 
Robbie Williams at Milton Keynes Bowl 2006 - A truly great professional! 
 This was the third time we've been to see Robbie on tour, the first event was also at Milton Keynes where we had a great time, the second was Knebworth where the whole performance was ruined for us by what we consider to be the poorest organisation of any gig we've ever attended. So it was with some trepidation that we set off to the Bowl, particularly given that the Milton Keynes Bowl is far from our favourite venue. We also wondered what the performance would be like this time - would we actually be able to see the show? he's not done a great deal lately so would the maestro be past his sell by date? had we wasted our time and money by going to see Robbie for a third time?
But goddam! - we so needn't have worried - from the minute the stage burst into light with a stunning and powerful pyrotechnic display and Robbie arrived on the stage at the end of the runway from an underground lift, Robbie did what he does best - he entertained an expectant and exuberant crowd belting out all the numbers we love him for - with a few additional extras thrown in for good measure! Mr Rudebox has said himself that he was born to entertain - and entertain he sure does. Robbie has a unique gift in that he can really connect with his audience - love him or loath him (and lets face it - most of us love him) Robbie knows how to deliver to the highest professional standards. Of  course, he was playing to a crowd that love him - but even so - the talent that he has to connect with people left us in little doubt that this amazing entertainer could have any crowd eating out of his hand in minutes. There are few who can connect with their audience the way that Robbie does - it's a natural talent and one that he knows how to use to best effect. It's also brilliant that he understands the benefits of connecting with the crowd without relying on the music to do it for him as so many other artists do these days - just another aspect of Robbie that sets him apart from so many others.
The supporting team he's gathered around him for this tour are truly talented professionals who put together and maintained a stunning stage set with frequent bursts of pyrotechnics - they must have worked their rocks off in order to have a set that matched the exuberance of the performance - after all it's all part and parcel of the memories we take away with us isn't it? This team know that and we imagine there will be some industry awards winging their way to the team who put this show together, and if not, there really ought to be. The thought and work that went into this made it quite a special spectacle - we went to be entertained and we came away from a great show knowing that the people who put this together knew how to make sure this happened. This, as they say, were a proper show with proper effects! well bloody done to the team who did this!
 At some point through the set Robbie let us all know what he thought about the Wembley Stadium debacle in no uncertain terms "Welcome to the new Wembley Stadium!"It's f*cking brilliant innit? " - yup we have to agree Rob - the good old British workman eh? on a parr with the Bath Spa debacle!
Johnny Wilkes arrived on stage for a bit of cabaret with his best mate! The two did a bit of a 'Morcambe and Wise' and had some sort of kick the football contest!
Max Beesley also joined the stage to play drums on 'Rudebox' - but the new single doesn't seem to be catching on just yet! - maybe it's a grower?? but the Robster promises that the new album is absolutely the best yet - time will tell!
All the hits we love were rolled out at this gig - Strong (singalong complete with lyrics - not necessary - we all knew 'em!) Feel, Rock DJ, Let Me Entertain You, Millennium and of course we, the crowd, sang 'Angels' just for Robbie!!
Rob told the crowd that they had made the gig great for him because he isn't feeling well and the crowd got him through, well it simply didn't show if he wasn't feeling on top form and we have to say - the man is fit (yeah, yeah we know - we mean physically fit as well!)
The support for Robbie was great, and once the entertainment started at 6pm it went really smoothly - Orson was first on at 6pm and did a great little set that certainly warmed up the crowd.  
  We were then treated to a storming set from Basement Jaxx, these guys sure know how to put on a show, they were fantastic from start to finish (which was all to soon!) They got the whole venue rocking - even the Stewards were bopping around and clearly enjoying the music - phenomenal sounds from a phenomenal band - spot on choice for support!
Back to the main event ...
The 'encore' began with Robbie being lowered onto the stage from the top of the stage - some height that was! a great rendition of 'Let Me Entertain You' accompanied this extravaganza.
This fab show finished all too soon with ' Kids' - so was it a good show? - it was a brilliant show! - would we go again? without doubt! - if you get a chance to see Robbie Williams live - do it.
A brilliant and hugely talented entertainer who has a genuine gift, a great spirit and a very quirky charm.
See the other pictures from the gig in the image gallery here
 
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The Safe Concerts Image Gallery
