Robbie Williams to sing in 2025 in Australia with massive NYE set

After weeks of secret negotiations, the megastar has been confirmed to headline the famous New Year’s Eve concert.

3 min read

December 21, 2024 - 6:13AM

Entertainment Network

Robbie Williams' emotional Aussie confession at 'Better Man' premiere

Pop megastar Robbie Williams will supercharge New Year’s Eve celebrations, returning to his beloved Australia to headline the ABC’s annual concert at the Sydney Opera House.

The pop superstar and revered party starter is heading back down under just days after his acclaimed biopic Better Man opens at cinemas around the world on Boxing Day.

The audacious movie, which has cast Williams as a monkey, is the brainchild of Australian director Michael Gracey, the film-maker behind the smash hit The Greatest Showman and shot some of its scenes in Melbourne last year.

After walking the red carpet at a clutch of premieres in the UK and Europe, Williams was pumped to come back to the country he declares his love for at every opportunity to reconnect with his fans in Australia.

And so he jumped at the invitation to sing in the New Year in Sydney.

Robbie Williams and Michael Gracey at the Better Man premiere in Madrid on December 4. Picture: Manuel Pinilla Cruces via Getty Images.

“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 late last week as the secret negotiations for his surprise visit were being finalised.

Australia was a little slow to embrace Williams back when he launched his solo career in 1996 after splitting with British boy band giants Take That, finally going in for the hug on his third album Swing When You’re Winning.

That love affair hasn’t waned over more than two decades since he started touring here and making regular visits to talk up a new record or add his superstar presence on an ARIA Awards red carpet or to play marquee events.

Williams smashed his 2022 AFL Grand Final set out of the MCG. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The big gig specialist smashed it as the pre-match entertainer at the 2022 AFL grand final, and performed sold-out stadium and outdoor shows 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 shortlisted for a nomination on the same category for the Oscars.

“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 is rumoured Williams is also heading to Melbourne on his New Year’s visit.

There were a LOT of Better Man premieres in Europe including this warm but chilly red carpet in Paris. Picture: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images.

Williams may be back in Australia again in February for the 2025 AACTA awards with Better Man leading the nominations with six nods including Best Film, Best Director and Best Lead Actor for Jonno Davies.

“I f***ing hope so; I’ve just looked at my manager and he’s gone (gestures thumbs-up),” he said.

“I was gutted I couldn’t be there for the premiere because if there’s anywhere in the world that I want to be at the premiere, it’s Australia.

“A sad indictment about Australia is I think the world takes your attention for granted.

“Yes, I’ve put in the face time (there) but it’s like being an errant parent; I can pay for the therapy (but) I should just turn up …”

Williams got an invite to the Golden Globes First-Time Nominee Celebration in Beverly Hills this month. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images.

The ABC concert line-up includes Fanning Dempsey National Park, the side project from Powderfinger’s Bernard Fanning and Something for Kate’s Paul Dempsey, NYE favourites Casey Donovan and G Flip, rising r&b star Becca Hatch, ARIA-winning rapper Nooky and American country music singer and actor Randy Houser.