were numbered when Williams, now a hugely successful solo artist, walked out on the band, and the following year, in 1996, Take That finally quit.
©AAP 2006

Views on the Robbie Williams concert [review Dubai]

Quoted from: http://www.7days.ae/

'Published on: Sunday, 23rd April, 2006

With all the negative letters that appear following events in Dubai, I felt I had to write to congratulate the events organisers at the Robbie Williams concert.
We arrived at 5pm and hardly had to queue, there were plenty of facilities inside the racetrack and at the end of the concert we managed to get home to the Lakes by 11.30pm.
I am going to see Robbie again in the UK in September and will be amazed to see if things will be organised so well!
No voice left, The Lakes

Great concert, well organised and of course Robbie, the showman, was at his best...
Well done to the organisers for getting it right!
Robbie Fan, Dubai

Organisation: nine out of ten. No hassle, great stadium. Robbie: five out of ten. Have seen the Boss and Tina, that' ten out of ten! Improvement: Two or three more encores would have made the money’s worth, and please hire a new sound manager!
TW, Dubai

To the 30 per cent of actual Robbie fans at Nad Al Sheeba on Friday night I would like to say 'good job buddies' you set the place on fire.
To the remaining corpses and 'rubber neckers' who were only there to see what all the fuss was about, please in future do not turn up to a twenty-five thousand capacity venue if you do not, in any way, like to be touched, prodded or bumped into in the presence of one of the greatest live acts of our time.
If you simply hire out 'Robbie Williams: What We Did Last Summer, Live at Knebworth' you may then watch the show in peace. I do hope the taxi queue was not too long for you and you were home by 12 with your cocoa in hand.
No doubt you are already penning your own letter with the disgust of how you could not leave half way through 'Angels' fast enough as there were annoying fans stood in the way! Ggrrrrrr
Stoke and Oatcakes, COUNTRY

What a great concert, great entertainer and a great pay back to those who tried to make a profit by grabbing tickets. Having missed out on the sale of tickets, we just took a chance and turned up on the night.
Waited until just before the concert started and, hey presto, four tickets were had for 50 dirhams each ! I am not sure what gave me the biggest smile, the concert or the victory over the shameless people's attempt at making a quick buck.
KD, Dubai

As expected all the hype over the Robbie Williams concert was undeserving.
The singer did not perform on the night, and lots of fans will have gone home disappointed like me. Yes he has an average voice, but he was incapable of rousing the excitable crowd.
His voice and performance on the night was quite frankly average.
G Barlow, Dubai

I've just returned from the Robbie Williams concert and am glad I took the hint from the steady stream of people seen leaving long before the end of the gig.
The only saving grace was that I was home by 11pm. I have never witnessed a more lacklustre performance from a so-called premier act. Mr Williams seemed to be under the impression that all he needed to do was turn up and the expats of Dubai would be eternally grateful.
Hopefully he won't be asked back.
Colin, Umm Suqeim'

View all the other fan reviews here

Fun unlimited as Robbie storms stage [review Dubai]

Quoted from: http://www.gulfnews.com/

'By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter

Dubai: It was as crazy as expected and then some.

Robbie Williams entertains fans yesterday at Nad Al Sheba. Robbie's show featured all the expected hits like Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Feel and Radio. Karl Jeffs/Gulf News

More than 25,000 excited Robbie fans descended on Nad Al Sheba yesterday, as the fun officially started for what eventually turned out to be a sellout performance.
Billed as the biggest music event in Dubai's history, Robbie Williams stormed the stage at around 9pm just a half hour later than schedule to the screams and cheers of delirious fans who let the rock star entertain them.
Robbie's show featured all the expected hits like Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Feel and Radio.
Endless queues
"This is one show that's lived up to its billing, until now," said one fan, as the rock star launched into his act.
But the lead-up to the musical extravaganza had started much earlier in the day.
Endless queues of traffic surrounded the venue despite shuttle buses and taxis coming and going to the venue from around 3pm amid the organised chaos.
Some fans were reported to have started queuing for entrance from as early as 2pm almost four hours before the gates were due to open.
Despite the crowds, the occasional complaint about serpentine queues, most fans appeared determined to enjoy themselves at the show and overlooked such minor inconveniences.'

Take That's white smart

Quoted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/

'It Only Takes 2,400 Minutes and counting, girls, before TAKE THAT perform their first concert in ten years


The white stuff ... Take That 2006
Large photo here

And here is a sneak preview of what GARY BARLOW, MARK OWEN, HOWARD DONALD and JASON ORANGE will wear to kick off their UK tour in Newcastle tomorrow night.
They look just like WESTLIFE in their white suits - and are light years from their 1992 style with ex-member ROBBIE WILLIAMS. But they promise me there will be no boring sit-down ballads


The wrong stuff ... Take That, with Robbie, 1992
Picture: REX

Gary told me: 'We are known for high-energy shows and will give value for money. People expect something spectacular and they will get it.'
I will be there to catch every head spin, jump and sidestep, so read my verdict next week.'

Like a Becks machine

Quoted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/

'GODFATHER Of Soul JAMES BROWN is to duet with ROBBIE WILLIAMS at the BECKHAMS' World Cup party.


Let us entertain you ... Robbie and James Brown to perform together

England skipper DAVID and wife VICTORIA have got the Hardest Working Man In Showbusiness to be the star turn at their Full Length And Fabulous bash in May.
And it will be the ultimate dance off with Robbie and JB - whose hits include Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine and Papa's Got A Brand New Bag - on stage together at the pre-tournament knees-up.
Brown, as his staff call him, has agreed to put on a show-stopping set for the England squad and a host of A-list guests.
And I reckon the James Brown and Robbie collaboration will be a masterclass from the ultimate showmen in music.
A source said: 'It's going to be a blast. James Brown's representatives flew in to London this week for talks. As soon as they sat down with David and Victoria they were given the full sales pitch about how big a night it would be.


Party people ... David and Victoria
planning big bash

'James Brown is the perfect showman to make an appearance.
'Robbie has signed up and loved the idea of taking the stage with Brown. They will do a set of songs each then one together. They are yet to decide which track.
'JB might be 72 but he still tours as hard as artists half his age.
'And he'll be more than a match for Robbie with his dance moves.'
The bash, at Beckingham Palace, Herts, on May 21 will be something special.
Posh and Becks are planning to have stilt walkers, magicians and artists cutting silhouettes to keep Beckham kids Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz entertained.
The millionaire guests will be bidding in an auction for some incredible lots to raise cash for Unicef. Top chef GORDON RAMSAY will be doing the cooking.
James Brown is a close follower of British music. He loves WILL YOUNG so much he keeps in touch with him.
And the legend's material couldn't be more appropriate for a room full of footballer's wives - although he might have to tickle the song names slightly.
How about Posh's Got A Brand New Bag?' '

Everything you wanted to know about the Robbie Williams show

Quoted from: http://www.gulf-news.com

'Published: 04/17/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)
By Maey El Shoush, Staff Reporter

If you were wondering why tickets for the Robbie Williams show were first "sold out" and then made available again, here's your answer.
Organisers Midas Promotions said yesterday that typically Williams usually sets aside a number of concert tickets for various reasons.

Tickets for the show are still available from Box Office and Virgin Megastores - around 23,000 people are expected to attend. Reuters

One, he reserves the best seats in the house to fly in friends.
Two, for the Dubai concert some tickets were not released, pending final position of the mixing desk. Now, they have been made available after ensuring everyone has a good view of the stage.
That means another 1,500 tickets can still be bought at the Box Office and Virgin Megastores.

Control attempt
Midas Promotions also said they did try to control the number of tickets sold per person, but couldn't.
"It is our duty to sell as many tickets as possible. Fans would go to the box office and buy tickets they said were for friends, box office then made executive decisions," said Michael Hosking, managing director of Midas Promotions.

'Red hot'
At a press meeting yesterday in the headquarters of sponsors The One, the promoters said more than 23,000 people are set to gather at Nad Al Sheba in Dubai on April 21 to hear the "red hot" Williams.
"There is no hotter star out there who can capture the imagination of the Dubai public more," said Hosking.
He said they were surprised by most of the tickets selling out immediately and promised the most "spectacular" Dubai concert ever.
"This is an unprecedented step for Midas and the key issue is to ensure the event is a success for all who are involved," said Mel Tyler, operations director for Midas Promotions.

What to expect
Get to Nad Al Sheba early to avoid rush, organisers said. At the venue, read your wrist bands to know where you have to go and follow the signs.
There will be at least 180 security personnel and police present during the concert, including CID members in plain clothes.
"Although there will be a huge crowd, there will be space to manouevre and no danger of being crushed as we are taking up two horse racing tracks," Hosking said.

Special turf
Organisers said they have imported special turf from the United Kingdom to protect the race track.
Parts of the stage have also been flown in from England, including the roof which is estimated to weigh about 15 tons.
"Robbie is all about recreating something new, and he showed great interest in performing in Dubai and we all feel Nad Al Sheba is the perfect venue," Hosking said.

Reluctant
Michael Hosking, managing director of Midas Promotions, organisers of the Robbie Williams concert, said the pop star is actually a reluctant live performer and often gets nervous before he goes on stage.
He is also critical of his own work.
"The media speculation around Robbie is far greater than the reality. He's a great guy just 80 million pounds richer than most people! He is also very sensitive to local customs," he added.

Warning
Promoters yesterday said some people could try and sell fake Robbie Williams concert tickets.
"Although in this market it is rare, we have been alerted of the possibility. People should be careful not to buy tickets from places they shouldn't," said Nigel Peters from Midas Promotions, not really giving anything away.

Here comes Robbie!

Quoted from: http://www.khaleejtimes.com

'By a staff reporter
21 April 2006

DUBAI - Watch out Dubai, here comes Robbie!

While, the city hots up to host Pop star Robbie Williams at the Nad Al Sheba stadium tonight with an expected turnout of over 25,000 fans, organisers continue to make a last minute attempt to accommodate more of his fans by printing additional 2,500 tickets, currently available at various authorised outlets including Virgin Megastore and Hallmark outlets in Dubai through the day.
His first ever gig in the Middle East, the show promises to be the biggest concert ever in Dubai, with an audience of some 25,000 fans.
UAE was one of the first territories to embrace Robbie after the UK and he is by far the most popular international male artist in the Gulf state with a string of platinum-selling albums.
Tickets for the gig went on sale last month and were all sold within two hours. Some 2,000 were sold online before the sheer volume of traffic to the site caused it to collapse! Tickets range from Dh195 for rear standing, and go up to Dh595 for a Grandstand view.
The Dubai gig will close the first leg of Robbie’s 2006 World tour, which also takes him to South Africa with gigs in Durban, Cape Town and Pretoria.
The fans of Robbie in Dubai excited to watch the pop star performing live said, "I am excited from the first day I heard Robbie will perform in Dubai. I cannot wait anymore. I waited in a queue for three hours to buy the tickets. Everybody has been discussing the concert both at home and office for past few days,' said Karen, a resident of Dubai disclosing that this is the first time she gets an opportunity to watch a live show of Robbie. Robin another fan said "I am waiting for this big evening for the past one month. I called up my parents in England yesterday and told them I will be going to watch Robbie Williams show tonight. I am very excited to watch him perform live." '

Take That - For The Record

Take That - For The Record - Official Documentary will be released on DVD on april 24, 2006. It can be pre-ordered at Amazon:
'Synopsis
On February 13th 1996 the boy band Take That split up. Now, over a decade later each of the band members break their silence and reveal the truth about Take That. Includes a special documentary as well as extended and previously unseen footage. '

On Saturday Mai 6th 2006, German TV channel RTL will broadcast the documentary (source: Fans Supreme)

DVD covers are different for the US/UK and German versions: some shuffling and changes with the names and pictures occurred.

Take That - For The Record - Official Documentary, German version

In bed with Robbie Williams

Translated from: http://www.telegraaf.nl

'11 april 2006

Friend and foe can share the bed with Robbie Williams starting from thursday 13 april, or at least his replica. The statue of the superstar can be seen with Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam. The establishment said tuesday to assume that only few can resist Williams.
The establishment said tuesday to assume that only few can resist Williams 'dressed in a sexy top with bare feet'. Steve Swales worked for two months at the statue of Williams in bed. Swales also made images of Tiesto, Gordon and Queen Beatrix.'

Have a look at Mme Tussauds wax doll museum here

EMI changes tune on digital music

Quoted from: http://business.timesonline.co.uk

'By Rhys Blakely
April 20, 2006

EMI, the London-listed record label, expects to report a 12 per cent hike in annual profits after sales of digital music doubled and artists including Coldplay, Robbie Williams and The Rolling Stones released successful albums last year.

In a trading update ahead of its annual results, the world's third largest record company said both its record label and publishing arm, which sells music rights to film and television makers, outperformed the global industry last year.

"This strong divisional performance reflects successful releases from a broad range of artists including international superstars Coldplay, Gorillaz, Robbie Williams and The Rolling Stones ... and breaking artists KT Tunstall, Dem Franchize Boyz and Corinne Bailey Rae," EMI said.

[...]'

Concert pictures (pics)

More pictures in our forum!

All bow down to His Royal Popness [review Pretoria]

Quoted from: http://www.thestar.co.za/

'April 19, 2006 Edition 1
Terese Owen

My good friends at Motorola decided to throw me a birthday bash on Monday. They hired out Loftus Versfeld, invited 64 000 of my closest friends and asked the world's biggest popstar, Robbie Williams, to perform.
Wow! It was the best birthday party ever!
Fans queued from 5am. When the gates finally opened at 4pm, they fell over each other to get to the very front of the stage. (His Royal Popness was only scheduled to perform at 9pm.)
The support bands were The Wiredaisies from England (who were soooo boring) and South Africa's own FreshlyGround (who were brilliant).
However, the 64 000 people were there for Robbie and Robbie only. And he didn't disappoint. Giant fireballs were flashed from the stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. And in one of those fireballs, kapoof! There was Robbie. We squealed with glee.
He kicked off with Radio and the magic began with two-and-a-half hours of some of the best pop songs ever written.
In between songs we were treated to spells of comedy. If Robbie couldn't sing, he would have made a great stand-up comedian. From "baie dankie" to waxing lyrical about a certain Minky van der Westhuizen ("she's fookin' hot but I heard she has a boyfriend who plays table tennis or somfink!"), we clung onto his every word.
"You must believe everything you read about me in the press. It's all true!" clearly taking a swipe at the tabloids who have always enjoyed his controversial lifestyle of loads of sex and even more drugs.
"Except for one thing. I never said I did not want to meet Nelson Mandela. He is one of the greatest human beings alive today." Of course we cheered him on even more after that bit of patriotic propaganda.
He swanked through hits like Millenium, Angels and Tripping, his energy never abating once. "Fookin' Hell! I don't know how Mick Jagger does it. I'm 32 and I'm exhausted already!" he exclaimed after his third song.
Yeah baby, but do Mick and the rest of the Rolling Stones hold the record for selling the most amount of tickets in the fastest time? For this world tour, which began in Durban, Robbie Williams sold 1,6-million tickets in just under a day.
Despite his huge success and his larger-than-life performance, I couldn't shake the feeling that this man is very lonely. But that could also be the secret to his success.
Unlike popstars like Prince and Madonna, Robbie is not afraid to show us that he is human. We can identify with his eternal search for love. Despite his rock-star antics on and off stage, he has a simplistic honesty which makes him a working-class hero in every sense of the word.
He truly is one of the greatest popstars of our time.
Baie dankie Robbie.'

Robbie Williams came, saw and conquered [review Pretoria]

Quoted from: http://www.mg.co.za/

'Tisha Eetgerink Johannesburg, South Africa
18 April 2006 05:49

As the moon rose over Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria last night, 60 000 heads bopped to the beat and twice as many hands were flung in the air. Robbie Williams closed the South African leg of his world tour with fireworks and a matching bang, thanking the crowd on his knees for turning up en masse. "Baie dankie," he shouted to the explosive cheering and clapping.
Taking after his comedian father, Williams entertained the crowd with witty one-liners, imitations of Michael Jackson, and of a horny giraffe. He also had the stadium have a go at the world's largest simultaneous burping session. "I bet they heard that miles away!"The cheeky singer treated the fans, some of whom had been waiting for six hours, to new songs from his Intensive Care album, such as Sin Sin Sin and Advertising Space as well as to older chart toppers like Rock DJ, Feel -- "I did that whole cowboy thing before Brokeback Mountain!"-- and Angels. Williams even sang Take That's Back for Good and wished his former band mates the best of luck with their recent reunion. "But without me it's just not the same. Not Take That but more like ... Ake That." Dressed in jeans, sneakers, and a black long-line blazer, Williams wowed Pretoria with his raunchy charm. "If I'll shag you? Sure, come find me after the show," he said to fans holding a banner before running across the stage to have a closer look at a girl baring her breasts. "Please do that again love," and then, turning to the African sky, laughing: "Thank you for making your women so accessible." Williams praised South Africa for having the most beautiful people. "Everybody here is fucking gorgeous; girls, guys, everybody. I shot my new video for Sin Sin Sin in Cape Town the other day and had the pleasure to be surrounded by 17 of the country's top models. Sadly every single one of them had a boyfriend ... But luckily two of them didn't mind for one night."
The show was not all jokes, though. Williams got serious when talking about his first-ever love from when he was 16, and said he still loved her. Up-tempo tracks were followed by sensitive ballads, jokes were followed by genuine expressions of gratitude and heartfelt life stories. Williams gave people what they wanted and then some. He sang, rapped and danced, improvising along the way. By the end of the two-hour extravaganza there was no man, woman, or child who did not believe they had not just witnessed a true entertainer.
It was the first time Williams had performed in South Africa but it will not be the last. Williams said he loved the country and called it "the world's best-kept secret".
"I will be back," the golden boy from Stoke-on-Trent, England, promised before he was whisked off in a helicopter to his R11 000 presidential suite at the Westcliffe Hotel and the public went back to their cars and daily routine. Williams came, saw, and conquered or as an older gentleman on his way out put it: "Robbie sure had my stiff ass jumping up and down!" '

Robbie cracks up Gauteng [review Pretoria]

Quoted from: http://www.vuvuzelaonline.com/

'HILA BOUZAGLOU and JADE ARCHER Tue, 18 April 2006

ROBBIE Williams was smoking on stage last night in Pretoria. Photo: Hila Bouzaglou

ROBBIE Williams attempted to break a world record at his concert last night when he asked 61 000 people to burp simultaneously.

He kept the audience at Loftus Versfeld dancing as well as laughing for almost three hours with his on stage antics.

Amongst the jokes made were jokes about Michael Jackson, his former band mates of Take That and Mick Jagger. Williams wondered aloud how the '106 year-old' rock star still manages to perform.

He also asked a woman in the front to bare her rather abnormally large breasts, which she did to the whole stadium. Williams was so ecstatic that he said he wanted to get the DVD of the concert.

Williams had everyone singing karaoke-style to all of his songs. During Strong, the giant screens featured gigantic scrolling lyrics so everybody could sing along.

Amidst clouds of smoke and fire, Williams rose up from under the protruding stage to start the show. Balls of fire shot out from the stage during the songs Radio and Let Me Entertain You and the heat from the flames could be felt outside golden circle.

During his stay in South Africa, Williams filmed a music video in Cape Town and used 18 of South Africa's hottest models. Williams said that he had never seen so many beautiful women as he did in South Africa but was sad to discover that most of them had boyfriends.

He also denied press reports that he did not want to meet Madiba. 'Viva Nelson Mandela!' he then said. Williams said South Africa had treated him and his crew so well that he couldn't express how he felt about the country. So he simply said: 'South Africa rocks!'

Besides for his lively stage performance, Williams had the crowd hysterical with laughter after showing the crowd his Blue Steel face and the face of a horny giraffe.

Amongst the songs that he performed were Millennium, Advertising Space, Come Undone, Rock DJ and Feel.

Williams ended the concert with his love song Angels. A song which took him only thirty minutes to write but which tens of thousands of South Africans will remember for a life time.'

Robbie sets Cape Town on fire [review Capetown]

Quoted from: http://www.tonight.co.za
With thanks to Butterfly4711

'April 17, 2006
By Anél Powell

Robbie Williams made good on his chart-topping song's promise when he entertained a 35 000-strong crowd at the packed Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
From start to finish - almost two hours later - Williams enthralled the crowd on Thursday night with his energy, self-deprecating humour and witty impersonations of fellow performers, such as his own former boy band Take That and veteran singer Mick Jagger. "How does he do it, I'm only 32 and I'm knackered," he said with an impish grin. It was interjections and interactions such as these that endeared the roguish rocker to the crowd.
"It feels as if he is singing directly to me," said one audience member. That is the magic of Williams who, while a master entertainer, is by no means the world's best singer.
It's the immediacy and intimacy of his performance that made Thursday's concert a tour de force.Local band Freshlyground, who must rate as South Africa's best national treasure since Madiba, warmed up the crowd.
The eclectic band never fail to impress, and their moving ballad I'd Like was a fitting end to their seven-set piece.
To chants of "Robbie", the diminutive rock star who has yet to crack the American music charts, appeared in a burst of flames and smoke on stage.As expected, he promoted his new CD, Intensive Care, mixed with favourites such as Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ and a snippet of the sexy Hot Fudge.
What Williams lacks in height, he compensates with his pervasive presence. He interacted with the crowd throughout, speaking glowingly of Cape Town and our hospitality. By turning the song Strong into a karaoke, the whole stadium got a chance to sing along.
He took a swipe at the media for reporting that he did not want to meet Nelson Mandela.But the highlight of the evening was when he spotted a young boy in the audience with "Robbie" on his forehead. Williams called the awestruck boy and his father, onto the stage, allowing them to watch his final song, Angel from the best seat in the stadium.'

S. Africans take road to Pretoria for Robbie Williams gig

Quoted from: http://today.reuters.co.uk

'CENTURION, South Africa, April 17 (Reuters) - South African cricketers were more interested at being rocked by popstar Robbie Williams than addressing the world's media on the third day of the first test against New Zealand.

Rock star Robbie Williams performs in Dusseldorf, December 10, 2005. South African cricketers were more interested at being rocked by Williams than addressing the world's media on the third day of the first test against New Zealand. REUTERS/Frank Augstein/Pool

Players such as top scorer AB de Villiers made a beeline for the exit at SuperSport Park as soon as stumps were called to attend a Williams concert in nearby Pretoria on Monday night.
With the mass exodus taking place, all-rounder Jacques Kallis was left holding the fort for his team mates after he chose not to attend the British musician's show.
"I can't have hordes of people screaming in my ear the whole night, not during a test match," Kallis said.
"I need some peace and quiet."
The New Zealanders were unaware the charismatic British entertainer was in town.
But as they were trailing the hosts by 229 runs with two days remaining in the test, they chose to follow Kallis's example.
"It's the first I've heard about it, I'm sure the boys will want to get a good night's sleep," seamer James Franklin said.

© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved. '

Robbie needled over trick

Quoted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk

'By SARA NATHANROBBIE Williams was blasted last night by church leaders in his home town for 'trivialising' the Crucifixion.


Stunt ... Robbie Williams

Robbie, 32, had needles pushed through his outspread arms on TV's Derren Brown: Mind Control. Channel 4 said it was a magic trick with no mention of crucifixion.
But the Rev Ian Gregory of Stoke-on-Trent, West Mids, said: 'To trivialise the most important event in history is unforgivable.' '

Past Chats: T4 Special - Robbie Williams

Quoted from: http://www.channel4.com/

'To celebrate the release of Robbie's new album 'Intensive Care' and his T4 Special, we took a selection of YOUR best questions and put them to Robbie. In short we let YOU entertain him. (See what we did there?)

Michelle Locke Erith, Kent : Hi Robbie, I really enjoyed the video to 'Tripping' it was something completely different to what you have done before and I was wondering how you and the producers came up with the idea?
Robbie : Well, basically the video for 'Tripping' is a few of my dreams cobbled together and, it's funny actually, in the original dream the guy in the lift that I try to beat up in the video (and fail miserably) was actually the lead singer of Queens of the Stone Age and I said to him, in the dream, 'Don't do that 'cos I'll tw*t you!' and he said, 'No you won't 'cos I'm 15 foot tall!' And he was! I've got nothing against the lead singer from Queens of the Stone Age by the way, I've never even met him. Another dream was that I was on a really good date with Jennifer Aniston and I thought to myself in the dream, 'This date's going really well, wait till she sees me levitate.' But I could only do it really badly with my a**e in the air and about 4cm off the floor. I looked at her like the Fonz would as if to say 'How you doin'?' and she looked completely disgusted at me. I've recently been dreaming about having a baby too but when I give birth it's just a head, they say that means re-birth. Dreams can pretty much be interpreted as anything though.

Keith from Cardiff : Hi Rob, glad to see you back, tell us about your new album - what are its influences, which tracks are you most proud of?
Robbie : God, what are its influences? I actually, when I started making it, couldn't get the song 'Louise' by the Human League out of my head. It kept popping up every time I sat down to write a song so a lot of tunes are my response to that song. There are all sorts of influences on the album though - from Scott Walker and Morrissey to U2 and the whole of the 80s. Neil Young and Glen Campbell too.

Ruth Morgan : My question is - I was at Live 8 in Hyde Park and thought you were fantastic, the best act there, what was it like to perform in front of such a large crowd at such a high profile even?
Robbie : Well two weeks prior to that I was really scared about it. I started hyperventilating because I hadn't done a gig for two years and I know that, at the moment, on that bill, I'm probably the only 'performer-performer' (as in someone who makes large gestures with their hands) so I kind of put it on my own shoulders that it was important for me to impress that evening. To tell you the truth, I got a kind of perverse calmness whilst on the side of the stage when I saw that David Beckham was even more nervous than me. It calmed me down. Then, to tell you the truth, I didn't do much after that; the crowd took care of it for me. There were a lot of people who liked me in the crowd so it was like a Mexican wave of adoration. I think they didn't have any chance to react differently because they wanted to be entertained. I just got on stage, sang and pointed at people lots and made big gestures with my hands. The rest was down to the crowd - they were amazing.

Lynsey Collier : Robbie, if you were a piece of underwear - what would you be and who would you like to wear you?!?!
Robbie : Erm... makes random noises* I'd be... you know, those under-garments that your granddad used to wear... long johns! And I'd like anyone who's cold to wear me :D

Mitzi, London : What's the most absurdly glamorous situation you've ever been in?
Robbie : Ahh right, well the first one was when we were in Take That. We were invited to Gianni Versace's house on Lake Como - it was just awesome. Elton John and Donatella were there. His place was like what the inside of Buckingham Palace must look like. At one point me and Elton went for a walk in the Versace garden and we were just having a chat and stuff and then after about five minutes it occurred to me that it was Elton John! I stopped him and I said, 'I'm going to have to have five minutes by myself, you're Elton John! But there have been loads more amazing scenarios too. I went to a party at Bono's house once, which was the party to end all parties. There were the most amazing amount of faces there - it was so surreal. But you know how, when you're young, you're always looking for the best party? That was it. I don't need to go to another one now. Ever.

Sally Henderson : Which of your own songs will you never get bored of performing and why?
Robbie : 'Angels' because I haven't performed it for the last ten years. The crowd does it all for me.

Granny Mitchell : What are you most bored of talking about? America, sexuality or addictions? And what would you LIKE to talk about?
Robbie : What I'm most bored about is sort of having to deny stuff that I've never said or that has been made up about me. The James Bond thing is constantly annoying. The America thing is just upsetting because the press seem to take great delight in 'Robbie Williams not breaking America'. You know... it does my head in because it's like well you're talking out of your a**e anyway because you don't know what my feelings are about the place or what I'm doing here or if it's important to me. Perhaps I should just let it go because I'm old enough now (and daft enough) to know that it doesn't matter what people write about me or ask me.

Sindy : If you weren't you and you only saw the media's image of "Robbie Williams" what would you think of him?
Robbie : Erm... *thinks* well if I wasn't me I wouldn't have an insight into knowing how the press and the music industry works so I'd begrudgingly like him, but I wouldn't admit it to any of my male friends. I'd be a closet Robbie fan ;)

Chris, Germany : Hi Robbie, what is your personal opinion about the gig in Berlin you just did recently? Did it go the way you were expecting it to and how did you like the German audience?
Robbie : I had am amazing time. I haven't been looking forward to doing the gigs but I've tried to have a different perspective on what it is that I do and how I do it. It seems to be working. In Berlin when people say it must feel amazing to be up there on stage - a lot of the time it just doesn't. It's a responsibility. People have paid good money to see me and I've got to be as good as the night before, or better. In Berlin though I just felt like, yeah it feels great to be up here and being a pop star is brilliant.

Hi Robbie, what would your perfect day would be like? Chris
Robbie : Oh I don't know... my perfect day would be: wake up, eat bread and butter pudding with custard, have a banana milkshake and then play football for 23 hours.

Odette Clargo : You've said that you'd like your music to give the same sense of nostalgia in 15-20 years time as some of your favourite songs give you, as many classic songs are covered years after they were first recorded, what song of yours would you really like to see covered in the future?
Robbie : Any of 'em. I'm always pleased if someone takes a liking to one of my songs and thinks they can do it. Even the Jessica Simpson version of 'Angels' - it doesn't matter who it is or how they do it, I always just think - nice one.

Lisa Wright : Robbie I have to do a lot of writing as part of my job and always find I produce my most creative pieces when under time pressure. What conditions work best for you when song writing - pressure? relaxed? emotional?
Robbie : Erm, I don't think it matters; not for me anyway. The best time is when I feel like it.

Ollie : I hear you're a big port vale fan. They've had a really good start to the season in League One, do you think they'll go up this year and do you get the chance to watch any games now you're in LA?
Robbie : I haven't been able to watch the Vale for a long time. But my heart's there. And one day I hope to own the club. I think the squad might be a bit too small to go up in the league and they might suffer after Christmas. They'll do really well though. My heart wants them to go up and my head thinks they may just be outside a play-off place but my mate plays for Southend and so I hope they do well too.

Nicole : I wonder what Rob would do if he could walk around in Europe anonymously one week without being bothered by fans or press. Is there a special place in the UK or someplace else in Europe where he would go?
Robbie : Yeah, I'd go around trying to convince everyone I'm Robbie Williams.

Diner : If you were stuck in a lift with the Gallagher brothers what would happen? Robbie : We'd try and figure out some way of getting out of the lift?! I'd teach them yoga and some meditation classes. We'd be at one with the universe. Oh and I'd be able to tell them both what it feels like to do a third night at Knebworth ;)

Stinkz : If you had to have all but one of your tattoos removed, which would you keep and which would you get rid of first?
Robbie : That's a bit like asking me what would you rather lose - your hearing or your eyesight? I've never thought about it.

Rachel Wiggins : If you could be a woman for a day...what would you do?
Robbie : I answered this the other week, and then all the press said, 'Robbie Williams wants a vagina!' I'd go to that place in Convent Garden where only women can go where they filmed 'The Bitch' or 'The Stud' - can't remember which.

Divas99 : If one of your songs comes on when you are dancing at a club do you still dance or are you too embarrassed?
Robbie : I'm always in two minds about it. I was with George Michael once in a club and he *only* got up when his songs came on! I really admired that because if you make the song then surely you'll like the song so surely you'll want to dance to it. 'Rock DJ' came on in Germany when I was there recently and I became very self-conscious. At the beginning I was embarrassed and then I thought 'Oh sod it'. I didn't sing - I just joined in with the odd word.

Newsy : What is your dream musician 5-a-side team is as you've played a lot of celebrity 5 a sides.
Robbie : Well in terms of just celebs, not necessarily musicians, I'd choose Jonnie Wilkes, Ralph Little, Ant McPartlin in goal, Harvey from So Solid and probably Dec on the bench.

Camilla, Norfolk : Is it true you have one leg very slightly longer than the other?
Robbie : Heh no. Right I have to shoot off now - off to do a Radio 1 gig.

Chat Ed : Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for Robbie, we're sorry we didn't have time to get them all in but we had hundreds! You can check out Robbie's website for details on his new album http://www.robbiewilliams.com

Robbie to rock at Becks bash

Quoted from: http://www.people.co.uk

'16 April 2006
By Alice Walker

SUPERSTAR Robbie Williams is set to sing at a pre-World Cup party being thrown by Posh and Becks.
Chart-topper Robbie, 32, is currently in the middle of a sellout world tour.
But the Beckhams are hoping he will take time out to play at their star-studded bash - which The People revealed a month ago - on May 21. A source close the couple said: "Getting Robbie to do a set would be a major coup for them - they are determined this will be the party to end all parties.
"Their people have been on to Robbie's people and the details are being thrashed out at the moment." Robbie's tour does not reach Britain until September. But he plans to pop back to the UK in late May to take part in a charity soccer match six days after the Beckhams' knees-up.
The source added: "Robbie will be up to his ears in football training but he will do his best to make the party." '

Church slams Williams 'crucifixion' stunt

Quoted from: http://contactmusic.com

'Church leaders have blasted British pop star ROBBIE WILLIAMS for his part in a stomach-churning 'crucifixion' stunt aired on TV last night (16APR06). The Easter Sunday shocker showed the ANGELS hitmaker being pierced by 14 inch (35.5 centimetre) needles while strung up on a make-shift cross, mimicking JESUS CHRIST's execution. The controversial gimmick was the brainchild of British illusionist DERREN BROWN, who first hypnotised his celebrity victim. Williams, looking visibly shaken, later joked he liked the novel 'body art' and giggled, "I want to decorate myself like that. Perhaps Derren can come on tour and insert (the needles)." But Reverend IAN GREGORY, of the singer's hometown Stoke-on-Trent, slammed the trick as tasteless and insensitive. He added, "To trivialise the most important event in history is unforgivable." He was backed up by Lichfield Cathedral spokesman GAVIN DRAKE who said: "It was obviously an attempt to trivialise the cross." TV network Channel 4 has dismissed the furore, insisting it was a magic trick, not a religious slur.

17/04/2006 09:28'

The last laugh

Quoted from: http://www.7days.ae/

'Published on: Sunday, 16th April, 2006

Touts hoping to make a fortune by selling Robbie Williams tickets on the Internet stand to lose their money after another batch of tickets went on sale, leaving them with no bidders.
Tickets for the concert sold out within three hours, and they quickly went on sale on internet auction sites for up to ten times their original value.
Genuine fans complained they were turned away as touts snapped up dozens of tickets each.
One dhs495 grandstand seat was offered on souq.com for a staggering dhs4,750. But last week event sponsor The One announced it had another 2,500 tickets available.
And with those yet to sell out, instead of counting their money, greedy touts can only count their piles of unwanted tickets as demand dried up. Many of the sales didn't have a single bid last night.
'The responses to the tickets on the internet have fallen drastically after the announcement of more ticket sales,' said a spokesman for an auction website.
Of 151 auctions on souq.com, most of which were selling several tickets at a time, just 43 had bids.
Few of the auctions had met the seller's reserve price. Four grandstand tickets did sell for a total of dhs2,025 - a profit of just dhs45.
Anyone wanting to buy tickets online can bid for tickets being sold by Suman Manian and Helena Mcloughlin, who will give all the money raised to local charity Gulf 4 Good.

Just type 2065442 in the search box on souq.com. Robbie Williams will be performing at Nad Al Sheba this Friday.'

'Robbie Williams - who's he?'

Quoted from: http://www.iol.co.za

'Igsaan Salie
April 15 2006 at 01:58PM

When a Cape Town tailor got a call earlier this month to do a jacket alteration for rock superstar Robbie Williams, his response was: "Who is Robbie Williams?"Abdul-Ghanie Karriem from Kensington has been a tailor for exclusive men's fashion store, Fabiani for the last 37 years. The 66-year-old was baffled when he was told to report to Williams's Mount Nelson hotel room to alter two jackets. Back in the old days he used listen to Elvis. But this Williams... who was he? He had never heard of the singer who performed in Cape Town on Thursday night."I didn't know who he was, and when his PA called me I didn't know who he was talking about, then afterwards I saw his face all over the TV."'

Williams braves illness to perform

Quoted from: http://contactmusic.com

'British pop hunk ROBBIE WILLIAMS braved a severe dose of the flu in order not to let down 20,000 fans in South Africa. The ANGELS hitmaker had been advised not to go ahead with the energetic two-hour show, but was determined not to disappoint fans and went ahead with the performance at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium on Thursday (13APR06). Halfway through the show Williams felt his energy levels start to wane. He joked, "I don't know how MICK JAGGER does this. I'm 32 and I'm knackered. He's like 110, or something."

15/04/2006 14:24 '

Robbie Williams ticket hopes dashed

Quoted from: http://tonight.co.za

'April 15, 2006
By Jeremy Lawrence

He may be one of the biggest-selling artists in the world, but when it comes to Robbie Williams' live performances, apparently no one gets a freebie.

Popular radio station 94.7 Highveld Stereo found this out when it tried to give away free tickets to the sold-out concert at Loftus on Monday.

Tickets for the concert, with an average price of around R500 apiece, were sold out within hours of going on sale at the end of last year.

Highveld bought 100 tickets for the concert with the intention of giving them away as prizes on shows in the lead-up to the concert. But before the station could go ahead with its plan, Williams' management stopped the give-away.

Station manager Ravi Naidoo said this week: "This is the first time such strict regulation has been placed by any artist's management. 94.7's listeners expect when an artist is touring this region, we... would be doing ticket giveaways."

He said the station then worked closely with the record company to give away Robbie Williams hampers to listeners. Naidoo said Big Concerts, the local promoter of the concert, had been "very accommodating with our requests".

However, Michael Anetakis, of Big Concerts, said the restriction came from the singer's marketing company. "

(Williams' management) noticed that around the world... companies were sort of hijacking the event. They decided that no one but the official sponsors should be able to promote the event. In this case, 5FM is an official sponsor and not Highveld," explained Anetakis. '

Durban concert (pics)

Fanpictures of the concert in Durban at http://www.therobbiewilliamssite.com/

40 VIP tickets for the Robbie Williams concert up for grabs

Quoted from: http://www.khaleejtimes.com

'By a staff reporter 14 April 2006

DUBAI - About 40 VIP tickets for the Robbie Williams concert will be given away by Wafi Mall for those who still haven't been lucky enough to buy their tickets to see their favourite singer.
In conjunction with E2 TV, from Saturday to Wednesday, lucky shoppers will have the chance to win a pair of VIP Robbie tickets worth Dh495 each.
The mechanics are simple; spend over Dh100 in any Wafi outlet, complete the application form, and then drop your receipt into the raffle drum and you're in for a chance to win a pair of the most sought after tickets in Dubai. Wafi advantage cardholders have double the chance to win. The lucky 15 winners will receive their tickets on Wednesday.
In addition, Wafi Mall has teamed up with 92 FM to give away the remaining 5 pairs of tickets on the Wafi drive time show with Daniel. One pair of tickets will be given away everyday, from Saturday to Wednesday, April 19, on the show. '

Robbie to join Take That

Quoted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk

'HOLD your breath girls, I've got some very exciting news.

Back ... but not for good

ROBBIE WILLIAMS will be joining TAKE THAT on stage during their comeback tour.
Yes, I know there have been furious denials from both camps. But I've been told on extremely good authority that Robbie will get back (sadly not for good) with the boys.
Though they are touring with a line-up that does not include him, Robbie will join his former bandmates on stage during one of their Manchester gigs.
I've shown you how the, er, more mature boy band might look.
Robbie has insisted to aides that if the sensational story is made official anywhere then he won't turn up on the night.
He threatens Brits bosses with the same thing every year - insisting he won't show if they confirm to the Press that he'll be there.
And he did it when I revealed in June 2003 that former Take That pal MARK OWEN would do a duet with Robbie during his Knebworth shows.
Cast your mind back. There were furious denials of my story ... only for Mark to join Rob on stage two months later at his historic shows to duet on Back For Good.

Now a highly-placed source has told me: 'Robbie has agreed to appear at one of the Take That gigs in Manchester. They are working out schedules and haven't yet decided which of the dates it will be.
'But it is a done deal. Everyone involved has been sworn to secrecy. As usual Rob has demanded no one coughs to it officially or he will change his mind.
'He likes to keep an element of surprise about all his appearances and gets his knickers in a twist when things leak out.
'But he will be there to sing one number. They are working out all the details now.'
The remaining members of Take That - Mark, GARY BARLOW, JASON ORANGE and HOWARD DONALD - are rehearsing in a London studio ahead of the UK tour, which starts in Newcastle a week on Sunday. They are doing 28 dates which include six in Manchester in May and two in June.
I told you last week how the tour was in jeopardy after Jason collapsed after trying an energetic dance move. Thankfully he recovered.
The lads are determined that their shows will be sensational, and the pressure is making them hugely nervous. They have refused all requests to let any media into rehearsals.
Robbie is doing warm-up gigs abroad before kicking off the European leg of his solo tour in Dublin in June.
Sounds like seeing the boys back together could be magic ... '

Robbie's got a new mate

Quoted from: http://www.itv.com

'5.55PM, Thu Apr 13 2006

The King of Pop is heading up a team for Soccer Aid and was meant to have best mate Jonathan in his team, but Rob has replaced him with X Factor winner Shayne Ward.

It appears Robbie Williams has ousted his best pal Jonathan Wilkes in favour of a reality TV star.
The King of Pop is heading up a team for Soccer Aid and was meant to have best mate Jonathan in his team, but Rob has replaced him with X Factor winner Shayne Ward.
The Rock DJ has asked the singer to play centre-back against Gordon Ramsey's team for the charity event at Old Trafford next month.
The two apparently met on a television show earlier in the year and sources say the pair hit it off straight away and have remained friends ever since.
It isn't all bad for Jonathan, he may have been dropped by his former flat mate, but it is all due to him becoming a father.
The reason Jonny wont be joining Robbie on the pitch is that he is staying at home to look after his new baby son Mickey, who his wife gave birth to on Wednesday.'

Durban concert (pics)

British superstar pop singer Robbie Williams performing live in Durban, South Africa, 10/04/2006.

More pictures at Isifa

Robbie and Cox in the box

Quoted from: http://www.thesun.co.uk/

'By SARA NATHAN
TV Editor

OLD pals Sara Cox and Robbie Williams will be reunited on a football show - and could start tongues wagging again.

Sara ... Soccer Aid date with Robbie

Sexy Sara, 31, is making her big telly comeback fronting ITV2's spin-off from ITV1's pro-celebrity Soccer Aid show.
Footie fan Robbie will captain England’s team against a Rest of the World squad for the pre-World Cup charity spectacular.
But TV Biz hopes bosses know what they are getting themselves into.
The last time Sara and Robbie worked together was in 2003 when the former ladette was hosting Radio 1's breakfast show.
She went to interview the pop hunk in Amsterdam - and famously failed to turn up for work after spending a lost weekend with him. Cheeky Robbie phoned stand-in Scott Mills to say they were 'having such a good time'.

Robbie ... let me entertain you

He added: 'I'm about to give her a ride on my private jet. She will be back tomorrow. Maybe.'
Mum-of-one Sara will chat with players behind the scenes on Soccer Aid.
The daily show, which kicks off next month with Gordon Ramsay skippering the Rest of the World team, will aid Unicef.
Sara, who is dating ad exec Ben Cyzer after splitting with DJ hubby Jon Carter, said: 'All those men will need a strong woman to keep them in check. With players like Robbie and Gordon I'll have my work cut out.'
Ant and Dec will front the main ITV1 show.'

The Ordinairy Boys to support Robbie Williams

Quoted from: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/

'Says it all really doesn't it...
By: Lowri Williams on 4/10/2006

It has been announced that The Ordinary Boys and Basement Jaxx will be supporting Robbie Williams on his forthcoming world tour.
Celebrity Big brother's Preston and his 'bitches' will be helping Basement Jaxx support the ex-Take Thatter on the European leg of his tour.
Robbie is scheduled to play a massive gig in South Africa before going on to wow millions of fans around the world.
His European dates kick off in Dublin on June 9.
Should be quite a tour if the last one is anything to go by...he smashed world record by selling 1.6 million tickets in just one day.'

S African soccer club wants to "sign" RW

Quoted from: http://news.xinhuanet.com/

'JOHANNESBURG, April 11 (Xinhua)

-- A South African soccer club was so impressed by British pop star Robbie Williams' soccer skills that they said they seriously thought of signing him, local media reported on Tuesday.
The Englishman, who opened the South African leg of his world tour in front of 40,000 excited fans in Durban on Monday evening, was comfortable on the ball when he was on "trial" last week at Ajax Cape Town, a South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, South Africa's online news service News24.com reported.
The training session was supervised by Ajax first team coach Gordon Igesund, assistant coach Ian Gorowa and the club's head of youth development, Craig Rosslee.
"Myself and Gordon were very impressed with Williams' form and have given serious thought to signing him for the rest of the season," Roslee jokingly told the Ajax official website.
Williams is set to captain an all-star team in a United Nations' charity football match at Old Trafford next month and also owns a stake in English third-division club Port Vale, a team he has supported since childhood.
Williams will be performing in Cape Town on April 13 and in Pretoria on April 17. Enditem
Editor: Zhu Jin'

Concert Durban [Fan review]

Quoted from: http://www.robbiewilliamsoz.com/

'Durban, South Africa - 10th September 2006 (brief review)
By Gela

It\'s 8am on Tuesday morning, the owner of the B&B I'm staying at in Durban has kindly let me use her computer for a little while. I'm travelling back to Johannesburg today and tomorrow I will be able to send you something more substantial.But quickly, the show was awesome! He was amazing. In his own words, "that was ACE!" He gave it his all, and afterwards everybody seemed overawed by what they had just witnessed. South Africa certainly has not seen a show of this calibre ever! He was so nice to everyone, totally charming and full of fun. Robbie style. I'm going to run through the set list and put short comments for the moment. Detail and lots of photographs will follow later when I get home to my computer and stuff.
Radio - he appeared in a blinding flash of light and smoke!
Rock DJ - wonderful - the crowd went nuts
Tripping - amazing lighting - green seems to be the new favourite show colourMonsoon - danced like a dervish at the end of his walkway.
Sin Sin Sin - lovely story about the making of the video, more later
Trouble with Me - ahhh lovely
Millennium - hands in the air - looked fantastic
Back for Good - nobody knew it!!!
Advertising Space - amazing footage, stage looked incredible!! Lovely lighting
There She Goes - He played the guitar, we loved it
Ghosts - nice nice nice. He stood victorious, the only man to make you ....
Come Undone / Take a walk on the wildside - did a singalong with us.
Feel - Yep we felt it alright - once again amazing lighting and a lovely singalong
Place to Crash - this one bombed out totally!!! No one knew it - even Robbie was devastated in his nice way though!
Kids - we bounced like a bunch of mentalists
Make Me Pure - he lit a cigarette and just charmed usWent of stage for a little bit
Let Me Entertain You - OMG! It was amazing, loads of special effects, rocked the house, the crowd went ape
Strong - biggest karoake Durban has ever seen. The words were really clear on the screen and everyone, but I mean everyone sang along.
Angels - he was really nice to some special fans during this one, brought them on stage, but I promise to tell you more about that later.

Okay, that's it for now. Must quickly mention that before There She Goes, he mentioned that his friend Jonathan's wife is in labour and asked if someone could tell him if something happened during the show. I think he was supposed to perform There She Goes with Jonathan!'

Robbie godfather to Wilkes' new son

Quoted from: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/

'Tuesday April 11, 05:01 PM

TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes is a father - and best pal Robbie Williams is set to be the godfather.
Wilkes' wife Nikki gave birth to the couple's first child.
Mickey was born weighing 7lb 15 oz.
"Nikki and Mickey are doing great. He was born at 7.20am and I fainted at 7.21am," Wilkes joked.
"We are both so happy and can't wait to get our new family back home."
The former You've Been Framed host has asked Williams to do the honours and be Mickey's godfather.
The pair grew up together in Stoke-on-Trent.
Wilkes said recently: "Rob was the first to know about the baby and of course he's going to be godfather. He's my best mate."
The 27-year-old has appeared in stage productions of Grease, Tommy and The Rocky Horror Show and was a team captain in Sky One's The Match.'

Robbie delights Durban fans [review Durban]

Quoted from: http://www.news24.com/

'11/04/2006 10:46 - (SA)

Robbie Williams entertains a crowd of close to 40 000 fans at his opening concert on his tour of South Africa in Durban. (S'bu Mfeka, The Witness)

Durban - Heavy rain in the early evening didn't stop 45 000 excited fans from packing into Durban's Absa Stadium for the start of British pop icon Robbie Williams's South African tour, the Mercury reports.

The concert opened with a grand spectacle of what looked like balls of fire shooting from the stage, as Williams, donned in a black trench coat, rose from the floor through a trapdoor.
Throughout the show, which kicked off with one of Robbie's biggest hits, Radio, Robbie enthused the crowd, getting them going before performing every single one of his chart-topping singles, the Mercury reports.
He walked up and down a ramp built in the middle of the stage and spoke about Durban, its people, and how welcome they'd made him feel. He left the crowd begging for more.
Towards the end of the two-hour show Williams further spiced up the show and invited three girls and their mother on stage to meet him and be a part of the on-stage action.
Williams ended his long-anticipated show with one of his biggest hits, Angels.
Williams will be performing in Cape Town on Thursday, April 13 at the Green Point Stadium and on Monday, April 17 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.'

Robbie Williams hots up the stage [review Durban]

Quoted from: http://www.int.iol.co.za/

'April 11, 2006
By Sally Scott

He came, he sang and he took Durban by the scruff of the neck and shook it - and we, in turn, turned out en masse to celebrate the fact that raunchy Robbie Williams was starting his world tour right here in our city. "I'm Robert, I'm an Aquarius and I'm from Stoke on Trent."












In top form: British pop star Robbie Williams toys with the crowd during the first leg of his South African tour in Durban, where fans turned out in droves to catch one of the world's most acclaimed performers in action. Get all the details on Tonight now!
Photo: Shelley Kjonstad, Daily News

We're not speed dating here, (although a large percentage of the women at last night's concert - ranging in age from 9-year-old Colby to 75-year-old Grace - "He can put his shoes under my bed..." - wouldn't have said no to Robbie). He's got the gift of the gab and the lad was just giving us all the chat up. And boy does he have a fine line in chat.
Over two hours, between delivering pop classics like Rock DJ, Kids Are Alright, Millennium, Let Me Entertain You and the lighters-in-the-air anthem Angels plus the newies, Advertising Space, Come Undone, Pure and Sin, Sin, Sin, plus a nod to that boy band - Take That - with Want You Back, Williams regaled a capacity crowd of over 40 000 with tales of his best mate's wife "her waters broke tonight", questions on the fit of his jeans "does my arse look big in this?" and lessons in spelling: "Regarding this banner girls, knob is spelt with a k."
top.
Clutching a red G-string thrown at him, Williams rampaged up and down the three-pronged stage, winking, wriggling, getting the girls all hot under the collar and, dare one mention it, literally charming the bras off several women in the crowd. As one who succumbed put it afterwards: "For some reason I lifted my top up and bared all. Thank God my boyfriend wasn't here."

Girls' College pupils at the Robbie Williams concert in Durban.
Photo: Bongiwe Gumede

So no, he ain't the best singer in the world, he even stuffed up some of his own lyrics. He's also had some really rough, self-imposed patches in life and made nude videos where ravenous female fans fed on his flesh, but the man's got what Simon Cowell calls the X Factor - in spades. Rude, crude and yes as he admits himself: "I apologise for my language it's fu***** awful", he can sweat it up in a frock coat and leap around in a track suit (neither suited to our humidity). One regret, no tracks from his album of classic Sinatra and co. standards, Swing When You're Winning. Robbie, you'll have to come back and bring a tux next time.'