Stadium poised for stars

Alex Murdoch and Rosemary Odgers
April 08, 2006

BRISBANE is set to lure big-name music acts such as the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi when Suncorp Stadium opens to concerts later this year.


Music promoters yesterday said Brisbane would no longer be automatically bypassed by superstars who had shunned the city because smaller venues meant they could not recover production costs.

Their comments came as Premier Peter Beattie confirmed three concerts would be allowed to play at the 52,500-seat stadium every year under controversial new laws.

Critics immediately accused Mr Beattie of breaking a promise not to allow concerts in a bid to limit noise and traffic problems.

When the Government overrode Brisbane City Council to approve its Lang Park redevelopment in 2001, strict conditions were laid down, including no open-air concerts and a limit of 24 major sporting events a year.

In justifying the decision, Mr Beattie said the stadium was presently set to host only 18 "major events", attracting crowds of more than 25,000 people, an indication it may not be raising enough revenue.

"Local residents can rest assured that there will not be a rock band at the ground every week," he said.

"There will be a maximum of only three concerts at the venue every year plus an allowance for one religious assembly."

But local trader Anne Boccabella said there were already 29 events planned for the stadium this year.

"This means for another four days a year we can't have parking for clients (and) residents can't have friends over because of the parking restrictions when events are on," she said.

Several big-name performers and bands have bypassed Brisbane in recent years because of inadequate facilities.

Promoter Michael Chugg said with Suncorp Stadium now available, he would reconsider bringing Robbie Williams to Brisbane as part of a possible Australian tour later this year.
"Acts like U2, the Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, Madonna and the big stadium bands like Bon Jovi won't play an indoor show because the size of their productions and the logistics just don't allow it to happen, and because they can't get the gross (revenue) to pay for these events," he said.

"The Brisbane Entertainment Centre holds 10,000 to 11,000 people, Suncorp holds more than 50,000 and that's the bottom line."


Ticketing and sponsorship manager for U2 promoter Michael Coppel Presents, Roger Field, said it was always great to have a new venue open up.

"With varied choices in Melbourne and Sydney, it's very good for Brisbane to have a new facility that's a different mode and a different size to what's currently available," he said.

U2 was to have played at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (formerly ANZ Stadium) at Nathan last month before the Australian leg of the band's Vertigo tour was postponed due to illness.

Pre-Concert Build Up News
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v354/shellspeare/Pure%20Robbie/01rob.jpg

Australia
30th November: Subiaco Oval, Perth
1st December: Subiaco Oval, Perth
5th December: AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
9th December: Aussie Stadium, Sydney
10th December: Aussie Stadium, Sydney
13th December: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
14th December: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
17th December: Telstra Dome, Melbourne
18th December: Telstra Dome, Melbourne


Robbie Williams to announce Australian Tour!

Reported by - Monday, April 24 2006

UK pop sensation, Robbie Williams, is expected to soon announce dates for his Australian tour according to his tour promoter, Chugg Entertainment.

Sunday Telegraph reported over the weekend that the ex-Take Back singer is expected to announce details of his Australian shows in four weeks.

Chugg Entertainment have confirmed that all his shows will again be outdoor stadium shows and have hinted that shows could extend outside of Sydney and Melbourne, the two cities Williams toured in his 2004 Oz tour.

News of his Australian shows comes hot off the heals after his announcement of his World Tour which started in Durban, South Africa where he performed in front of a staggering 52,000 fans.

The tour see Robbie play 44 dates across 14 countries, playing to an estimated audience of more than 2.6 million people.

Stay tuned!

Source: http://www.accessallareas.net.au/data/EEuVlpkuAyIhQZwNQv.php

Thu:04-05-2006

Robbie to head down-under
Looking to tour at end of the year

Written By James
Photo: Getty Images

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/1madlady/news_454_main.jpg

Watch out Australia because Robbie Williams is set to hit our shores later this year for a national tour. Robbie is currently on his insanely massive European tour that sees the English superstar cruising through 14 countries and performing 44 gigs.

If Robbie hasn?t had a complete nervous breakdown concluding his Euopean stint then the Australian tour will take place sometime towards the end of the year. Stay tuned to MTV and we will keep you posted on any more details that surface about Robbie coming down-under.

Source: http://www.mtv.com.au/news/news.php?view=454

Superstars to rock summer
But Robbies still not having luck with stadiums..
By NUI TE KOHA
14may06
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19126719%255E2902,00.html (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19126719%255E2902,00.html)
U2, ROBBIE Williams and Kylie Minogue are set to headline a superstar summer of rock.

Concert promoters have begun booking dates for an A-list trifecta at Docklands.


Williams will do a series of shows in outdoor stadiums in December.
"Robbie Williams will be here this year," promoter Michael Chugg said yesterday.

"I will not comment further."
Chugg is finalising stadium dates for Williams in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

But Williams may have to fight for stadium space.
The summer tour calendar is filling with superstars.
U2 frontman Bono has reserved two dates at Telstra Dome in November.

"At this point in time, the venue is on hold waiting for U2's go-ahead to announce," an industry source said.
Kylie Minogue is planning to stage her comeback show in Melbourne in November.

Superstars Elton John and Billy Joel are also planning visits early next year.

U2, citing personal reasons, scrapped its Australian dates in March.
Guitarist The Edge's daughter, Sian, was ill.
Bono has said U2 wants to perform the rescheduled shows in November.

But, behind the scenes, underwriters are working hard on insurance matters.

"U2 is restaging a world tour from scratch. This involves a substantial set of expenditures," a U2 insider said.
U2 incurred "several million dollars in costs" for dropping their March dates.

"For better or worse, rock and roll is no longer an art form where you can spontaneously do things," the source said.
"Everything has to be in place."

U2's Australian promoter, Michael Coppel, refused to comment on background issues.

But he said a tour decision from U2 is imminent.

If the tour reconvenes in November, it will be the same show touted in March. US rapper, Kanye West, will support U2.

"The intention is to replay the shows they would have played in March," Mr Coppel said.

"They will be hotter shows because the band will have been off the road for eight months.

"Essentially, nobody will miss out on what they were hoping to see. The bonus is U2 will be energised and ready to play."

Tour plans for U2 and Williams follow Kylie Minogue's wish for a comeback spectacular celebrating her 20 years as pop princess.
Minogue, 37, says her return to the stage must happen in Melbourne in November for family, friends and local supporters.
Tour sources say the shows, postponed while Minogue has fought cancer, will launch a special 2007 tour acknowledging Kylie's third decade as pop superstar and survivor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/1madlady/part2hhhhhh.jpg

Robbie Williams to drop in for Suncorp gig - Here he comes
Sunday Mail (QLD), 14-05-2006,

AFTER months of whispers and rumours, the ego is set to land in Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium. Pop superstar Robbie Williams will perform at Brisbane's 52,500-seat venue in mid-November, stadium and music industry insiders confirmed this week. ``The wor...

Source: http://www.newstext.com.au/

Source: http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/

*Scanned article with thanks to robsgirl TRWS*

Robbie Williams and Kylie to rock summer

Sunday May 14 05:47 AEST
Kylie Minogue is planning her comeback show in November, tour sources say.

Other stars set to rock Melbourne over summer include U2 and Robbie Williams, the Sunday Herald Sun reports, but they will be jostling for key dates as Elton John and Billy Joel are also planning visits.

Sources told the newspaper Kylie wants to stage her return in Melbourne for the sake of family, friends and local supporters.

Kylie's shows, postponed while she fought cancer, will launch a special 2007 tour acknowledging her third decade as pop superstar and survivor - July next year marks the 20th anniversary of her debut single, Locomotion.

The A-list stars are set to perform at the Docklands, as promoters secure their bookings.

U2 frontman Bono has reserved two undisclosed dates at Telstra Dome in November, while Williams is to perform at outdoor stadiums in December.
Promoter Michael Chugg confirmed Williams would be here this year, but would not comment further.

Chugg is finalising stadium dates for Williams in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/

Australia: Dates And Inner Sanctum Advance Sale Announced!
Robbie has announced that he will be playing the following dates in Australia later this year:


1st December: Subiaco Oval, Perth
5th December: AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
8th December: Aussie Stadium, Sydney
9th December: Aussie Stadium, Sydney
10th December: Aussie Stadium, Sydney
13th December: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
17th December: Telstra Dome, Melbourne
18th December: Telstra Dome, Melbourne

General ticket sales for these will commence on Monday 5th June, however we are giving Inner Sanctum subscribers, who have not yet purchased tickets for the tour, the opportunity to purchase through advance sales. Advance sales will begin Thursday 25th May.

Oz at end of road for Robbie
Cameron Adams
17may06
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19161166%255E2862,00.html (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19161166%255E2862,00.html)
ROBBIE Williams will put his touring career on hold after a farewell gig in Melbourne.

Williams' world tour will end in Australia in December, with Melbourne the last stop.

He will play at Telstra Dome on December 17, with tickets on sale from June 6 at Ticketmaster.
"I'm not going to tour for a long time after this tour," Williams told the Herald Sun.
"For me this tour is a year-long celebration of what I've achieved as a solo artist. It comes in the form of getting on stage in stadiums.
"After that I'll say thank you very much. It's not something I want to do again for a long time."
Williams' 2006 world tour has sold out at stadiums throughout Europe and Britain.
The tour set a world record last year by selling more than 1.6 million tickets in a single day, beating a record held by 'N Sync.
The tour is expected to be seen by 2.5 million people this year.
Australian promoter Michael Chugg said Williams would bring the full overseas production down under.
The show features a stage that snakes into the crowd, bringing Williams close to fans.
Williams' Australian tour starts in Perth on December 1, before moving to outdoor shows in Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.
Tickets will cost about $149 for gold seats and $99 for silver.
Tickets will be sold in a maximum of six per transaction to prohibit internet scalpers buying in bulk.
The new tour mixes Williams' classics such as Angels, Let Me Entertain You, Rock DJ, Feel and Kids with recent hits Tripping and Sin Sin Sin.
"Some of the other shows I've done I've been running the 1500m, and the 400m and the 100m all at the same time. With this show I just want to relax," Williams said. Williams is recording a new dance album, due for release in September.

Australia: Date Correction


Please note that the mail you received earlier contained some dates which were incorrect. These are the dates that Robbie WILL be playing:


1st December: Subiaco Oval, Perth
5th December: AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
9th December: Aussie Stadium, Sydney
13th December: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
17th December: Telstra Dome, Melbourne

General ticket sales for these will commence on Monday 5th June, however, we are giving Inner Sanctum subscribers, who have not yet purchased tickets for the tour, the opportunity to purchase through advance sales. Advance sales will begin Thursday 25th May. Keep your eyes on your inbox as we'll be sending a mailout with more details nearer the time.
We look forward to seeing you on Robbie's Close Encounters Tour 2006!

Best wishes,
www.robbiewilliams.com


I rest my case http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/boese/h043.gif What an efficient bunch of http://www.cheesebuerger.de/images/smilie/frech/c045.gif

Fans go mad for Robbie
:aussy:

June 06, 2006
source (http://www.dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19382283-5001025,00.html)
TENS of thousands of fans locked up the ticketek.com website for the second time in a week today while trying to buy Robbie Williams concert tickets.

Fewer than 60 people braved wet and cold conditions outside the box office on Elizabeth Street.
A limit of six tickets a person were on sale for the concert at Aussie stadium on December 9.
Avid fan Justine, her dog Chee Chee and five other diehards waited outside for two nights to ensure they were at the front of the line.
Second in the queue Joan Gasbarini said Justine, who was fast asleep, became a new friend after they met during the long wait.
They had arrived at 10pm on Sunday.
To avoid internet congestion, Sydney tickets were only put on sale by Ticketek today. By 9.30am, there were 41 auctions for the tickets on eBay.

Robbie sells out fast
06-06-2006
From: AAP
THE highly anticipated return to Australia of British pop star Robbie Williams sent fans in Sydney and Melbourne into a ticket-buying frenzy today, with first shows in both cities selling out in 30 minutes.

More than 100,000 tickets combined were sold by 9.30am (AEST) for the Robbie Williams: Close Encounters world tour at Sydney's Aussie Stadium and Melbourne's Telstra Dome in December.
A spokeswoman for promoter Chugg Entertainment said they were shocked at the overwhelming demand for tickets.

"We expected strong sales in Sydney and Melbourne, but nothing like this," she said.

The demand meant an extra show in Sydney was added at 9.45am (AEST) and the spokeswoman said more than 85 per cent of the Sunday evening show had already sold.

It's been five years since Williams toured Down Under.

The current leg of the tour begins in Dublin on June 9 and will visit 14 countries on 44 different dates by the time it wraps in Melbourne on December 17.

There was a strict six-ticket limit policy on sales today to avoid scalpers on-selling them at a higher price.

Gold tickets started at $149.95 and the cheaper end of the scale was silver reserve at $99.95.

Tickets for Williams' Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane shows go on sale tomorrow and the spokeswoman urged fans to get in early.

"There has been a huge demand, all we can say is that fans need to get in early because they are selling fast," she said.

Williams shattered the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest, and largest number of concert tickets ever sold in one day ? 1.6 million ? when the European leg of his world tour went on sale in November 2005.

:aussy:

Web sales rile Robbie fans

07jun06

THERE were a few furious Robbie Williams fans in Melbourne yesterday after the first concert sold out in less than 30 minutes.

Their anger stemmed from the fact that advance ticket sales on Friday meant that most of the tickets had already been sold through his website and Ticketmaster, so everyday punters had little chance. And, like last week's Ashes tickets farce, hundreds of Williams tickets were soon listed on eBay, some priced at $600 each.


Eye reader Sharon said that at 9am Ticketmaster was saying there were only "crappy seats in the gods at Telstra Dome" left.

"I tried for over four hours to get tickets on Friday, but couldn't even get on to the website," she said. "When I eventually did, it told me there were no tickets available."

source (http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19386241%255E28957,00.html)

Sleeping out for Robbie Williams

Wednesday, 7 June 2006
Reporter: Phil Smith
Presenter: Spencer Howson
http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/sleepout_m1243421.jpg Brisbane fans of Robbie Williams get comfortable in the Queens St Mall while waiting for the ticket office to open
http://www.abc.net.au/news/img/spacer.gifhttp://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/fan_m1243425.jpg Staying warm during the sleep out
http://www.abc.net.au/news/img/spacer.gifThousands of Brisbane fans of English singing sensation Robbie Williams receieved Repetitive Strain Injuries on Friday, as they clicked their way to success purchasing tickets online to Robbie's December 13 Lang Park concert.
Often though, the experience took them hours, and they didn't get to participate in sleeping bag races, unlike the fans who took the old-fashioned approach to buying tickets: sleeping out to be first in line when the ticket office opens.

About 50 fans were lining up in the Queen St Mall at 6.30am this morning, awaiting the ticket office opening at 9.00. It was a scene littered with eskies, sleeping bags, folding chairs, thermoses, with even a TV for one of the better prepared fans.

One pair of fans started their stake-out at 9.30 yesterday morning. "We?ve had a few [caffeine drinks] but we?ve really been sustained by the Baileys and coffee..." one fan admitted.

However, the pair was planning a very polite assault on the ticket office, when it finally opened at 9.00. "Absolutely ? we?re very nice people, very refined, actually."

Other fans weren't so sure. "Well, so far everyone?s been really friendly ? I don?t know what it?s going to be like when the doors open!" one commented.

The fans had plenty of drive to survive the icy conditions in the city overnight. "It?s the concert of the decade ? we didn?t want to miss out," said one.

Another was looking forward to the concert experience for inspiration. "All the songs are favourites," she said, "so [I'm looking forward to] being able the sing along with all of them... I think the atmosphere will just be fun fun fun!"

However, for some of the people waiting, lining up for tickets wasn't part of their original plan. Some just had no luck with internet sales. "Believe me, we tried," said one woman. "We had four computers going on Friday to get presale tickets that we were eligible to buy ? four computers and four people and and we spent 2 ½ hours and we got nowhere ? that?s why we?re here!"

No doubt they were grateful, too, when they realised internet tickets didn't come with sleeping bag races.

source (http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1657058.htm?brisbane)

Robbie fans angry

From: MX
By Roxanne Millar

June 07, 2006


http://network.news.com.au/image/0,10114,5164981,00.jpg In demand ... Robbie Williams / Richard Cisar-Wright





ROBBIE Williams fans will know by the end of the week if the hit-maker will play a second show in Melbourne after his December 17 Telstra Dome gig sold out within minutes.

Concert promoter Michael Chugg said the demand had been bigger than for U2's Vertigo tour.


"It's huge. After the last tour, the talk about how great it was made everyone want to see it.

"Now we're talking to him to see if he wants to do another show."
Chugg said he assumed the second gig would also be at Telstra Dome.
Tickets for Melbourne's Close Encounters show sold out within 30 minutes of release yesterday and are already being sold on eBay for almost three times the purchase price.

Williams's last Australian tour was in 2003 when demand was deemed too low to bother with a second Melbourne show. Earlier today, thousands of angry Robbie Williams fans were demanding to know why they missed out on tickets to his Sydney and Melbourne shows.
More than 100,000 tickets were sold within 30 minutes for Williams's first Australian concert tour in five years.

Concert promoter Michael Chugg told Seven's Sunrise concertgoers are facing an uphill battle because scalpers resell tickets on auction website eBay.

"These people are now joining fanclubs so they can scalp tickets," Mr Chugg said.

"Unless they publish ticket details on eBay, you've got no hope of finding out who has the ticket and that's the problem," he said.
source (http://entertainment.news.com.au/story/0,10221,19392370-7484,00.html)

Sleeping out for Robbie Williams
Wednesday, 7 June 2006

Reporter: Phil Smith

Presenter: Spencer Howson


Brisbane fans of Robbie Williams get comfortable in the Queens St Mall while waiting for the ticket office to open


Staying warm during the sleep out

Thousands of Brisbane fans of English singing sensation Robbie Williams receieved Repetitive Strain Injuries on Friday, as they clicked their way to success purchasing tickets online to Robbie's December 13 Lang Park concert.

Often though, the experience took them hours, and they didn't get to participate in sleeping bag races, unlike the fans who took the old-fashioned approach to buying tickets: sleeping out to be first in line when the ticket office opens.

About 50 fans were lining up in the Queen St Mall at 6.30am this morning, awaiting the ticket office opening at 9.00. It was a scene littered with eskies, sleeping bags, folding chairs, thermoses, with even a TV for one of the better prepared fans.

One pair of fans started their stake-out at 9.30 yesterday morning. "We?ve had a few [caffeine drinks] but we?ve really been sustained by the Baileys and coffee..." one fan admitted.

However, the pair was planning a very polite assault on the ticket office, when it finally opened at 9.00. "Absolutely ? we?re very nice people, very refined, actually."

Other fans weren't so sure. "Well, so far everyone?s been really friendly ? I don?t know what it?s going to be like when the doors open!" one commented.

The fans had plenty of drive to survive the icy conditions in the city overnight. "It?s the concert of the decade ? we didn?t want to miss out," said one.

Another was looking forward to the concert experience for inspiration. "All the songs are favourites," she said, "so being able the sing along with all of them... I think the atmosphere will just be fun fun fun!"

However, for some of the people waiting, lining up for tickets wasn't part of their original plan. Some just had no luck with internet sales. "Believe me, we tried," said one woman. "We had four computers going on Friday to get presale tickets that we were eligible to buy ? four computers and four people and and we spent 2 ½ hours and we got nowhere ? that?s why we?re here!"

No doubt they were grateful, too, when they realised internet tickets didn't come with sleeping bag races.
http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/fan_m1243425.jpg
[I]Staying warm during the sleep out
http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/sleepout_m1243421.jpg
Brisbane fans of Robbie Williams get comfortable in the Queens St Mall while waiting for the ticket office to open



Source: http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1657058.htm?brisbane

In demand ... Robbie Williams / Richard Cisar-Wright
THOUSANDS of angry Robbie Williams fans are demanding to know why they missed out on tickets to his Sydney and Melbourne shows.
More than 100,000 tickets were sold within 30 minutes for Williams's first Australian concert tour in five years.
Concert promoter Michael Chugg told Seven's Sunrise concertgoers are facing an uphill battle because scalpers resell tickets on auction website eBay.

"These people are now joining fanclubs so they can scalp tickets," Mr Chugg said.

"Unless they publish ticket details on eBay, you've got no hope of finding out who has the ticket and that's the problem," he said.

Tickets for Robbie's Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane shows go on sale this morning.

Source: http://entertainment.news.com.au/story/0,10221,19392370-7484,00.html

ROBBIE WILLIAMS
SELLS-OUT
AUSTRALIAN TOUR
BUT DO WE WANT MORE?

If Australia wants more Robbie Williams concerts, promoter Michael Chugg will ask, but fans should start petitioning now? to local radio, ticket agency websites and, of course, at www.chuggentertainment.com

Amassing more than 300,000 ticket sales, Australia today joined the record-breaking sell-out frenzy that?s greeted every Robbie Williams on-sale in the rest of the world, selling out all five of his originally scheduled December Australian concerts, plus a second in Sydney.

In an Australian first, Robbie Williams? concert tickets went on sale across two days, alternating ticketing agencies and cities to give fans the best chance to buy their tickets.

Sydney and Melbourne went on sale yesterday; Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, today.

More than 100,000 lucky fans in Sydney and Melbourne yesterday guaranteed their summer date with Robbie ? the ?world?s favourite entertainer and most dynamic showman ever seen? ? selling out the two cities stadium shows in a mere thirty minutes each.

Sydney sold immediately rolled into a second concert at Aussie Stadium confirmed for December 10, and it sold out today!

Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, five years in waiting, went on sale today and all concerts were sold out before lunch time.

Perth on the west coast, and the first ever 50,000+ capacity concert at Brisbane?s Suncorp Stadium joined the east coast?s high-speed express lane, and sold out in a record thirty minutes. Adelaide sold out within two hours.

While Sydney was offered its second show almost immediately, anyone who missed out in the other capital cities are going to have to speak up to get their second chance.

?This show is a technological monster,? said promoter Michael Chugg. ?With the gruelling schedule to build the stage in each city, it?s going to be tough to fit in any more dates, but if the fans want it, we?ll ask for it!?

Chugg today encouraged any fans that missed out to register their interest click HERE http://www.chuggentertainment.com

?If there?s enough noise and the fans demand it ? we?ll take it to Robbie?s people ? Robbie?s love for Australia is no secret, so we may just be able to make it happen,? said Chugg.

Robbie Williams: Close Encounter World Tour starts next Friday June 9 in Dublin, visits 14 countries on 44 different dates, and finishes in Australia.

Do we want more? ? You betcha!

I really admire their stamina. I'd have to take a port-a-loo if I did that :lol:

I really admire their stamina. I'd have to take a port-a-loo if I did that :lol:
OMG yes, yes. The kids ruined my bladder.

Robbie Williams sells out Australia: Do you want more shows!?


If Australia wants more Robbie Williams concerts, promoter Michael Chugg will ask, but fans should start petitioning now... to local radio, ticket agency websites and, of course, at www.chuggentertainment.com (http://www.chuggentertainment.com) .

Amassing more than 300,000 ticket sales, Australia today joined the record breaking sell out frenzy that's greeted every Robbie Williams on sale in the rest of the world, selling out all five of his originally scheduled December Australian concerts, plus a second in Sydney.

In an Australian first, Robbie Williams' concert tickets went on sale across two days, alternating ticketing agencies and cities to give fans the best chance to buy their tickets.

Sydney and Melbourne went on sale yesterday; Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, today.

More than 100,000 lucky fans in Sydney and Melbourne yesterday guaranteed their summer date with Robbie, the "world's favourite entertainer and most dynamic showman ever seen", selling out the two cities stadium shows in a mere thirty minutes each.

Sydney rolled immediately into a second concert at Aussie Stadium, confirmed for December 10, and it sold out today!

Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, five years in waiting, went on sale today and all concerts were sold out before lunch time.

Perth on the west coast, and the first ever 50,000+ capacity concert at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium joined the east coast's high speed express lane and sold out in a record thirty minutes. Adelaide sold out within two hours.

While Sydney was offered its second show almost immediately, anyone who missed out in the other capital cities are going to have to speak up to get their second chance.

"This show is a technological monster," said promoter Michael Chugg. "With the gruelling schedule to build the stage in each city, it's going to be tough to fit in any more dates, but if the fans want it, we'll ask for it!"

Chugg today encouraged any fans that missed out to visit www.chuggentertainment.com (http://www.chuggentertainment.com) and register their interest there.

"If there's enough noise and the fans demand it, we'll take it to Robbie's people, Robbie,s love for Australia is no secret, so we may just be able to make it happen," said Chugg.

Robbie Williams: Close Encounter World Tour starts next Friday June 9 in Dublin, visits 14 countries on 44 different dates, and finishes in Australia.

Source: http://www.accessallareas.net.au/data/EEuAyulZZlKdhgPuWI.php (http://www.accessallareas.net.au/data/EEuAyulZZlKdhgPuWI.php)

Hey there - there has been a new show announced for Brisbane, 14th December - this is due to the people of Brisbane that missed out on the first one, petitioning everyone they could to get a new show!!!!!!

http://www.chuggentertainment.com/ :aus:

Williams show sold out in one hour

June 21, 2006


BRITISH pop star Robbie Williams sold out his second concert at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium just over an hour after tickets went on sale, promoters said today.

Williams, whose performances will be the first time the 52,500 capacity football stadium is used for a rock concert, plays in Brisbane on December 13-14. Australian promoter Michael Chugg said the ticket sales for the nationwide outdoor concert tour by Williams had been "extraordinary".

Both shows at Sydney's Aussie stadium and Melbourne's Telstra Dome had also sold out, Chugg said.

Williams plays nine shows on the Australian-leg of his Robbie Williams: Close Encounters World Tour.

The tour starts at Perth's Subiaco Oval on December 1. Tickets for the second Perth concert go on sale next Tuesday.

source (http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,19541162-1702,00.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/1madlady/header.jpg

Missed tickets the first time round?
We're proud to announce that a new allocation of tickets will be released to the public - to all nine shows!

The new round of tickets go on sale:
Wednesday 27th September (Sydney & Melbourne)
Thursday 28th September (Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth)


Buy tickets
Perth and Melbourne shows
Tickets from Ticketmaster


Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane shows
Tickets from Ticketek



Tour dates
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Thursday 30 November 2006
Friday 1 December 2006

AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
Tuesday 5 December 2006

Aussie Stadium, Sydney
Saturday 9 December 2006
Sunday 10 December 2006

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wednesday 13 December 2006
Thursday 14 December 2006

Telstra Dome, Melbourne
Sunday 17 December 2006
Monday 18 December 2006


About the tour

• It took a core team of 6 people 6 months to devise the preliminary stage set for this tour
• Robbie's very first brief to his staging team was very simple, "Create something that is truly out-of-this-world!"
• The Close Encounters tour has a Sci-Fi theme. The set is spaceship-like and was all Robbie's own vision and idea

From the archive...

Love, life and obsessive fans
Listen again to Jackie O's interview with Robbie
(recorded 2005)


Disclaimer: information correct at the time of publishing. Subject to change without notice.

Source: http://www.allnew929.com/whats_on/concerts_new/individual_concert/robbie_williams_2006

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/1madlady/header.jpg

Missed tickets the first time round?
We're proud to announce that a new allocation of tickets will be released to the public - to all nine shows!

The new round of tickets go on sale:
Wednesday 27th September (Sydney & Melbourne)
Thursday 28th September (Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth)


Buy tickets
Perth and Melbourne shows
Tickets from Ticketmaster


Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane shows
Tickets from Ticketek



Tour dates
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Thursday 30 November 2006
Friday 1 December 2006

AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
Tuesday 5 December 2006

Aussie Stadium, Sydney
Saturday 9 December 2006
Sunday 10 December 2006

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Wednesday 13 December 2006
Thursday 14 December 2006

Telstra Dome, Melbourne
Sunday 17 December 2006
Monday 18 December 2006


About the tour

• It took a core team of 6 people 6 months to devise the preliminary stage set for this tour
• Robbie's very first brief to his staging team was very simple, "Create something that is truly out-of-this-world!"
• The Close Encounters tour has a Sci-Fi theme. The set is spaceship-like and was all Robbie's own vision and idea

From the archive...

Love, life and obsessive fans
Listen again to Jackie O's interview with Robbie
(recorded 2005)


Disclaimer: information correct at the time of publishing. Subject to change without notice.

Source: http://www.allnew929.com/whats_on/concerts_new/individual_concert/robbie_williams_2006

Still a chance to see Robbie

Lisa Chant
September 17, 2006 12:15am

At least 2500 extra seats will be released for Robbie Williams' sold-out Adelaide show.

The British performer – whose latest single Rudebox debuted on the ARIA singles chart this week at No.13 – plays AAMI Stadium on December 5 on his Close Encounters world tour.

SA promoter Brian Gleeson confirmed the Australian shows would go ahead, despite Williams cancelling the Asian leg of his tour – including dates in Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore – because of health concerns.

A spokesman for Williams said honouring the dates "would be asking too much" and would "seriously impact his health".

However, he'll still wind up the tour in Australia, starting with a concert in Perth on November 30 and finishing in Melbourne on December 18. The 50,000 original tickets to the SA gig sold out within two hours of going on sale on June 7.

But Mr Gleeson said Chugg Entertainment had worked for months to try to increase the venue in a safe manner.

"And we've managed to pull it off, giving more diehard fans the chance to see Robbie in action".

The new tickets will be a mix of gold and silver, priced at $149.95 and $99.95 respectively.

They go on sale on October 4 through Ticketek and will be limited to a maximum of six tickets per person.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,20424498-5006343,00.html

More Robbie Williams tickets released!
Posted Saturday, September 16 2006

It had looked as though just less than half a million eager Australians would get to see Robbie perform live in Australia this year, but promoter Chugg Entertainment announced today that more seats to this sold out concerts would be released to the general public.

If you missed the chance to buy one of the 450,000 odd tickets that were released for Australian shows in June this year all is not lost!

New tickets for the Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide shows will go on sale on Wednesday 4th of October, followed by the Melbourne and Perth shows on sale on Thursday 5th October.

Michael Chugg and his production team recently flew to Cologne, Germany to watch Robbie's Close Encounters show live. When the Australian production experts met with Robbie's team and reviewed the layout and sight lines of the Australian Stadiums, they confirmed that they could offer more tickets to die hard Robbie Williams fans. These will be tickets available to either side of the stage and in other areas of the venue.

U2, Abba, Madonna, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones all come to mind when we think of huge names in music with massive sell out concerts but none have had a tour this successful.

In Europe schools closed and people waited in line for 48 hours to purchase tickets that sold out in less than 2 hours. A new Guinness World Record was set after Robbie Williams' tour sold more than 1.6 million concert tickets for his 2006 world tour, earning an estimated $144 million in one day.

The Robbie Williams Close Encounters Tour is a phenomenon taking the world by storm and in November, it will reach Australia's shores playing to 9 stadiums across every major city with between 50,000 and 60,000 people at every show.

Australians bought up every ticket within hours of them being offered and more than 6 months before the concert was scheduled to play. There is no doubt in the mind of promoter Michael Chugg that this is the biggest show Australia has ever seen.

Logistical statistics back up this claim again. 3 years of planning, 360 tonnes of equipment, more than 200 crew and a fleet of trucks and buses taking almost a week to construct the stage with 2 giant scorpion tails measuring 66 meters by 26 meters, 8 giant tusks made from 6,800 LED blocks and 125 meters of video wall.

The show, described as "an unearthly fusion of the supernatural with enough modern technology to power an early lunar landing" is guaranteed to leave you satisfied.

Once this final release of tickets has been sold out there will be no more tickets released and no new shows scheduled. Australia, this is your last chance to see Robbie Williams live in concert... don't miss out!

Source: http://www.accessallareas.net.au/data/EEVlFkZApAdlpxGWtj.php

Robbie keeps Oz despite dropping Asia
18th September 2006

Megastar Robbie Williams will still be rocking Australia despite cancelling the Asian leg of his world tour. The pop star called off gigs in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, Mumbai and Bangalore which were due to take place from November 4-26.

But Williams’ Australian promoter Michael Chugg has assured fans the local shows would be going ahead. “He’s coming — I don’t know why they cancelled South-East Asia but he’s definitely coming,” Chugg said on the phone from Thailand.

Williams, 32, is midway through his Close Encounters tour. A spokesman for the star told the BBC that honouring the Asia dates “would be asking too much.”

A statement to the promoters said it had become clear “that the stress and exhaustion on the Asian tour, coming so shortly after the end of the European and South American dates, would seriously impact on his health,” according to the Shanghai Daily.

On Friday night, Williams was performing the second of five dates at the Milton Keynes Bowl north of London.

His European tour kicked off in Dublin in June, and next month moves to South America before finishing in Australia in December, with two Perth shows on November 30 and December 1.

Source: http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=25&ContentID=7145

More Robbie Williams Tickets For Saleby Paul Cashmere
Undercover Australia
September 18 2006
Promoter Michael Chugg has added more tickets to Robbie Williams' Australian tour.

450,000 tickets sold out instantly for the tour when they went on sale in June. Extra tickets have become available after the tour’s production staff reviewed the layouts for the individual venues and could confirm that additional seats within the sight lines could be added.

The tour has already entered the Guinness Book of Records after 1.6 million tickets for the European tour sold in one day, earning an estimated $144 million.

Australian fans have also been assured the tour is going ahead despite the Asian leg being cancelled last week.

Dates are:
Thursday 30th Nov Subiaco Oval, Perth
Friday 1st Dec Subiaco Oval, Perth
Tuesday 5th Dec AAMI Stadium, Adelaide
Saturday 9th Dec Aussie Stadium, Sydney
Sunday 10th Dec Aussie Stadium, Sydney
Wednesday 13th Dec Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Thursday 14th Dec Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Sunday 17th Dec Telstra Dome, Melbourne
Monday 18th Dec Telstra Dome, Melbourne

Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide on sale 9am, Wednesday 4th October
Tickets through Ticketek: www.ticketek.com.au (http://www.ticketek.com.au/) or 132 849
Melbourne and Perth on sale 9am, Thursday 5th October
Tickets through Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.com.au (http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/) or 136 100

Hottest summer coming
LISA CHANT
September 24, 2006
Adelaide News

WHEN the Rogue Traders play Adelaide Entertainment Centre on October 3, they will kick off a six-month musical extravaganza South Australians will pay millions to enjoy.

With more than 15 A-list tours heading to Adelaide, fans have already opened their wallets to the tune of more than $10 million.
And there are more big-name stars tipped to head here, with names such as Beyonce and Justin Timberlake bandied about.

While promoters won't reveal figures for ticket sales, simple arithmetic gives an idea of how strongly South Australian audiences have embraced their summer of music.

For example, fans snapped up all 50,000 tickets to Robbie Williams' AAMI Stadium extravaganza within hours of them going on sale.

With ticket prices ranging from $99.95 to $149.95, that would suggest more than $5 million in sales, which will be boosted again by the October 4 release of at least 2500 more tickets.

The likes of Kylie Minogue, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, U2 and Eric Clapton also sold out their shows in record time, repaying the confidence of the behind-the-scenes teams who worked to secure the acts.

Adelaide promoter Brian Gleeson, behind visits by such acts as Elton John, said winter in the northern hemisphere was a logical time for the big acts to head to Australia.

"Our summer is when they're going to come here," he said of a schedule which includes Minogue, Williams and Elton within a nine-day period.

"That's when they're not going to be touring the US or the UK, because outdoor concerts aren't possible."

Adelaide Entertainment Centre chief executive Anthony Kirchner welcomed the flow of big names, taking issue with the perception Adelaide regularly missed out on the big-name acts.

"Up until the Red Hot Chili Peppers, we have around 25 concert events booked in, and that's an extraordinary run," he said, ticking off acts such as The Wiggles and Hi5.

"And we expect additional concerts to come on our books."

He said that, aside from the odd big name such as Billy Joel, acts which bypassed Adelaide often tended to be relatively smaller, second-tier acts.

"If you're a fan, it hurts if they don't come, but the truth of the matter is that we're attracting a very large percentage of the acts, which is quite remarkable when you consider the relatively small population of Adelaide and even our isolation," he said.

"A city the same size as Adelaide in the US couldn't hope to get the range of international acts we do."

Mr Kirchner said the healthy Australian economy was a factor.

"Now the Australian dollar is at a high, the promoters are able to negotiate and their buying power has increased and they're willing to take a risk on Adelaide," he said.

Part of the success was also due to the way the Entertainment Centre structured deals with promoters to help protect their investment.

"We're very conscious we have to contribute to the social fabric of this state and we want to get these performers visiting Adelaide," he said.

Mr Kirchner said the centre was enjoying a strong financial year, with The Boy From Oz proving the highest grossing event in its history, with more than 37,000 tickets sold.

"We expect our gross box-office takings, based on our event run so far this financial year, to be in excess of $15 million," he said.

A snippet from the full article from ........


The Sydney Morning Herald
October 6, 2006 Friday
First Edition

Roll up for the greatest shows in town


ROBBIE WILLIAMS Close Encounters Aussie Stadium, December 9-10

In theory Robbie Williams is one man and a voice.

He could successfully play in your lounge room - even your bathroom - and it could be an intimate one on one.

Instead this man, who recently shattered the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest and largest number of concert tickets sold in one day - 1.6 million when the European leg of his world tour went on sale in November last year - is bringing 57 semi-trailers of equipment with him for his rather inappropriately named Close Encounters Show.

So large is this arena spectacle that Williams will be accompanied by six 400-amp generators.

Well, you can't really have the lights going out when you've put 57 semi-trailers' worth of gear on the stage, can you?

Sunday Telegraph (Australia)
October 8, 2006 Sunday



<CENTER></CENTER><CENTER>Concert auctions - New move to thwart scalpers</CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER>
CONCERT tickets may be sold by auction, under new arrangements being considered by leading Australian entertainment promoters.

In the US, giant agency Ticketmaster has been auctioning prime seats to concerts for three years. Its aim is to prevent scalpers buying, then onselling, tickets to front-row seats.

Robbie Williams' Australian promoter, Michael Chugg, said he had already been approached by one international performer interested in auctioning seats to their shows.''It's a bit controversial,'' Chugg told The Sunday Telegraph.

''We've been asked about it by one act, but I have mixed feelings.''

The time to implement it would be when you've got huge demand, and an artist who can play only a limited number of shows.''

Chugg said agencies like Ticketmaster and Ticketek did not yet have the computer software -- known as ''dynamic pricing'' -- to facilitate online auctions.

He said he would agree to acts auctioning seats only if any money above the face value was donated to charity.

Roger Field, from Michael Coppel Presents, which is bringing out U2, Eric Clapton and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, said: ''It's a consideration from the perspective of enhancing the artist's returns, but it would be a difficult process to manage.''

We're not comfortable with the (software) technologies available. It's not as advanced as it is in the US.''

Field was unsure if punters would take to the system.

''But it would certainly be positive if it stopped people re-selling tickets on eBay,'' he said.

veteran promoter Michael Gudinski said he would consider forcing people to present photo ID at concerts to prove they bought their tickets from an accredited source.

Gudinski, who has Kylie Minogue and Billy Joel touring this summer, told a lunch at Parliament House last week he would resort to those measures to prevent scalpers making thousands of dollars by selling tickets on the Internet.

Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia

DON'T believe everything you hear.

Rumours that Robbie Williams is preparing to cancel the Australian leg of his world tour are absolute nonsense, promoter Michael Chugg says.
"I can confirm that Robbie Williams will not be cancelling his Australian tour," Chugg rep Susan Heymann said yesterday.

"We have had confirmation direct from his agent and management that these dates will go ahead as planned."

The whispers began after Robbie cancelled the Asian leg of the tour last month, citing exhaustion and stress.

He was reportedly admitted to a British rehab clinic.

But Australian fans need not worry -- local promoters flew to Germany six weeks ago to learn about the show's set-up and figure out how to make it translate here.

As a result of that planning trip, extra tickets went on sale recently.

Robbie's December 18 show in Melbourne is the final show of the entire world tour, and we're pretty sure he won't want to miss that.

Especially seeing as Robbie's good mate, Kylie Minogue, is in town that night and has a night off from her concert dates.

Robbie's new album, Rudebox, goes on sale on Saturday

sorry if this has been posted elsewhere already.


Robbie's $6500 a night pad

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/lisachurchman/sydneyhotel2.jpg

TAKE a peek at the luxurious $6500-a-night, one-bedroom suite that will be home to Robbie Williams and Elton John during their upcoming Sydney stays.

Refurbished for the first time since 1990, the third-floor Governor Suite at the xxxxxxxxxxxxx the city's most expensive hotel penthouse – has been unveiled just weeks before the British stars check in on separate dates.

No expense as been spared – about $200,000 – in creating an uncluttered, timeless style for guests who have included royalty, heads of state, corporate leaders and celebrities.

"The only thing that hasn't changed is the incredible view of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House," said the hotel's Lara Dawson.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/lisachurchman/sydneyhotel1.jpg

Also known simply as room 315, the Governor Suite's decor has been influenced by New York designer Tony Chi with "a signature warmth and distinct focus on the use of space".

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/lisachurchman/sydneyhotel3.jpg

It is 185sq m, has six private balconies, a dining table for 12 and adjacent kitchen, and butler entrances to the kitchen and walk-in wardrobe.

Floor-to-ceiling glass provides Harbour views, while the living area has a baby grand piano.

www.news.com.au

Herald Sun (Australia)
November 2, 2006 Thursday


Robbie's ready to rock Oz


ROBBIE Williams has denied reports he has been in treatment for depression and assured Australian fans his world tour is on track.

Williams says he cancelled the Asian leg of his Close Encounters tour because of exhaustion.

''I've had the hardest year since joining Take That, where we were worked as if we were in a sweatshop,'' he said.

The cancellation came after seven months touring Europe and South America, playing in sold-out stadiums each night.

He will play to about three million people on tour, which set a record for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day.

''I know people in Australia are concerned, but it was precautionary,'' Williams said of cancelling his Asian leg -- due to start this week.

''My head unscrambled and I needed to put it back together and it would have been very difficult to fix had I carried on working in the way I was working. That said, I'm on really good form and can't wait to get to Australia.

''Williams denied reports he cancelled the Asian tour dates after lapsing into depression.

Williams' Australian tour starts in Perth on November 30.

His sold-out show at Telstra Dome on December 18 is the last night of the world tour.

Northern Territory News (Australia)

November 2, 2006 Thursday


Robbie on track for Oz

MELBOURNE: Singer Robbie Williams has denied reports he has been in treatment for depression and assured Australian fans his tour was on track.

Williams (pictured) said he cancelled the Asian leg of his Close Encounters world tour due to exhaustion.

''I've been working my testicles off this year,'' he said yesterday.

''I've had the hardest year since joining Take That, where we were worked as if we were in a sweat shop.''

Williams' cancellation came after seven months' touring Europe and South America, playing to sold-out stadiums each night.

His sold-out show at Telstra Dome on December 18 is the last night of the world tour.

The Daily Telegraph (Australia)

November 2, 2006 Thursday


<CENTER>State Edition</CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER>Robbie fine to tour



ROBBIE Williams has denied reports he is being treatment for depression, saying his Australian tour is on track.

Williams said he cancelled the Asian leg of his Close Encounters world tour because of exhaustion.

''I've had the hardest year since joining Take That, where we were worked as if we were in a sweat shop,'' he said.

The singer starts his Aussie tour in Perth on November 30.

The Advertiser (Australia)

November 2, 2006 Thursday

<CENTER>State Edition</CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER>Robbie fit to rock on



ROBBIE Williams has denied reports he has been in treatment for depression and assured Australian fans his tour is on track.

He says he cancelled the Asian leg of his Close Encounters world tour due to exhaustion.

''I know people in Australia are concerned, but it was precautionary,'' Williams said of the Asian concerts - due to start this week.

Williams arrives in Adelaide for a sold-out show at AAMI Stadium on December 5.

I hope Robbie enjoys his time in Aussie - I have been there twice & its a fabulous Country, beautiful weather & great people - he should have a ball.
Sydney fab city.

I'm sure he will, plus best buddies Ant & Dec are out there for 'I'm a Celebrity get me outta here" along with pal Kelly Osbourne :)

To me..Rob in Oz..is heaven on Earth....as Australia is my fav country, I love Aussies and him being there...too much for me really!


Too bad I can`t just go there too....

Im` very very sad....but happy for all those lucky Aussies:hugs:

''I know people in Australia are concerned, but it was precautionary,'' Williams said of the Asian concerts - due to start this week.



Surely this can't be a direct quote?! "Concerned" / "Precautionary" - sounds lika statement from his "people" more like, what with no mention of being knackered & getting injections in his bum etc!!


I'm so excited for you all going to see him - I entered a competition so I might be there too! :pmsl:

All us Aussie's are so excited about Robbie comming, and I'm sure there will be lots of tour reports and updates of Robbie's fantastic performances to share. I'm going to both his Melbourne concerts, they are the last two concerts of the tour. I am hanging out to read about his other Aussie performances in the other states. I feel that the concert on the December the 18 is going to be a hoot as it is the last of the whole Close Encounter tour

All us Aussie's are so excited about Robbie comming, and I'm sure there will be lots of tour reports and updates of Robbie's fantastic performances to share. I'm going to both his Melbourne concerts, they are the last two concerts of the tour. I am hanging out to read about his other Aussie performances in the other states. I feel that the concert on the December the 18 is going to be a hoot as it is the last of the whole Close Encounter tour

I wish I was going to the concert on the 18th - I reckon it will be amazing.. I will just have to make do with both his Brissie concerts lol....

Hope you have a great time in Melbourne Sharlene :D

Robbie is coming to australia!
http://www.musichead.com.au/fileup/acts/icons/22641.jpg

Robbie Williams, music’s man with the Midas touch who shattered the Guinness Book of World Records for the fastest, and largest, number of concert tickets ever sold in one day (1.6 million when the European leg of his World Tour went on sale in November 2005) is confirmed to tour Australia and will end his World Tour, Robbie Williams: Close Encounters, here

To cope with demand, and in an unprecedented Australian first, tickets will go on sale across two days.

- Sydney, sold via Ticketek, and Melbourne via Ticketmaster, go on sale June 6.
- Adelaide and Brisbane both from Ticketek, and Perth from Ticketmaster, follow on June 7.


Record-breaking ticket sales are expected for what will be biggest stadium production show to ever tour Australia.

Robbie’s World Tour starts in Dublin on June 9 and visits 14 countries on 44 different dates and will finish in Australia. It is estimated his live audience will total 2.6 million.

The 50-million-world-wide-album-seller topped the charts in 18 countries with his latest, Intensive Care. The new single, Sin Sin Sin is out in Australia June 3.

In a story of unparalleled success this Australian tour will ink another chapter in the story that is Robbie Williams.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of pop history-in-the-making!

TOUR DETAILS: December 2006

30 November - 1 December 2006

VENUE INFO
Subiaco Oval
phone: (08) 9381 2187
address: Roberts Rd
city: Subiaco
state: WA

OUTLET INFO
Ticketmaster7
phone: 13 61 00
url: www.ticketmaster7.com
state: other

5th December 2006

VENUE INFO
AAMI Stadium
phone: (08) 8268 2088
address: West Lakes Boulevard
city: West Lakes
state: SA

OUTLET INFO
Ticketek Australia
phone: 132 849
url: premier.ticketek.com.au/
state: other

9 - 10 December 2006

VENUE INFO
Aussie Stadium
phone: (02) 9360 6601
url: www.aussiestadium.com.au/
address: Moore Park Road, Paddington
city: Sydney
state: NSW

OUTLET INFO
Ticketek Australia
phone: 132 849
url: premier.ticketek.com.au/
state: other

13 - 14 December 2006

VENUE INFO
Suncorp Stadium
phone: (07) 3876 6511
address: Castlemaine St
city: Milton
state: QLD

OUTLET INFO
Ticketek Australia
phone: 132 849
url: premier.ticketek.com.au/
state: other

17 - 18 December 2006

VENUE INFO
Telstra Dome
phone: (03) 8625 7700
url: www.telstradome.com.au
address: Telstra Dome Docklands
city: Melbourne
state: VIC

OUTLET INFO
Ticketmaster7
phone: 13 61 00
url: www.ticketmaster7.com
state: other

Source: http://www.musichead.com.au/site/tours.asp?actID=22641&tourID=292

I wish I was going to the concert on the 18th - I reckon it will be amazing.. I will just have to make do with both his Brissie concerts lol....

Hope you have a great time in Melbourne Sharlene :D

Thanks heaps I hope you have a great time as well. I am going to be really tired, as we have 1 hr and half travel to the Telstra Done from home, so both nights are going to be very late ones. I have to front for work monday and tuesday before 9.00 am, oh well it will be soooooo worth it. Its not too bad at least the school is in wind down time that week, then I'm on school holidays after that yahoo. I will be all smiles :wink3: come december 17th:laugh2: then by the 19th of december I will be:confused2: then after that the memories will flood back and I wiil be:cool2: see ya

The Sunday Mail (Australia)




<CENTER></CENTER>November 5, 2006 Sunday



Big gig seats up for grabs



TICKETS are still available to Brisbane shows by Robbie Williams, U2, Kylie Minogue, Billy Joel and Elton John -- from legitimate outlets, not scalpers.

And pop superstar Williams has confirmed he is coming to Australia, despite rumours he has been in rehab or is too depressed to make the trip.

Promoter Michael Chugg said there was still ''doubt in people's minds'' when he insisted Williams would be coming to Australia despite cancelling gigs in Asia.

''People won't believe me,'' he said. ''I'm a rock promoter.''

Chugg said a friend of his had run into Williams in New York recently and the singer was adamant he would fulfil his obligations.

''He said to my friend, 'You tell him that I'm on my way'.''

Chugg said the Williams concert coming to Suncorp Stadium on December 13 and 14 was ''a monster''.

''It's the biggest show you'll ever see. There's 2000 tonnes of freight on the water as we speak.''

Because the concerts went on sale before staging was finalised, a new audience area has opened up and a small number of tickets are available for both gigs.

I am ready for the 'Monster Show' in Brisbane!!!!! :D:D

hi there
dreamt i won the lotto last night and got me two tickets to take me and my daughter to oz
woke up this morning very pissed off
nightmares,,,dont you hate them!!!!!

hi there
dreamt i won the lotto last night and got me two tickets to take me and my daughter to oz
woke up this morning very pissed off
nightmares,,,dont you hate them!!!!!

Yeah don't you hate dreams like that.:whinge: How about I go to his concert in Australia for you. Will that make you feel better -lol:laugh2:

Australia is Crazy!!! ... Sydney ... Here we Go! ... ^^

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b284/robbiesvlinder/Rob%20Smile/robehot04.jpg



Look out Australia the Sexiest Man Alive
is coming to our shores



The Daily Telegraph



13th November 2006




Lock up your daughters, Robbie Williams is coming to town ready to party.
The pop prince has announced details of a"smashing" after-party following his Sydney concert on December 10th is expected to "rock like rockers should"
On his last Australian tour, the former boy bander took up residence at "Establishment"
(nooooooice place if you ever want a place in Sydney to go out to. Midori comment not paper :wink3: )
getting close to a host of locals(allegedly including a prominent beauty editor)
But 200 guests will be invited to the shindig hosted by tour sponsor Sony Ericcson.
Their phones could come in handy for any lass lucky enough to score with the singer, after his last encounter with a Kiwi gal in Auckland saw her squeal her story for cash.


(booooooooooooo to the lass for squealing. Midori comment, not papers:no3: )

OOOHHHH! Nice piccy!! :rr:

Robbie Williams concert no noisier than football matches, promoters say

Promoters of next month's Robbie Williams concert in Brisbane do not expect there will be much for residents to complain about during the show.
Residents living near Lang Park will be able to ring a telephone hotline if they believe the music is too loud.

Also, a State Government official will order the volume turned down if it is exceeding environmental noise levels.

Chugg Entertainment is now checking contractual arrangements with the venue after learning of the noise monitoring plans.

But spokesman Matthew Lazarus-Hall says noise levels will be similar to those experienced at Lang Park in the past.

"We don't expect Robbie Williams to be any louder than the victory cheers that resounded through Suncorp Stadium when Queensland won the State of Origin," he said.

source (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200611/s1789307.htm)
<!-- PRINT_CONTENT_END --><!-- Start Story Attachments --><!-- End Story Attachments --><!-- Start Print and Email Table -->

Robbie Williams Hotline
source (http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/411366/892863)
Residents around Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium will be able to use a phone line to shush Robbie Williams when the British entertainer
plays two sold-out gigs in December.


The plan is part of special conditions brought in by the Queensland government to allow three major concerts a year to be held at the multi-million dollar sports facility at Milton after local residents complained they didn't want to put up with the noise.


The Williams concert is the first music show to be held at the refurbished stadium since it reopened in 2003.

:pmsl: :pmsl: yeah, then they'd have 50,000 angry Robbie fans yelling outside their houses!

And I'm so sure Robbie will listen to being told to SHUSH!!! F&*# OFF,he'd say!!!!!!! :laugh2:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/lisachurchman/SneakySound.jpg

robbiewilliams.com

Important News for those awaiting Australian Tickets.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a26/lisachurchman/OzTickets.jpg

Thanks Churchmouse, I got my tickets for Sydney 9th Dec today! and so did a lot of others so things are looking good so far!

thanks church mouse I saw that too, I'm from a little place near Melbourne so I'll be hovering around the letter box after the 20th of november in anticipation. see ya

ABC Premium News (Australia)



<CENTER>November 15, 2006</CENTER>
Robbie Williams concert no noisier than football matches, promoters say



Promoters of next month's Robbie Williams concert in Brisbane do not expect there will be much for residents to complain about during the show.

Residents living near Lang Park will be able to ring a telephone hotline if they believe the music is too loud.

Also, a State Government official will order the volume turned down if it is exceeding environmental noise levels.

Chugg Entertainment is now checking contractual arrangements with the venue after learning of the noise monitoring plans.

But spokesman Matthew Lazarus-Hall says noise levels will be similar to those experienced at Lang Park in the past.

"We don't expect Robbie Williams to be any louder than the victory cheers that resounded through Suncorp Stadium when Queensland won the State of Origin," he said.

Go on you Aussie guys....make some noise and prove them wrong!

.....And if they DARE turn Robbie down!!!!!!! :hyper:

Yeah! Come on you Aussies! Scream your heads off! Can't believe there's a specific government official on standby for the gigs :pmsl: There's a lot worse noises than Robbie!!

WTF??? I have a vision of a little man scurrying on the stage and telling Rob to keep the noise down.:laugh2: :laugh2:

What? I can't hear you....the music's too loud. Turn around did you say? :pmsl:

(sorry guys that's the best I could come up with this early in the morning)

if Milton keynes is anything to go by its not Robs singing they have to worry about ..... its the thousands of fans singing along (especially if they all have voices like mine:blaf: )

:pmsl: - can you imagine it... please turn down the noise!!! haha... whatever!!

I am still waiting but since I didn't know where I was gonna be I had my tickets sent to my nieces place... little nervous as she isn't always reliable when it comes to things like this!! I am checking with her everday tho....

Brisbane residents can shush Williams


It's the ultimate form of heckling.

Residents around Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium will be able to use a phone line to shush Robbie Williams when the British entertainer plays two sold-out gigs in December.

The plan is part of special conditions brought in by the Queensland government to allow three major concerts a year to be held at the multi-million dollar sports facility at Milton after local residents complained they didn't want to put up with the noise.

The Williams concert is the first music show to be held at the refurbished stadium since it reopened in 2003.




He'll play Brisbane on December 13 and 14 in front of a combined total of 100,000 fans.

Residents will be able to phone a dedicated information line and complain if music from the concerts and rehearsals bothers them.

During the superstar's rehearsals, sound checks and performances, monitors will keep tabs on noise levels in five nearby locations in the city, Milton and Paddington.

If the sound passes a set limit, an official from the Major Sports Facilities Authority will be present on the sound mixing desk to turn down the volume.

But Sports Minister Andrew Fraser assured fans attending the two concerts no "anti-Robbie Williams grumps" would be able to spoil their nights with unfounded complaints.

He said the phone line was about recognising the rights of local residents.

But he said the volume would only be turned down if it exceeded the set limits at any of the monitoring locations, not just because someone complained.

"If the noise is above the regulations, we'll change it, if it's within it, then we'll continue at that level," Mr Fraser said.

A report will be prepared following each concert on the noise measurements and recommend any remedial actions needed at future events.

Irish supergroup U2 last week played an outdoor concert for 45,000 fans at the Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre on Brisbane's southside.

There were many complaints about delays entering the venue and fans also had trouble getting public transport after the U2 concert.

Suncorp Stadium could be the permanent venue for outdoor rock concerts in Brisbane if the Williams show proves successful


source (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=162513)

Residents should consider it to be an honour to listen to Robbie without paying!!!!:tongue:

shhhh!!! I got a headache!

Residents should consider it to be an honour to listen to Robbie without paying!!!!:tongue:
We are making the most of it, spending the afternoon in a friends garden ( she lives beside the stadium) hoping to hear the sound checks :laugh2:

COOL!!!:hyper:

can you imagine a government official runing upon stage and saying" if you dont turn that music down, I will be putting you in your room". I'm sure there would be a few pure Robbie fans saying" you can borrow my room" heeheehee

Adelaide crowds too quiet
source (http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,20777653-2682,00.html)
AAMI Stadium is home to some of the loudest crowds South Australia has ever heard, so long as footballers are on the park.

On Thursday, the band hyped as the world's biggest, U2, delivered on a promise to return to Adelaide.

There were 60,000 fans who waited patiently for Bono and Co - and it was an amazing show.

But how did we show our gratitude? With a few cheers and soft claps at best. It looked like there were 60,000 people there, just didn't sound like it.

The crowd was lacklustre at best, with mild excitement whenever Bono mentioned "Adelaide" or worked anything Australian into his performance.

Aside from the mosh pit - where excitement is a given since those fans wait hours to grab their prime position - enthusiasm was definitely lacking.

I had seated tickets and stood as the band came on stage.
Thirteen years ago, I was at AAMI Stadium for U2's Zooropa tour. There was a third of the fans there but they made three times the noise as Thursday's crowd.

Adelaide Now has been inundated with comments about the concert, many agreeing that silence was certainly not golden.

"Adelaide wonders why we miss out on concerts.," Corinne Pensa, of Glenelg, wrote. "There was no energy in the stadium and if I was a big band I would never bother coming here again."

Exactly. In coming weeks, we host international acts who have gone out of their way, in a lot of the cases, to include Adelaide on their itinerary.

Robbie Williams left us off last time he toured, not this time.

Pearl Jam, Kylie and Elton John will also arrive in Adelaide.
Most of them are sold out, but it's not just about speaking with your wallets.

You want them to come back? Let's really show our support - and use our voices.

Maybe its because Adelaide is the city of churches.. a sign of respect.
A vow of silence maybe ?

15th November 2006 03:02:14 PM



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HILLS people should get ready to be entertained as the Robbie Williams tribute show hits the Paradise Hotel.

The show is one of the best tribute shows in Australia featuring David Gidis as Robbie and backed up by some of Melbourne’s top musicians.

This Australian Robbie Williams tribute show, The Ego Has Landed is a pure reflection of this superstar’s career.

It will start with 35 minutes of Sinatra style songs that Robbie did on his famous Albert Hall appearance.

Gidis dressed in a debonair dinner suit will perform old time favourites such as Mr Bojangles, Mack the Knife and Somewhere Beyond the Sea.

The crowd will then be entertained with Robbie Williams’s top 40 hits such as Better Man, Rock DJ, Angels, and Let Me Entertain You.

The night will finish with a complete 50-minute dance set of popular top 40 rock classics by a host of different artists.

The night of non-stop entertainment will be held at the Paradise Hotel, 249 Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Clematis, on Thursday, 23 November, at 9pm and costs $24.90.

This is a show not to be missed and tickets are selling fast so book now by calling 5968 4037.


http://www.senews.com.au/story/29584


JUST FOUND THIS ..COULD IT BE TRUE???..sorry if it`s false alarm....maybe it`s smthing old?grrr:eek3:

Robbie Williams hits Perth today
28th November 2006, 6:00 WST

International pop idol Robbie Williams flies into Perth today to kick off the biggest tour this country has seen.

The West Australian understands the British megastar will arrive on a chartered flight and stay at the ********** Hotel before two concerts at Subiaco Oval on Thursday and Friday nights for 90,000 fans.

The Australian leg of his Close Encounters World Tour has sold more than 470,000 tickets for nine stadium shows, smashing the attendance and gross revenue records of Madonna’s Girlie Show Tour of 1993.

Promoter Michael Chugg said no artist had almost filled Subiaco Oval twice on the same tour — until now.

“I knew it was going to be big because the guy is an unbelievable entertainer,” he said. “His audience is five to 70 (years of age).”

The tour will be Williams’ third to Australia. His first in 2001 included a gig at the Perth Entertainment Centre and he played stadiums on the east coast in 2003.

During his last WA visit, the sports-mad star played three games of indoor soccer against local players and enjoyed a cruise on the Swan River.

Mr Chugg said demand was so strong Williams could have sold out two more shows in Sydney and one in Melbourne. The stage for this tour takes 77 trucks to transport around the country and is three times the size of that used by grunge legends Pearl Jam at the same venue last Saturday night.

Tickets are still available for both nights.

SIMON COLLINS
MUSIC EDITOR

According to http://www.929.com.au/ Rob has arrived in Perth, they were trying to get him to ring in.........................not in for a peaceful time then!


lennon x

poor Robbie, but omg he's here arggghh it's all happening now yippeee

ROBBIE mad ... desperate fan Peta-Mary Hassed is hoping for a close encounter

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l83/shelleyluvsrobbiex/0532136500.jpg


The long-time fan suffers from diabetic blindness – limiting her to blurry vision from one eye for the past seven years – so seeing anyone from a distance is difficult.
"I'm in the standing area for the first concert, so I'm trying madly to work out a way to make it to the front so I'll actually be able to make him out," Ms Hassed said. "Otherwise, while everyone else is looking at the stage, I'll be staring at the big screen."

PETA-Mary Hassed will be at both of Robbie Williams' sold-out Suncorp Stadium gigs, but she'll still be flat out seeing her hero in the flesh.

Ms Hassed, 32, said she would do anything to meet Williams.

"I'm hoping against all hope that someone can help me get into any meet and greets being held during the Australian concerts," she said.

Ms Hassed has been a fan since Williams started performing with Take That in the early '90s.

"I have a paid subscription to the Robbie Williams website, I collect albums and singles from around the world, I've been to almost all his Australian concerts and I still have my gorgeous Take That Robbie doll," she said.

Ms Hassed met Williams in 1994.

"I went along to a Smash Hits photo shoot at Bondi Beach and at the end of the shoot Rob took off his shorts and let me look at the large cross he had just had tattooed on his leg," Ms Hassed said.







source:http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20886143-953,00.html

Nice story. Hope she gets a greet :)

The Sydney Morning Herald
December 8, 2006

Pushing the right buttons

http://www.purerobbie.com/photoplog/images/1/large/1_Chris-Coco.jpg


The bloke who warms up Robbie Williams's crowds has learnt not to press 'eject'.

Like his club, radio and compilation mixes, British DJ-producer Chris Coco's career has been nothing if not colourful. Criss-crossing continents to play an Ibiza club one night, a Hugh Hefner party the next, this genre-switching selector spins in elevated circles.

Press Coco for a highlight, however, and he says "a friend's wedding". Coco happened to meet Robbie Williams's manager and scored not only the support slot on Williams's world tour but a place in the pop star's band. Coco loves playing to the revved-up stadium crowds on the global juggernaut, which rolls into town this week.

"You get a cheer for everything," Coco says. "The other day I ran, rather theatrically, to the edge of the stage and back to check the time ... and the crowd erupted."

There are also nights when the slip of a finger can create the opposite reaction.

"The other night I ejected the wrong CD ... the one that was playing!"

Nowadays Coco spends laborious hours transferring records to CD so he can take more music on tour but he has a love-hate relationship with technology.

"As long as you're not a slave to it," he says. "I love my laptop though I would never use it live."

Why? "They crash onstage. I've seen it happen. It's a bit embarrassing to say, 'Excuse me while I reboot.'

" Then again ... "If it was a great song playing, people will stick around."

In a stadium they don't have much choice. Anyway, a couple of minutes silence from the DJ booth can also be construed as creative genius.

"It can make an impact," Coco says.

DJ CHRIS COCO Tonight at 8, Gasworks, Parramatta,

I think the Aussie Press have been quite good or they are totally deaf and blind and have not heard he is in Australia, as you hardly see him on the news and there are bugger all stories in the paper until after the gigs in each town. ?????

I agree you would think New Idea or some magazine would print something for us nice of course there is a tiny bit inthetelegraph saying that hes playing socer today and having a harbour cruise then hitting the bars with Max and Jonny Would you believe the part about the bars????

I think the Aussie Press have been quite good or they are totally deaf and blind and have not heard he is in Australia, as you hardly see him on the news and there are bugger all stories in the paper until after the gigs in each town. ?????
was just thinking that myself Midori. The shots from 'annom' in Adelaide are the only casual shots of him in Oz.

I think the Aussie Press have been quite good or they are totally deaf and blind and have not heard he is in Australia, as you hardly see him on the news and there are bugger all stories in the paper until after the gigs in each town. ?????
Yeah,Hello ......Robbie Williams is in Australia..Theres been absolutely bugger all news about him,but maybe thats how he wants it.It would nice to hear him interviewed though and see how he is enjoying Oz this time around.

Hmmmmmm......wonder if he's had a stress reliever?????? :blaf:

Foreign stars spurning Aussie acts
source (http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,20898758-36557,00.html)
FOREIGN music acts are refusing to hire local bands to open their Australian concerts, denying them an opportunity of performing to tens of thousands of people.

Billy Joel, Elton John, Pearl Jam, U2 and Roger Waters are among superstars who have spurned local talent, preferring to employ foreign bands to open concerts, or to have no opening act at all.

Under current Federal legislation, before being granted working visas, foreign entertainers must show how their tour will provide a "net economic benefit" to the Australian economy.

By hiring local roadies, cleaners, drivers or staff at arenas, they are meeting their "net economic benefit" obligations.

"We're not happy with the arrangement," said Terry Noone, federal secretary of the Musicians' Union of Australia, which represents more than 2500 performers. "There used to be a 'one for one' arrangement between the union, the Immigration Department and music promoters, which meant that for every one foreign act at a concert there would be one local act."

According to industry body Live Performance Australia, which represents concert promoters and venue operators, the presence of an Australian opening act would drag some concerts out to an unacceptable length.

"Elton John, who had no support act, played for two hours and 45 minutes, which is quite a long concert," the LPA's Suzanne Daley Carr said.

"I don't think the audience wants to be sitting in a venue at midnight."
Robbie Williams' promoter Michael Chugg said that, under previous arrangements, foreign acts would get around their obligations by "hiring a string quartet to play in the foyer" of a venue. He said Williams had hand-picked Australia's Sneaky Sound System to open his shows this weekend at Aussie Stadium.

Immigration Minister Senator Amanda Vanstone told The Sunday Telegraph she was satisfied with the current legislation regarding foreign artists touring Australia.

Thanks to Nikki from Australia
after as much sweepings in the english tabloids
are pleasant to read this :aus:
I don't understand so that they insist on writing as
much nastiness of Robbie because of Take That :(

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/4398/robbiesundaymailqm3.jpg

Williams ticket scalpers put on notice
source (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=127428)
Crowds at this week's Robbie Williams concerts will be closely watched by police armed with new laws targeting scalpers and dishonest fans, authorities warn.

Queensland Sports Minister Andrew Fraser said "eagle-eyed" promoters and organisers would back up efforts to enforce the new laws, which make it illegal to buy and sell tickets at inflated prices.

Mr Fraser said the British pop sensation's concerts on Wednesday and Thursday were the first major gigs since the new laws were introduced on December 7.

They include fines of up to $1,500 for scalpers and $375 for buyers and also target those who attempt to sell tickets online.

But the laws do not target those who buy tickets from friends who are unable to attend an event, applying only to tickets sold at more than 10 per cent of the original price.

Mr Fraser said the practice deprived the promoters, venues, sportsmen and women and artists of their rightful revenue and had to be stamped out.

"Today's scalpers are far more sophisticated, hiding behind a computer screen, but this new move takes important steps to seek them out and stop them cold," Mr Fraser said.

"Now, as soon as they place tickets for sale at exorbitant prices on internet sites, they can expect event organisers and promoters to be watching very closely and then be on the telephone to police."

He said those who bought from scalpers also risked finding their tickets had been made useless by organisers who could cancel tickets at any time.

DOUBLE LIFE
Television viewers know him as Hotel Babylon's assistant manager Charlie Edwards but The Guide hears actor Max Beesley does inded have a double identity. When he's not in his native Britain working on Hotel Babylon and another series, the critically acclaimed Bodies, he's a percussionist for Robbie Williams. Beesley is in Australia touring with Williams. Before he became an actor he also worked with Take That and the Paul Weller Movement and appeared in the film recording of Williams's Knebworth concert. Bodies, in which he plays Dr Rob Lake, premieres on the ABC next month.

From The Guide, Sydney Morning Herald, 11/12/06

<CENTER></CENTER><CENTER>The Courier Mail (Australia)</CENTER><CENTER>December 13, 2006 </CENTER><CENTER>First with the news Edition</CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER><CENTER></CENTER>
Where's bad boy Robbie?


Gossip is lacking on Robbie Williams's Aussie tour, writes Amanda Horswill

ROBBIE Williams is a busy superstar.

Hype and gossip surrounding the British megastar during his Close Encounters year-long world tour has him bedding four girls in five nights in Scandinavia; setting up his own alien cult next year; learning to cast spells; pining for a wife; denouncing monogamy as too hard, and; quitting show business for good. But since he came to Australia last month, there's been little gossip to report.

No babes seem to have been bedded in Perth and the most scandalous he got in Adelaide was going to the cricket and chatting to fans outside his hotel at 1am.

Sydney was suspiciously quiet with Williams failing to front at his own party, preferring his luxury hotel room. So what has happened to The Ego, the one who arranged for he and Rachel Hunter to be photographed having sex in a UK back yard?

Perhaps it was the five weeks' holiday he had before coming Down Under that calmed his notorious womanising ways.

Or maybe he's a calmer form of his drug-fuelled self that last visited Australia in 2001, a tour he is reported as saying he can't remember because he was too stoned. Since Williams gave up booze and drugs, his backstage demands are primarily tea and coffee.

But that may change, as he hits Brisbane tonight and tomorrow. Arch enemy Noel Gallagher, ex-Oasis, is also in town. They haven't been friends since Gallagher called Williams the ''fat dancer from Take That''. Williams retorted by reportedly delivering a funeral wreath after Gallagher released an album. Gallagher recently said Williams would ''kill himself'' because he was a depressed, ''deeply unhappy'' rock brat. Williams has a nasty song named after a bodily appendage that is apparently about Gallagher. Oh, to see that meeting, perhaps in the Queen Street Mall. They're not staying in the same hotel. Pity. Imagine the gossip.

Will the real Robbie stand up?

Williams rumours

* In Scandinavia he bedded four women in five nights, including a blonde who wore a T-shirt with ''Kiss me -- I'm a doctor'' scrawled across her chest. He told a concert crowd he had to get a needle in his bottom to restore his energy so he could go onstage.

* In Berlin, he bedded a hairdresser.

* Naomi Campbell -- year-long affair behind her boyfriend's back. He broke it off because she sent too many flowers.

* Lindsay Lohan -- snubbed him in a London club, or a Hollywood club. He made a pass, she passed.* Setting up an alien cult next year to rival Scientology. He is reportedly a speculative fiction fan.

* Paid for dinner for an entire restaurant on the condition they would leave him alone.

* Legally forced website robbiewilliams-info.com to close down due to copyright abuse.

* Bought a huge share of his local football club, and they will name a restaurant after him.

* Cancelled his Asian tour due to stress and exhaustion, some speculated that he had depression.

* Selling his artwork for thousands of dollars.

* In the top 10 men women fantasise about when having sex, according to itsmyfantasy.com.

* Saying he won't tour ''for a long time after this one''.

* Going to Kylie Minogue's for Christmas lunch.

* Not going to Kylie Minogue's for Christmas lunch.

* Suffering from bi-polar disorder and will appear in a documentary called Secret Life about UK actor Stephen Fry.

* Creating the ''worst single ever'' with Rudebox, according to a London reviewer.

* Found time to develop an interest in magic and the occult, studying published works of occultist Aleister Crowley and dabbling in spells of his own.

Williams facts

Age: 32.

Solo performer for nine years.

Former member of band Take That, who now have a No.1 hit. He left after five years because he no longer wanted to be a ''pop puppet''.

Backstage desires are soft toilet paper, two clean towels, coffee, tea and water.

Performing in front of 4.97 million people during Close Encounters world tour.

<CENTER>
The Courier Mail (Australia)
December 13, 2006
First with the news Edition</CENTER>

Fan and foe declare their passion


The bad boy of pop sure knows how to whip up the emotions, writes Amanda Horswill

FEW POPSTARS polarise audiences like UK singer Robbie Williams.

The bad boy of pop has cultured a reputation for womanising, laddish behaviour and weird eccentricities.

But then there's Williams the charity worker, the host of international web forums designed to fix the world and saviour of small football clubs.

Whatever image is true, people either love or hate the superstar.

THE HATER

Kristel Glohe of Helensvale thinks Robbie Williams is a ''******''.

''I hate him. I can't stand his voice,'' the 24-year-old says.

''I don't even kind-of like any of his songs.

''He is just too showy for me. He's an exhibitionist and not in a good way, not as an entertainer should be.

''And I like lots of different sorts of music -- house, R&B, pop too, Britney Spears, Beyonce, lots of things people who like Robbie Williams would like too. I just hate Robbie Williams.

''He thinks he's so fantastic. As soon as I hear his voice on the radio, I change the station.''

But why the passionate opposition to someone you have never met?

''I think it's probably a combination of my upbringing and the Australian attitudes about someone being so showy and thinking they are so fantastic.

''He's a bit of a ****** really,'' she says.

However, she says she understands that the showiness she hates may be why others love him.

THE LOVER

Rachel Lewis, 40, says bad reviews of Robbie Williams's Sydney concert will not dampen her overwhelming enthusiasm for tonight's concert at Suncorp Stadium.

She is even choosing to go to see Williams instead of attending a counselling course graduation.

''Sorry, I have a better offer,'' she says. ''I like Robbie's Angels (song that launched his solo career in 1997), and all the old girl-type music. I don't mind (his 2000 album) Swing When You Are Winning, either. I played jazz music as a teenager, so I guess that is why I like it.''

But the more I listen to (his new hip-hop style single) Rudebox, the more I don't like it.''

I like him because he is versatile. Some people like artists who play the same thing over and over again, but Robbie plays in different genres. But I just can't understand why they hate him.

''Maybe he can be a bit crude and says what he thinks. But at least he is honest about it.''

She says she was seriously considering taking her 10-year-old son to the concert, too.

But she will instead go alone.

''It would have been his first big concert experience,'' she says.

''But I was worried Robbie would get a bit raunchy.

''You know, people throwing their undies at him.

''But it won't be me -- alright!''

Yeah,Hello ......Robbie Williams is in Australia..Theres been absolutely bugger all news about him,but maybe thats how he wants it.It would nice to hear him interviewed though and see how he is enjoying Oz this time around.
I did not hear clearly on Saturday night but I thought he said something about the UK press and then thank you to the Australian press for letting him be perhaps I'm dreaming, maybe one of the others heard better

I did not hear clearly on Saturday night but I thought he said something about the UK press and then thank you to the Australian press for letting him be perhaps I'm dreaming, maybe one of the others heard better
No Pitapat you heard correctly. He did say something like that. I caught the end of it on video. :wink3:

I did not hear clearly on Saturday night but I thought he said something about the UK press and then thank you to the Australian press for letting him be perhaps I'm dreaming, maybe one of the others heard better

Yeah Pitapat.!! thats right he is probably enjoying the no press thing.:wink3:

Big music acts bringing big bucks
Saturday 13 January 2007

Entertainers Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Elton John helped Australia end 2006 with a bang, and this year promises to be just as music-packed.

Big name acts including Gwen Stefani, Bob Dylan and Australia's Keith Urban have already been tipped to tour Aussie shores, joining popular American acts such as rock band the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the feisty Pink and Britain's Eric Clapton.

Veteran promoter Michael Chugg says Australia's success in luring the world's biggest musical acts easily boosts the nation's economy by one billion dollars a year.

Chugg, who brought UK pop sensation Robbie Williams to Australia in December, says the former Take That singer injected half-a-billion dollars back into the local economy.
"In one tour he poured that much back into our economy," Chugg said."A lot of the money stays here because you have the production, the trucking, venues, staff, hotels, car hire, aeroplanes, support acts, APRA (Australian Performing Right Association) royalties, insurance costs. That money stays in the country. It's incredible."

Chugg's competitor and former colleague, Michael Gudinski, the man responsible for showcasing Minogue's highly-anticipated Showgirl Homecoming tour, says the live music scene is alive and kicking.

"Concerts in general as a business is stronger than ever," he said.

"The Australian dollar has gotten stronger and I think that has helped acts come out here. People are very price conscious and some acts are over-pricing themselves, but for big acts people know they are going to get quality and are prepared to pay big money for good seats."

This month alone, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd fame, theatrical rock gods Jack Black and Kyle Gass of Tenacious D, plus legendary crooner Clapton will be gracing Australian stages.

And their concerts are expected to attract a diverse range of age groups.

"The days of not going to see an act because of your age seems to be disappearing," Chugg said.

"What we see to be happening is an incredible curiosity and treasure hunt for people looking for good music. It's certainly crossing over all genres. Someone like Robbie Williams pulls 10-year-olds to 70-year-olds and at Elton John I was surprised by how many young ones were there.

"It's happening with a lot of acts right now."

The festival scene is also a big money spinner, beginning last month with Homebake in Sydney, followed by the Big Day Out concerts throughout Australia in January.

These festivals, plus the West (Perth) and East (Byron Bay) Coast Blues and Roots festivals have inspired others along the way, including the Good Vibrations national tour which begins on February 10 in Melbourne boasting the Beastie Boys and Jurassic 5.

Around Easter, festival fever hits overdrive with bands including the Pet Shop Boys, Groove Armada and the Pixies playing at Richard Branson's V Festival, while Aussie rock outfit Wolfmother will be joining international artists Ben Harper and John Mayer, plus Australia's own Missy Higgins at The Great Escape and Byron Bay's Blues and Roots festival.

"People want festivals because they want good music and to see a wide range of genres," Chugg said.

"It's become a whole family thing too and they see bands they have never heard of."

While business is booming locally, Chugg's only gripe is with the lack of government help for Australian acts to showcase their material overseas.

"I hope the government wakes up and starts pouring more money into the Australian acts, because we have started to get good results and the more money they throw at it the better it's going to get," he said.

"I get frustrated when I see amateur ballet companies and opera companies being supported for millions of dollars, while contemporary music suffers.

"That's where the real income is coming from, contemporary music, but unfortunately we have been trying to get them to recognise that for 20 years."

Source (http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=176799)

So not only was Robbie coming to Australia :aus: good (well actually brilliant) for us:hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

but also good for our economy!!:clap: :clap:

What a guy - you gotta luv him don't ya

:20b: :20b: :20b: :20b: :20b: :20b: