Robbie Williams arrives in Sydney ahead of New Year’s Eve concert at iconic Opera House
A massive British pop star has touched down at Sydney Airport ahead of his headlining gig for New Year’s Eve.
Music
Don't miss out on the headlines from Music. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Robbie Williams has arrived in Sydney ahead of his New Year’s Eve performance tonight on the city’s famous harbour.
The British pop star was welcomed by fans when he touched down at Sydney Airport on Monday evening, stopping to chat, sign autographs and take selfies with them during an impromptu meet-and-greet.
Williams opted for a casual and comfortable look, wearing a red tracksuit paired with a white singlet for his flight.
The 50-year-old’s arrival comes weeks after secret negotiations before he was officially confirmed to headline the ABC’s annual NYE concert at the Sydney Opera House.
“I’m really hoping I’ll be (there) sooner rather than later and by sooner I mean maybe towards the end of this month,” he told news.com.au in late December ahead of his surprise visit being finalised.
Williams is no stranger to Australia. The former Take That member was a smash hit with Aussie fans when he provided the pre-match entertainment at the 2022 AFL grand final, while also performing sold-out stadium and outdoor shows here on his 25th anniversary tour in November 2023.
His NYE set will likely perform a greatest-hits package with a taste of Forbidden Road, the new song from the Better Man film which has already scored a Golden Globes nomination for Best Original Song and is short-listed for a nomination on the same category for the Oscars.
His biopic – a brainchild of Australian director Michael Gracey – has also scored six nominations at the 2025 AACTA awards to be held in February, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Lead Actor for Jonno Davies, who plays Williams as a chimp in the film.
“I love and adore Australia, and the Sydney fireworks are truly magical,” Williams said in a statement confirming his performance via the ABC.
“To be ringing in the New Year in the country where my biopic, Better Man, was shot will be the perfect end to 2024 and the ideal start to 2025.
“I can’t wait to perform and celebrate with my incredible Australian fans.”
It appears Williams’ wife, Ayda arrived in Australia ahead of the singer, who prior to arriving in Sydney was promoting his film in Dubai.
Ayda wasted no time sightseeing in the harbour city, beelining for the nearest zoo to squeeze in some cuddles with a koala.
“Literally so cute,” she captioned one photo of the beloved marsupial, before taking a selfie with another. “I needed a koala selfie,” she wrote.
Originally published as Robbie Williams arrives in Sydney ahead of New Year’s Eve concert at iconic Opera House
‘WTF’: Robbie rips into ABC ‘twits’ over NY
Robbie Williams has taken a cheeky swipe at the backlash over his New Year’s Eve performance during his packed-out gig at Melbourne’s Federation Square.
’Entitled’: Aussie fans boo US rapper
US rapper Ice Spice was booed off the stage by Aussie fans for “entitled” act at her New Year’s Eve headlining gig in Brisbane.