Robbie Williams' Unforgettable Performance

In an unforgettable New Year’s Eve performance in Sydney, Australia, Robbie Williams drew both laughter and criticism for an unexpected interaction with the crowd. The British pop icon took the stage outside the iconic Sydney Opera House, delivering some of his greatest hits like 'Let Me Entertain You,' 'Rock DJ,' and the emotional 'Angels'—the latter chosen as his closing number for the night.

A Cheeky Moment on Stage

However, not all went as planned during the show. As the entertainer launched into 'Me and My Monkey,' a song he hadn’t performed since 2016, he hilariously scolded a fan for allegedly sabotaging the timing by singing along too loudly. 'You made me come in in the wrong place,' he told the audience member. 'Can you stop doing the lyrics to the song? Then I won’t get it wrong!' This cheeky moment quickly became the talk of the night, adding a touch of humor to the celebration.

Highlighting His Career

Williams’ high-energy set lasted around 40 minutes and included covers of classics like 'Land of 1000 Dances' and 'You’re The Voice.' He kicked off with a lively introduction to the crowd, stating, 'Allow me to reintroduce myself. This is my band, this is my a*** and you better be good. Because I am phenomenal.'

Promoting 'Better Man'

Throughout the concert, Robbie also used the platform to promote his new biopic, 'Better Man,' which has raised eyebrows among viewers. The film follows his journey from the boy band Take That to his successful solo career, uniquely presented through the lens of CGI as a chimpanzee—a concept that has intrigued and baffled audiences alike. 'Some critics are calling it the movie of the century! Not my words, except they are because I just made that up,' he joked while encouraging fans to see the film.

Film Release and Reception

The biopic premiered in Australian cinemas on December 26, 2024, and is slated for a wider release in the U.S. on January 10, 2025. It has garnered positive reviews, holding a 7.6/10 rating on IMDb and a solid 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, along with accolades including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.

Criticism of ABC Broadcasting

Despite the attention his movie received during the performance, several viewers criticized the broadcasting network, ABC, for allowing the commercial promotion during a public celebration funded by taxpayers. Comments on social media ranged from disbelief to frustration, with one viewer questioning, 'Did my tax dollars pay for this lazy Robbie Williams set?'

Support from Fans

Conversely, some fans defended the star, praising his entertaining presence compared to previous New Year’s acts. One supporter exclaimed, 'Stop complaining about Robbie Williams; we’ve had to put up with years of ABC crap acts for many years on NYE and finally we have someone decent.'

Robbie's Conclusion and Connection with Fans

In his usual fashion, Robbie wrapped up the show with a positive note, wishing his fans a happy new year and playfully nudging them to watch 'Better Man.' 'Happy New Year everyone! All the best for 2025. New Year’s resolution suggestion for you: go to the cinema to watch Better Man. Lots of love, Rob x.'

Williams shared his feelings about performing in Australia, mentioning a strong connection with his Aussie fans. 'Australia accepts me for who I am; that’s the best feeling,' he reflected, highlighting the warmth he has experienced since his first solo tour in 2003.

A Memorable NYE Performance

As viewers and fans continue to react to his performance, one thing is certain—Robbie Williams’ unique and sometimes controversial style of entertainment is never dull, and his New Year’s Eve show will not be forgotten soon!