What do you do when you’re a superstar who has drawn more than a million fans to a stadium tour? If you’re as unpredictable as Robbie Williams, you perform in a tiny venue. This late-night gig at Dingwalls, which holds just 600 people, is the smallest show of his career and a truly unusual affair. It was initially meant to launch his new album, Britpop, but that release has now been pushed back to February. Williams is blunt about the reason: “It’s because of Taylor Swift,” he admits, during a week when her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, is outselling the entire UK Top 20 combined. “I could pretend it’s not, but it is. It’s selfish—I want my 16th number one album.”
Taking the stage just as the pubs are shutting, a beaming Williams clearly enjoys the cozy setting. “I’m skipping all that stadium bravado and pointing,” he promises, before diving into a complete, stripped-back performance of his 1997 debut, Life Thru a Lens, complete with long, reflective stories about how each song came to be.
His honesty is typical. With his heart on his sleeve, Williams recalls leaving Take That only to find himself £300,000 in debt: “I took EMI’s money to the Groucho Club and did loads of cocaine. Oh, and I was about to be dropped. Then this happened.” He follows with a heartfelt rendition of “Angels,” the anthem that defined the ’90s.
This clear-eyed look back at a chaotic period is mesmerizing because Williams, with all his nods, winks, and energy, is a brilliantly skilled performer. Up close, his star power is dazzling. That quirky, vibrant intensity doesn’t let up as he transitions into playing the upcoming Britpop album in full—a rock-heavy collection on first listen.
He jokingly worries that one track, “Spies,” might borrow too much from Oasis’s “Champagne Supernova”: “But don’t have the nerve to sue me, Noel! Not after everything you’ve copied!” He also plays a lively tune called “Morrissey,” co-written with Gary Barlow, about the “isolated, deserted, and friendless” former Smiths singer. “It’s weird as fuck, isn’t it?” he admits afterward, not wrong.
Williams announces he’ll do more of these intimate shows—dubbed “Long 90s”—in February. “I knew this would be an incredibly special gig,” he smiles as he sends us out into the street at 1 a.m. It’s impossible to disagree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about Robbie Williamss Camden show
General Beginner Questions
Q What was the main event this article is about
A Robbie Williams played a small intimate concert at the Electric Ballroom in Camden London
Q Why is a show in Camden considered a big deal for him
A Robbie is a global superstar who usually plays huge stadiums so performing in a small 1500person venue is a rare and special event for his fans
Q What does star power mean in this context
A It means that even in a small venue Robbie had the same magnetic stage presence charisma and energy that hes famous for completely captivating the audience
About the Performance Setlist
Q What kind of songs did he perform
A He played a mix of his greatest hits like Angels and Let Me Entertain You along with some deeper cuts and a brand new song
Q What was the new song he played about
A He debuted a new unreleased track that is about the singer Morrissey
Q Was the Morrissey song positive or critical
A The article suggests it was unexpected and given Morrisseys own controversial public statements in recent years the song is likely a commentary or critique rather than a tribute
Q How was the audiences reaction to the show
A The audience was described as being electrified and treated to a powerful highenergy performance that showcased Robbies unique connection with a crowd
Advanced FanFocused Questions
Q What makes an intimate show different from his usual tours
A Intimate shows are in much smaller venues creating a more personal and raw experience The setlist might be less predictable and the interaction with the audience is much more direct
Q Does debuting a new song at a small show indicate a new album is coming
A Its a strong possibility Artists often test new material at intimate gigs to gauge fan reaction before finalizing and releasing a new album
Q What is the significance of him playing a song about Morrissey
A Its significant because both are iconic outspoken British pop stars from a similar era A song from Robbie about Morrissey
