Robbie Williams to Stage Free Gig in Melbourne

British pop superstar Robbie Williams is set to perform a free public gig in Melbourne this Thursday afternoon.

Following a lively 40-minute performance at the Sydney Opera House for ABC's New Year’s Eve countdown, Williams arrives in Victoria to promote his new biopic, Better Man.

The event will take place at Federation Square at 5 PM. Attendees can expect a short music set followed by a Q&A session with the artist.

It is important to note that promoters emphasize this is not a concert but rather an informal gathering.

The film Better Man features Williams portrayed as a chimpanzee. Directed and co-written by Michael Gracey, who is from Victoria, the movie was filmed at Docklands Studios in Melbourne, supported by local production teams and funding from both the federal and Victorian governments.

In addition to Docklands, filming also occurred at iconic local sites such as Rod Laver Arena, Cruden Farm, and the University of Melbourne.

Director Michael Gracey mentioned that the film developed from a year-and-a-half of interviews with Williams, where he often referred to himself as a performing monkey. Gracey aimed to present a new perspective on the traditional musical biopic format.

However, the unique concept initially faced challenges in finding a producer. Gracey noted that while enthusiasm existed for him as the director and for Williams as a musical icon, the idea of a monkey-based narrative did not excite many.

Despite this rocky start, Better Man has received critical acclaim, with reviews highlighting it as a tribute to Williams while also critiquing the music industry. It has garnered a record 16 nominations for the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards, scheduled for February.

Williams, who began his career as the youngest member of the pop group Take That, has an extensive history with Melbourne. He last performed a brief set at the AFL Grand Final in 2022 and returned this year for two more shows at AAMI Park.

In his appearance at the Sydney event, Williams encouraged the audience to watch his film, promising it is filled with excitement, referencing its themes of drugs and sex.

Robbie, Williams, Melbourne