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.