Stoke-on-Trent’s very own Robbie Williams put on a huge 2 hour show at Hyde Park’s British Summertime on Saturday (July 6th). The former Take That man took to the stage to an amazing atmosphere as the 65,000 fans cheered him, a sellout crowd for the festival. The show saw support from other big British acts such as, Kate Nash, Seal, Black Grape and Soft Play.
Williams burst onto the stage with a large group of dancers to put on quite the spectacle kicking off the headline set with his classic hit ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and then played ‘Come Undone’ and ‘Strong’. Williams’ set followed shortly after the England football team beat Switzerland to progress to the Semi-final of Euro 2024 with the singer saying, “Thank f*** England won!” to the crowd. He then asked his fans “How are you feeling everybody? Are you excited to see me?”
Later into his performance, Danny Dyer came out to cheers from the crowd. “It’s the double act you didn’t know you needed in your life,” and then the Eastender addressed the fans “Let’s ‘ave it, Hyde Park,”. They then proceeded to do a rendition of Britpop superstars, Blur’s ‘Parklife’ with Danny Dyer taking the role of Phil Daniels on this occasion. The duo was accompanied by members of the Welsh guard.
Earlier in the set Williams took the crowd back to his Take That days playing the boy band’s 1992 hit ‘Could It Be Magic’. He then proceeded to tell the Hyde Park crowd the story of how he quit the group in 1995 followed by a version of Oasis’ ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ and even more Britpop related action when the former Take That man brought out Supergrass’ Gaz Coombes to perform a duet of the Latter’s 90s hit ‘Alright’.
He also later on performed Take That’s hit ‘Back For Good’ before making a tribute to his wife, Ayda, and his children where he thanked them for helping change his life around. “I’ve been with my wife for 18 years. I am the man that I am because you have allowed me to grow with you,” he said praising his wife. He then sent a message to his four kids “And Teddy, you were the first of your kind and you absolutely blew my friggin’ mind. Daddy is super, super proud of you. I’m going to dedicate this next song to Beau, aged four, Coco, aged five, Charlie, aged nine and Teddy, aged 11.”
Robbie Williams then proceeded to go through his endless catalogue of huge hits including the likes of ‘Rock DJ’, ‘No Regrets’, ‘Supreme’, ‘Feel’, ‘Millennium’, and ‘Kids’. Along with playing his own hits the 90s superstar played tribute to some of his late heroes such as Bob Marley, David Bowie, Elvis Presely, Tina Turner and more.
He also expressed his huge gratitude to his fans. “At 50, I’m still here and I’m extremely grateful… Tonight I was the happiest and most chilled I have ever been coming on stage. Maybe it was England [winning], maybe it was you guys, but I’m really f****** happy… Thank you for helping me remain on the planet. I love you guys.”
Hyde Park: last night was absolutely sensational, that was one of my favourite shows ever. Thank you, thank you, thank you pic.twitter.com/9dSfbgVMV5
— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) July 7, 2024
