Little known facts about Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams is bringing his unique brand of entertainment to the UAE. David Light shares little known facts of the singer ahead of his weekend gig

He’s been an enduring musical talent for the last 25 years. From boy band pin-up to pop idol, ballad merchant to swing star and there’s even been a bit of rapping in the mix (but the less said about that the better), Robbie Williams is a phenomenon.

Perhaps the only blip along the way - his inability to crack the US. However, America’s loss is the rest of the world’s gain as he has managed to shift 18.9 million albums as a solo artist in the UK, his homeland, alone.

An ardent Port Vale Football Club fan, so much so he is the majority shareholder, Robbie put his love of the beautiful game to good use setting up Soccer Aid in association with UNICEF in 2006.

Here’s a mix of other facts to get you ready for Robbie’s April 25 gig at the Du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.    

•Born in February 1974, Robert Peter Williams was born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent. He had an interest in performing from a young age, starring in several school plays including as the Artful Dodger in Oliver!

•In 2011 his estimated wealth was £90 million.

•After three years living in Los Angeles, Robbie moved back to England. He went to Swindon to be near best friend and TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes.

•In 2010 Robbie launched his own karaoke game We Sing Robbie Williams on the Wii.

• He was the voice of Dougal in the film The Magic Roundabout alongside Kids collaborator Kylie Minogue

• Robbie’s duet with Nicole Kidman, covering Frank and Nancy Sinatra’s Somethin’ Stupid went straight to number one.

•Robbie got his big break as one of the biggest boybands of the ‘90s, Take That. He actually applied for the job of lead singer after reading a newspaper ad. He left in 1995 and later rejoined the group in 2010 to record the album Progress, Take That’s first new material as a five-piece in 15 years. He left the group again in 2014.

• Robbie Williams has won more Brit Awards than any other artist, both as a part of Take That and for his solo career. This includes the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, which he won in 2010. Previous winners of the lifetime achievement award include Pet Shop Boys, Sir Paul McCartney and Tom Jones.

• He bought his Los Angeles neighbour, Home Alone’s Joe Pesci, a $400,000 Bentley to make peace after their angry spat.

• Robbie never learnt how to drive and therefore has a limo with a driver wherever he goes.

 • Robbie Williams kicked off his ‘Let Me Entertain You’ Tour in Madrid on March 25 that sees him return to countries he hasn’t visited for a while as well as head to others he’ll be entertaining for the very first time including 13 shows in 11 different countries.

Fans can experience Robbie Williams up close with Inner Pit tickets. “I like to engage with members of the audience. The people in the front rows are the ones that have been there the longest, so they’re the most mental,” says Robbie. This exclusive standing area is closest to the stage and has dedicated food and beverage counters and convenient access to the rest rooms.

Tickets for Robbie Williams are available at tickmaster.ae and select Virgin Megastores across the UAE.