JK as RobbieLive at the Eagle Hotel, Buxton. February 2004
"Are you with me? I've been away from Buxton for too long - and now I'm back I can't wait to return again and again." The opening words of JK as Robbie were echoed by those who know and enjoy his show and those JK virgins, now converted to their very own Robster.Having had the privilege of witnessing the other Robbie - a certain Mr Williams - performing, I felt a déjà vu experience. How similar are the respected shows? From the moment he opened with "Let me Entertain You" the Eagle crowd erupted with hand-waving, lighter-swinging, happy faces and delightfully bad harmonies. Girls took him up on his suggestions, as they displayed various parts of their anatomy for his approval. As the ultimate tribute to Mr. Williams this guy is no impostor of a performer, he doesn't just sing - he entertains you. He hit every note, cheesy smiled every cheesy Robbie smile, thrust every pelvic thrust, sang all the right songs and even had the Eagle men joining in. Right through to his frighteningly accurate and majestic "Angels" led encore, he completed 15 numbers along with an extra helping of "My Way" to close the show. His band did not look as though they were playing together for the first time and the thought that they can only improve astounds. Adapting the song list to fit the occasion made for some daring choices. JK is about to embark on a National Tour after his record breaking residency in Spain, Denmark and Europe he wanted to see how a variety of styles and songs were received. He needn't have had any concerns "Come Undone" is something that will never happen to this excellent showman. "We Will Rock You" brought the audience and artist even closer together as we tried to rock JK. But nothing could put this man off his stride and indeed when he ripped into "Something Beautiful" it certainly felt just that. Just at that point the largest, widest man I've seen in the Eagle for a while - and let's face it there have been a few over the years, looked at JK then straight at me and whispered like an excited 15 year old girl that he couldn't wait for "Angels". Tough - he had to wait, but it was worth it. I just kept thinking "Betterman". I doubt if there is any one better, man. With all sorts of announcements regarding his background, ambitions and dreams JK carried us with him all the way and I'm not one to get carried away, unless of course they're wearing white coats. I won't pre-empt what the Williams doppelganger plans but if you want to check out www.jkasrobbie.com you'll get up to date information on the man who would be the Bloke from Stoke. I'm not too sure if the original Robbie could muster such an overwhelming response. Well all right he could. But he's Robbie Williams. At least our man can be both and only he is JK. Our man has an undoubted presence and by that, I mean that not only is he comfortable being on the stage but his audience is comfortable with him being on the stage too. Compared to some who take themselves seriously and shouldn't, JK is one of those who doesn't take him self seriously and could. You know when somebody has That something. He does. JK should just Take That and Party.
Not just a Bloke-from-Stoke look-a-like, as the ultimate tribute to Mr. Williams this guy is no impostor of a performer, he doesn't just sing - he entertains you and there is no Better Man... Clive Leighton |