By Kevin Rademeyer.
Photo Credit: Kurt Sassenburg.
The world’s greatest showman promised to entertain—and for two unforgettable hours, Robbie Williams delivered a performance masterclass that left Pretoria’s SunBet Arena buzzing with pure euphoria. In a night destined for the history books, the British pop icon, brought to South Africa by Big Concerts, reminded everyone why he’s a global entertainment juggernaut.
Originally envisioned as a single blockbuster event at FNB Stadium’s Calabash, the show morphed into two intimate, electrifying nights at Africa’s premier live entertainment venue. The change heightened the sense of occasion, forging a more personal connection between Robbie and his devoted fans. This wasn’t just a concert, as Robbie himself said—this was therapy.
It had been nearly two decades since Robbie last graced South African soil, but from the opening thunder of Let Me Entertain You, he seized the crowd with his boundless energy and magnetic charisma. Dressed to kill in a sleek white suit, he commanded the stage with a seamless blend of nostalgia, cheeky humor, and larger-than-life showmanship.
Williams bared his soul, sharing how his life transformed after meeting his wife Ayda, and having four children. Reflecting on his struggles with depression, addiction, and anxiety during his last visit to South Africa, he credited his fans with saving his life. “I needed to become human again,” he admitted, emphasizing the role of sobriety and fan support in his journey back from the brink.
The crowd erupted with delight as Robbie powered through a setlist of iconic hits, including Millennium, Love My Life, and Kids, seamlessly interwoven with a few surprise covers. He gave a playful nod to British pop history with a cheeky rendition of Oasis’ Don’t Look Back in Anger, while a heartfelt performance of She’s the One—dedicated to a fan named Michelle in the audience—moved many to tears and earned thunderous applause. Another unforgettable moment came when Robbie took a fan’s phone, recorded a video message for the fan’s daughter, and dedicated a song to her, leaving the crowd in awe. The evening’s emotional high point was a stirring medley of Rock DJ, Feel, and the timeless Angels, which left the arena utterly spellbound.
Between songs, Robbie’s signature charm lit up the room. He shared deeply personal stories of his highs and lows, poked fun at his “Take That” days, and bantered with fans, turning the massive arena into what felt like an intimate gathering.
As a cherry on top, fans were treated to an exclusive preview of Better Man, the highly anticipated biopic about Williams’ life, directed by Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman). The film, which premiered in South Africa on Friday night, offers a bold, surreal take on fame, with a CGI chimpanzee symbolizing the artificiality of celebrity. The trailer promised a cinematic masterpiece blending Robbie’s raw truths with dazzling visuals and, of course, his greatest hits.
As the final notes rang out through the SunBet Arena, Robbie Williams proved once again that he’s not just a performer—he’s a phenomenon. From his towering stage presence to his heartfelt vulnerability, he reminded South Africa why he’s in a league of his own.
Concertgoer Desiree Wright, who has seen Robbie perform across the globe, described this show as “the most insightful look into his life and career.” Fellow fan Ulrika Roux called it “an unforgettable blend of comedy, cheekiness, and hit after hit.”
This was far more than just a concert—it was an artist baring his soul, a masterclass in resilience, and a powerful testament to the unifying magic of music. As Jeremy Snape, an enthusiastic fan at the arena, aptly put it: “If you missed it, you missed a moment of history.”