2003
27/12/03 Robbie signs up name as trademark Super Robbie Williams has registered his name as a trademark in an attempt to prevent people from cashing in on his fame. Read the full story from BBC News
24/12/03 South American connection Fiorella get all down when she heard that Robbie had cancelled the Argentine leg of the tour - but she aint the type to get down for long - she's put up a website petitioning the Burslem/Tunstall/Stoke boy to change his mind - or in her words ...."Hola! yo soy argentina y cuando supe q robbie no iba a venir casi me muero!!! En www.petitiononline.com/robw/petition.html van a encontrar una peticion q le hice a robbie para q venga, necesito q la firmen!!!!..." But, it's all Greek (er, Spanish) to me!
24/12/03 Place your bets! The bookmakers William Hill have gone all out this year with their long-term offers - including a bet on our Rob. They're offering 6/1 on Robbie to marry in 2004... but they're not saying who the lucky girl will be!
22/12/03 Robbie rockets up all-time list Robbie has jumped 20 places in an annual list of all-time music greats by the Guinness book of hit singles. Read the full story from BBC News
16/12/03 Robbie's "boys" go for glory The Darkness, who supported our Robbie at Knebworth, are going from strength to strength, it seems!
The Darkness are now being tipped for the Xmas top spot with their single Christmas Time (Don't Let The Bells End). Of course Robbie's already DONE THAT. In 2001 the crown went to Robbie and Nicole Kidman with Somethin' Stupid.
5/12/03 Robbie outsells Led Zep Our Robbiehas set a new record with the fastest selling music DVD in the UK, his record label said today. Rob - who has been barred from the best male title at the Brits next year (what a travesty!)- shifted 46,000 copies of his What We Did Last Summer concert film.
The one week sales exceeded those of previous record holders, seventies rock-monsters Led Zeppelin who shifted 27,000 copies of a recent DVD.
The DVD captures his awesome Knebworth shows which saw him play to 375,000 fans over three days in the summer.
Rob is currently performing on the final leg of his tour which closes in Sydney, Australia on December 14. Bet the weather lot hotter in Sydney compared to dreary Stoke, jammy Robbie.
04/12/03 Brits rules bar Rob Robbie Williams will not be able to compete next year for Best Male. Although he's won the title for four of the past five years, the tight rules make him ineligible.
The organisers say he has not released the "right kind" of album this year - the Knebworth album does not put him in the running because live releases do not count; and because he won best male last year, he is barred from doing so for a second year. The Robster's only chances next year will be for best single and/or best pop act. (Should be easy!) Read the full story from BBC News
02/12/03 Rob - man of the FUTURE Robbie Williams got an award for his projects in interactive music. All part of his Modern Man appeal, y'know! Read the full story from BBC News
26/11/03 Robbie - tops for ears Robbie has topped a survey of 30,000 people to discover the most listened-to chart star in Europe. He triumphed in the Music Choice digital TV channel poll, which surveyed music fans in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Scandinavia. Trailing the Robster were Eminem and Madonna. Read the full story from BBC News
20/11/03 Robbie to reinvent himself (?) Robbie plans to reinvent himself and come back as "a new me". Our Rob is expected to move out of the public eye as a hectic world tour winds down in December after almost six months on the road.
He made his comments as he rounded off his recording of a BBC Radio 2 concert last night in front of just 300 fans. "This has been the end of a wonderful year for me. The best year I've ever had. "I'm going to go away and re-dream everything and come back as a new me - thank you for being there," he told fans.
And as he performed the entertainer, who turns 30 in February, said he planned to give up another of his vices - smoking.
"When you're growing up you drink, you smoke you do whatever you do and you go for it and you don't even question your mortality. "Well I definitely know that I'm 30, and y'know people leave this Earth - so I'm giving up smoking.
"All of sudden it's turned into smokers anonymous - hello I'm Robbie Williams I'm a smoke addict, I've been "smober" now for 5 minutes."
Rob was performing the show at Abbey Road studios where The Beatles famously created many of their finest recorded final moments. He could not resist a nod to the band as he performed his songs - early hit Lazy Days lapsed into Hey Jude and One For My Baby ended with a line from the Long And Winding Road.
Robbie said he also planned to do a swing tour in the future. His only llive performance in support of his Swing When You're Winning album was at London'sRoyal Albert Hall for a BBC special.
Radio 2's Robbie Williams concert will be broadcast on December 20th.
15/11/03 Return to Knebworth - sort of On the 18th November 2003, less than four months after his historic Knebworth shows, Robbie returns to the UK for a star-studded West End film premiere. T he premiere, 'What We Did Last Summer - Robbie Williams Live at Knebworth', acts as a preview for his DVD (same title), which will be released globally on November 24th 2003. See Review of Live At Knebworth
10/11/03 Robbie is a Pop Icon Our Robbie has come in 9th place in the Greatest Pop Icon of all time awards. Pipping him to the post were the following: 1. David Beckham / 2. Madonna / 3. Elvis / 4. The Beatles / 5. Princess Diana / 6. The Simpsons / 7. Freddie Mercury / 8. ABBA
A panel of celebrities and experts - including presenter June Sarpong, newsreader Krishnan Guru-Murthy and GQ editor Dylan Jones - drew up a shortlist for VH1 earlier this year.
Then viewers spent two months voting for who they thought were the greatest figures in popular culture.
05/11/03 Robbie visits street children in Moscow Big hearted Robbie cuddled a little Russian girl on a visit to a shelter for street children in Moscow.
As a Unicef special representative, he took time out from the latest leg of his European tour to make the visit. Robbie made friends with three-year-old Sabrina, who is living in the shelter because her alcoholic mother cannot look after her.
Robbie also met children living rough on Moscow's streets during the freezing winter months and was shocked by what he saw: "It's a real eye-opener seeing how kids like this have to live - especially when it's so cold during the winter," he said. "Luckily there are places like the Unicef-supported shelter where kids cancome if they have nowhere else to go.
"It's a place full of fun and and laughter and I feel really privileged to have spent some time with these kids."
Robbie visited the shelter as part of Unicef UK's End Child Exploitation campaign.
05/11/03 Robbie fans get chance to be part of HIM! Fans of Robbie can become a part of their hero and raise money for his Stoke-on-Trent based charity, it was announced today.
He is asking gig-goers who attended his summer shows to send in photos ofthemselves to make up an enormous image of the singer. Copies of the finished picture will then be sold for the Stoke base Give It Sum charity fund. (More about Give It Sum)
The mosaic image of Williams will be made up of lots of smaller fan-photos. The singer wants fans to send pictures taken at his gigs, either of themselves, their friends or of Rob himself.
The picture is being created to tie in with the release of his new DVD What WeDid Last Summer on November 24. Individual photos can be sent to his website and 100 people will be sent copies of the finished poster. The final image will also be sold online. What We Did Last Summer captures his Knebworth shows on film.
04/11/03 Robbie gets the giggles! Chart star Robbie Williams crumpled in a fit of giggles when he began a one-off show for an audience 400 times smaller than his record-breaking Knebworth concerts.
He was following in the footsteps of The Beatles by performing at Abbey Road,the studios where the Fab Four recorded their greatest moments. His performance was for a Radio 2 Christmas special and was in front of just 300 fans.
But the singer said he was unnerved by how large the intimate audienceactually looked in the studio, breaking his concentration as he played Escapology album track Nan's Song.
"I'm sorry, I was totally in my own world," he said as he fluffed the track,which he was playing solo, and burst out laughing.
"I was playing the song and really meaning it and then I started thinking`There's a lot of people here, isn't there?'
"We'll pretend this never happened," he said, as he continued with the opening track of the 90-minute show.
The singer said he found it weird being able to see his fans close up in thetiny venue. "It freaks me out, it really does. I go on and do a show at Knebworth and itdoesn't exist, it's that big. And then I come do little ones and I can seeeveryone and you can see me."
03/11/03 Wilkesy to host You've been Framed Robbie's best pal Jonathan Wilkes is set to make a come-back, but not in the music scene. Wilksey is due to step out of Robbie's shadow (not that being the shadow of Robbie is a bad thing but in the fame game you kinda need your own name!) and take over from Lisa Riley presenting the fun-filled family show You've been Framed.
As of Sunday 2nd November, good old Jon will take to our screens and makes us proud as yet another Stoke lad makes his way into the nation's hearts. Wilksey is engaged to be married to his fiancee Nikki; and the Robster is up to be his best man; a truly 'starry' wedding. Robster - 9th Greatest Pop Icon... ...of all time too! In a recent poll by the VH1, Robbie was found the 9th greatest popular icon of all time; shame it wasn't the 1st but then he was beaten by the likes of David Beckham, Madonna, Elvis, The Beatles, Princess Diana, The Simpsons, Freddie Mercury and ABBA, so I guess it isn't too bad (although I secretly think David Beckham isn't all that comparable to our beastie Robbie).
From Knebworth to Abbey Rd Studio type concert From 350,000 audience to a mere 300; but I have a feeling he values this concert just as much - as he will be playing in the "legendary" Abbey Road studios, the very studios at which The Beatles produced most of their greatest recordings. He will play on November 19; a complete contrast to the 375,000 who saw him perform at Knebworth. It will be aired on December 20 on BBC Radio 2. The audience will mainly consist of competition winners... As someone quite rightly said, "I can't think of a better way to kick-start our Christmas celebrations."
27/10/2003 Britney big-up to Rob Britney Spears is planning to follow in Madonna's footsteps by moving to Britain. She said: "I went to London last week and it's so cool there. I'm thinking of moving there. It's really beautiful. I love it there." And, like Madonna, she has been practising her English accent and developing a passion for all things British - confessing to a love for fish and chips and Robbie Williams. 24/10/2003 We Know What We Missed Last Summer Calling all those who missed Robster's performance at Knebworth (and who DIDN'T - who are, also, cursed and condemned for life); there is a West End screening of the film to do with the Knebworth concert and includes scenes from behind the stage capers and an amazing 2,000 people will be attending the premier at London's Odeon Leicester Square on the 18th of November and those of you who aren't attending (you guys are suffering a serious case of luck-drought!)can see it in the comfort of their own home (admittedly it does not make up for the fact that you didn't get to see the Cheeky Chappy in the fles, but still) as the DVD comes out on November 24th.
The Robster said, "I'm really excited about seeing Knebworth on the big screen with my family, friends and fans." You aren't the only one Rob, you aren't the only one! 15/10/2003 Fashionably rockin' Robbie stole the show again recently whilst performing at the Fashion Rocks event held at the Royal Albert Hall. The show.
It was all in aid of the Princes Trust - and saw Robbie sporting a Donatella Versace number whilst a host of supermodels strutted their stuff on the catwalk around him. With his irresistible Robbie style, he decided to strut his stuff too and chat up a few girls along the way!
He performed his hit single ‘Feel’ in front of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, and was rewarded with a standing ovation.
Also performing at the concert was Sheryl Crowe, who underestimated our Rob and said that the reason he could not conquer America was because of the fact that he was too "camp" and that instead of looking like a rock star he looked like a "roadie" .... Seeming to be another person who doesn’t understand that Potteries charm.
02/10/2003 Robbie wins Q award. Robbie Williams' sell-out Knebworth gigs earned him the best live act at the Q awards. I should think so too! Anyone who was their knows that Knebworth was the best atmosphere of any gig ever! Coldplay were also up for best live act - but they they don't deserve to win if they couldn't even be bothered to turn up. Anyway compared to lively Rob, Coldplay have about as much charisma of a tin of baked beans. The awards are voted for by Q magazine readers - they obviously have excellent taste.
29/09/03 Robbie nominated for 3 MTV Europe awards. He's up for best pop, best male and best album for Escapology. Well I reckon he should walk the best male award. So what if he's up against the (so called) man of the moment Justin Trouser Snake? Us Robbie fans all know who really has the most talent and sex appeal.
26/09/03 Robbie a proven trend setter in, er, lycra We always knew Robbie had great taste in fashion and now this fact has been verified to the whole world. Robbie is now the proud owner of a British style award. He won most stylish male music artist at the Oscars of the fashion industry - The Lycra British Style Awards 2003.
23/09/03 Robbie Gives moremoney to Stoke! The Planet Sound Drum school was awarded funding via Robbie's charity the "Give it Sum" fund. (Bless him - he's good looking, talented and generous!). The funding will last for a two year period and will enable the drum school, based in Stoke on Trent, to build on existing work, and for the group to develop.
Who knows - another rock star like our Robbie could evolve from the Drum School?
22/09/2003 Rob's Fiery Future! According to Sabina Heywood (Astrologer and Tarot card reader - more details on the message board) our Robbie likes to play games, doesn't fall in love easily and is run by his emotions (tell us something we don't already know, honey!) and that he is likely to get married to a Brit and meet 'the one' in 2005. No offence or anything but 1) he needs to live in England to marry a Brit and 2) there is no such thing as 'the one' in showbiz (am I the only one who has been reading the celebrity gossip columns that are full of break ups?). But that's me and my cynicism so lets hope the 'Fates' prove me wrong (I really do hope Robbie to have a stable love life but lets face it, the business he is in, there is no such thing!). 19/09/2003 Robbie Concert Sold OUT! We Brits all know and love Robbie Williams but looks like Robbie Mania has hit the Aussies as well; when it was announced that the Robster was going to perform in Sydney on the 13th of December all the tickets were snapped up in half an hour.
The promoters had to add an extra date to the 42,000 capacity Aussie Stadium; 14th of December the Cheeky Chappy will be performing with the 80's New Romantic band Duran Duran and Australian band Machine Gun Fellatio. Robbie will also be playing at the Telstra Dome, Melbourne on December the 10th when his Escapology world tour begins.
17/09/03 Rob karaoke Fav! Robbie'sAngelscame 5th in a poll of Britains favourate karaoke tracks. Daydream Believer by The Monkees is Britain's number one choice for would-be Pop Idols across the country.The least favourite song was Barbie Girl by Aqua.
09/09/2003 Rob YES, Geri NO The Prince's Trust "Fashion Rocks" catwalk concert, which Robbie has agreed to appear at, has left poor old Geri Halliwell (also dumped by Robbie) out in the cold.
Geri is a royal ambassador for the Prince's Trust and performed at the charity's annual fundraising concert Party in the Park, but has lost out to rival Posh Spice for the October 15th Fashion Rocks show at London's Royal Albert Hall. Posh is linked with Dolce & Gabbana, and is likely to perform as models reveal D&G's autumn collection on an underlit, circular catwalk. Other top designers, including Chanel, will take part with Robbie, Bryan Ferry and David Bowie, who will perform by satellite link
04/09/2003 Watch out -tribs about Local clubs who've just published their autumn gig listings show a lot of Rob tribute bands coming - which shows how popular they are I guess.
One is Richard Rhead's Live Thru a Lens at Tamworth Assembly Rooms on 20th September. LTAL are affiliated with UNICEF, the UN's charity for children, as Robbie is,and have helped the charity with collections and events through the UNICEF regional offices. See Gig Listings for details of gig; see Tribs for details of band
20/08/2003 ANGELS AT TUSSAUD'S! 'Angels' is one of the 13 songs that has been picked for "contestants" to sing to Pop Idol's Mean Machine, Simon Cowell's wax model at Tussaud's and then hear him either praise it or slate it. With such a perfect song you'd thing no one could NOT sing it but it looks like as if i am wrong; the first song that was song was Robster's 'Angels' by 22 year old, Annalisa Hoadley, from Paddington and when she sang it she got a reply from the wax work (that is fully "equipped with wooden putdowns and robotic one-liners"),
"That was my favourite song of all time, not any more."
(Ouch, that man has absolutely no manners!)
Amongst the other songs is Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' and 'It's Not Unusual' by Rob's neighbour and buddy, Tom Jones. I guess some have it and others don't and as far as I am concerned (and wax model of Simon Cowell) Robbie is the only one who seems to have it!
18/08/2003 CONTACT ROBBIE! Recently there have been a lot of hits about 'How To Contact Robbie' on the messageboard; and after much searching we have come up with...brace yourselves...nothing!
Sorry, but there are no official fan clubs of the Robster (hard to believe, eh) but we did find the contact to EMI, Robbie's record company - unfortunately they don't have an e-mail contact but they do have snail mail and telephone contacts and they are: Corporate Communications Department, EMI Group plc, 27 Wrights Lane, London W8 5SW.
Meanwhile, on the messageboards, Sav has come up with an e-mail address for his management company, ie music. The address for them is [email protected]. I haven't tried it myself - so, if you do, tell us how it goes!
18/08/2003 CASSIDY KNOCKS ROBBIE! Robbie has been knocked off the top of the album charts by the late Eva Cassidy’s fourth album, American Tune. I would complain about people’s mental issues but since the album is by someone who is 6 feet under but I won’t; it’s bad to speak ill of the dead!
18/08/2003 12 MILLION REASONS TO LOVE ROBBIE! The 12 million reasons to love Robbie are in his bank account; yes that’s right Robbie made £4m per DAY during his performances at Knebworth which means a grand total of £12m. Hey, Robster, marry me!
11/08/2003 17 UP, 4 DOWN! Robbie is back at No. 1, 17 places up and knocked off Magic & Medicine (The Coral) from it's No. 1 spot. Knebworth was an absolute success in more than one way (even though Something Beautiful dropped down from No. 3 to No. 7 in the singles chart); Mark Owen (Robbie's ex-band mate) shot up to No. 4 after his performance at No. 4 and there is no bad blood between the two! How sweet! See story - from BBC Entertainment News
09/08/2003 KNEBWORTH TO IRELAND! Looks like Robbie doesn't want to wind down after Knebworth; he is planning to rock Ireland. A major security operation is underway fo the bigges ever open-air rock concert in Ireland.
Phoenix Park, Dublin, was closed to the public as about 135,000 fans came down to the city to see our Cheeky Chappy on stage; this is said to be the biggest event in the Park since the Pope's visit, in 1979.
Amongst the supporting acts are Ash and Kelly Osbourne who will perform in the afternoon, prior to Robbie's show at 8.30 p.m. This is the the biggest stage to be ever seen in Ireland, with 5,000 revolving lights and 6 giant video screens.
Due to the fact that the fans have been advised to use public transport to prevent terrible traffic (a bit of alliteration there) the Dublin Bus are running a special shuttle service from the city centre.
Around 120 police officers were dealing with the traffic while another 400 were policing access points and there were Garda dog units to help with drug searches!
All of the gates were closed to traffic last night and will not open until tomorrow morning but there are however there is access to Dublin Zoo, Garda Headquarters and the office of Ireland's President and other premises through the North Circular Road gate and for those driving to the concert, they are to be directed to venues outside the park where there are park-and-ride services available!!
And with the sun shining and the temperatures around 20 degrees, it is bound to be one great evening!
2003 Votes - Results
| What does his 30th birthday mean for the Robster? It won't matter. He'll still be Robbie! - 60 votes A big plus. He will produce even more mature music - 20 votes A negative. He'll lose his youthful sense of fun - 3 votes
What do you think of Escapology? Brilliant (279 votes) 93.6% OK (12 votes) 4.0%; Rubbish (7 votes) 2.3%
Robbie is better off.... Staying alone and looking for the right woman - 237 votes Having a regular girlfriend even if he doesn't love her? - 6 votes Having fun with anyone whenever he wants to? - 160 votes |
| | The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites |
| |