Robbie Williams rocks Sirromet Winery in Queensland

Around 13,000 jubilant fans have packed the grounds at Sirromet Wines for the first of two Queensland shows from pop royalty Robbie Williams, and the Rock DJ singer gave them everything they were hoping for.

Robbie Williams will play a second concert at Sirromet on Sunday. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“I used to a be sex symbol you know?,” pop god Robbie Williams told 13,000 odd elated Queenslanders packed inside the grounds at Sirromet Wines on Saturday night for the first of his two Queensland shows.

“You still are!” screamed an excited woman behind me, and despite the (very many) year that have passed since he was my teenage crush, I couldn’t help but agree with her.

Williams’ first song as he bounded on the stage on his first of the sold-out shows at Sirromet was grungy party anthem Hey Wow Yeah Yeah before busting into perhaps one of his most iconic hits – Let Me Entertain You.

Even in the seated sections the call to arms had everyone on their feet and arms in the air with the atmosphere electric.

Dressed in a black sequined tank top and pants with a white scarf draped dramatically around his neck and a shock of grey hair fashioned into a Mohawk he declared: “let me reintroduce myself, im Robbie F***ing Williams” to raucous screams from an adoring Queensland crowd.

Robbie Williams will play a second concert at Sirromet on Sunday. Picture: Jonathan Ng

A testament to his enduring career is the makeup of the crowd – from teens through to those well into their 70s – it’s clear there’s not a typical ‘Robbie fan’.

His trademark cheeky banter was on full display when he started talking about how the key to entertainment was to love the crowd.

“In the 90s I tried to love you all individually, and nearly got there too,” he said before launching into a cover of Motown classic the Land of 1000 dances.

Robbie was joined on stage by his impressive band – complete with horn section – and a bevy of gorgeous backup dancers.

The Englishman promised a “33-year musical odyssey … featuring the highest highs, and the lowest lows”.

“It’ll be entertainment for you and therapy for me,” he said.

And he certainly delivered a nostalgic romp with songs through the decades including my personal favourite, Come Undone, and Back for Good from his former boy band days with Take That, Strong, Kids and Rock DJ.

WIlliams serenaded a very lucky lady called Carol with romantic ballad The One.

An emotional Williams played tribute to his fallen pal, Shane Warne, spurring the crowd on to chant “Warnie, Warnie” over and over.

It was a tribute fitting of the 90s and made the perfect segue to take a walk down memory lane from his Take That days.

Lamenting the fact former bandmate Gary Barlow sang “every f***ing song” before alluding to the fact he’s moved on by performing an epic tribute to fellow English group Oasis with a cover of Don’t Look Back in Anger.

Williams had his work cut out singing over the crowd who screamed every single word of his songs.

“It’ll be entertainment for you and therapy for me.” Photo: Stephen Archer.

Williams, whose intimate Netflix series documents his career and life, including his battles with poor mental health, sat at number one this week, said the documentary had been “amazing”.

“I feel like I’ve been given a big hug for the world,” he said.

He announced that his upcoming biopic was filmed here in Australia as he sang its namesake – Better Man.

Generally speaking, I agree that the use of the word icon is overused, but there simply isn’t any other way to describe such a seasoned showman who has sold more than 85 million albums, had 14 UK number one albums and 14 number one singles as a solo artist.

As he did during the Sydney show, Williams paid tribute to Australian legend John Farnham with a belting rendition of You’re The Voice.

“Sing it for John!” He screamed. And so we did.

It felt like only minutes had passed and we were at the end of an incredible show.

“I love you Australia,” he said before serenading a very lucky lady called Carol with romantic ballad The One.

With his trademark candour, Williams shared with the crowd what it was like to live in his mind when negative self talk was running the show and admitted to considering taking his own life.

He credited meeting his wife and the love of his fans with saving his life after a decades-long battle with depression.

“We love you Robbie,” the crowd yelled.

More than a few tears were shed among the crowd for the finale and his biggest hit, Angels.

Opening acts for the afternoon were DJ Joey Lightbulb, his electronic side project with Melbourne musician mates Tim Metcalfe and Flynn Francis and Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes.

After Sunday’s show Williams will make his way to Melbourne and Geelong before finishing up the Australian leg of his XXV tour in WA.