Robbie is my wife’s all-time favourite artist… as such I have been to see him on a number of occasions over the years and, if truth be told, I do enjoy what Robbie does. There is no debating the entertainment factor Mr. Williams provides, and he has come a long way since the first time my wife dragged me to Glasgow Barrowland at the outset of his solo career. That particular gig remains one of my most memorable of all-time, not for the live performance of Robbie but because I was one of approximately 20 males in the crowd surrounded by screaming Take That doll-waving Robbie fans, and when I attempted to use the male toilets needed to wait until the females were cleared. Despite trying hard not to enjoy the performance on that particular night it was evidently clear even in those early days that Robbie had star quality; by the time he covered Primal Scream’s ‘Rocks’ I was singing and bouncing along. Fast forward a number of years and a number of Robbie concerts (approximately 10 for me and 15+ for the wife) and here I am for the first of two sell-out shows at the Glasgow Hydro on the Swings Both Ways tour.
This is my fourth visit to the Hydro and arriving tonight I am immediately impressed with the stage set-up and can feel the energy and anticipation build in the lead-up to show-time I’m not a huge swing fan and much prefer Robbie’s pop tunes. For some reason, my own favourite Robbie songs have always tended to be those not so popular with others – ’Ego A Go Go’, ‘Phoenix From the Flames’, ‘Monsoon’, ‘Hot Fudge’, ‘I Will Talk Hollywood Will Listen’ and ‘Rudebox’. Yes, I was one of those at Hampden when Robbie showcased ‘Rudebox’ and, despite Robbie believing the crowd did not get it, my own memory was that it was the talking point of the night in many conversations as his legion of Scots fans left the stadium. I thought the song was genius and a modern take on Ian Dury and was disappointed when the critics poo pooed it at the time!
Robbie opened with the catchy ‘Shine My Shoes’ and then dipped into some swing classics with covers of ‘Puttin On The Ritz’, ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head’ and ‘Minnie The Moocher’. ‘Swing Supreme’, an update of ‘Supreme’ (from the album Sing When Your Winning), followed and the crowd loved it! As always, Robbie was focal point and star of the show, however it’s worth mentioning the backing singers, band and dancers who all added value and made the show highly entertaining. Indeed, such was the strength of the show and the performance of the ‘extras’, I would rate the show as better than most of the Vegas shows I’ve taken in over the years.
The remaining set-list of Act One consisted of more covers including a great version of ‘That’s Amore’ as well as a fantastic take on R Kelly’s ‘Ignition’. Between songs there were also a number of costume changes with Robbie floating above the crowd for the infectious ‘No One Likes A Fat Pop Star’ and donning a monkey suit for ‘I Wanna Be Like You’. Forever the crowd pleaser, Robbie was joined on stage with a children’s choir from local Mosshead Primary School for ‘High Hopes’ and then Act One was closed out with ‘Swings Both Ways’. Such was the planning and execution of the show I almost expected Rufus Wainwright to join Robbie but that was not to be and was more than made up for with what was to follow in Act Two.
After a brief intermission Robbie returned with ‘Soda Pop’ and a medley including ‘Reet Petite’ and ‘Hit The Road Jack’ and, the one low point for me, with an annoying Lulu cover ‘Shout’ (each to their own I suppose). Next up took a dip into the 2001 release ‘Swing When Your Winning’ with opening album track ‘I Will Talk Hollywood Will Listen’. I was delighted to hear this song as it has always been one of my favourite Robbie tracks and one I had never heard live before; This was the stand-out track on the previous Robbie swing album and I felt at the time Robbie missed a trick by not doing an album entirely of his own material. I love the lyrics to this one – the confidence, the boldness, the statement of intent and, like many of Robbie’s lyrics over the years, they really resonate with me.
One highlight of the show was the rendition of ‘Empire State Of Mind’ by one of Robbie’s backing singers. I’m not sure who this lady is but WOW! This lady can sing! Her vocals gave me goose-bumps and reminded me of the fantastic PP Arnold I once heard supporting Ocean Colour Scene a short distance away at the SECC. I thought this was a selfless and beautiful thought…. to give the mic over to backing singer with the voice of an angel and perhaps suggests Robbie has finally conquered his own demons and insecurities as a performer.
Liza Minelli’s ‘New York, New York’ sounded great and I was also delighted when Robbie treated us to a medley of his pop songs including the fabulous ‘Come Undone’ and bouncy ‘Candy’. Throughout the show, highlights were a constant with a “Showbiz Wedding”, a duet with his dad, Tim Tams from Perth (Australia) and the usual kissing of a few lucky females in the audience (I know my wife was jealous). Personally, I enjoyed the dedication of ‘Go Gently’ to Robbie’s wee girl but who knows, perhaps I am just getting all mushy in my old age and can appreciate what he was saying as I have my own wee boy of similar age.
The night was then brought to an emotional end with ‘My Way’ and once again Robbie had delivered as only he can. For me, Robbie is the best at what he does. At various times throughout the show I looked about me and wondered if the majority of fans in attendance even realised a large number of these songs were covers. The reality was that no-one cared and the fact is Robbie has made many of them his own, introducing many people to swing classics in the process… Respect.
Bazza Mills
@bazzamills
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