The ultimate pop showman Robbie Williams will be returning to Manchester next week for a string of huge gigs to celebrate 25 years as a solo artist. Manchester, of course, is where he first found fame as one fifth of boyband Take That, so the city will always have a special place in his heart.
And, naturally, when he announced his big arena return earlier this year, tickets were selling so quickly for his first two Manchester gigs that a third date was added. He'll be at the AO Arena on Wednesday October 19, before returning on Friday and Saturday (October 21 and 22).
The tour for Tunstall's finest Robbie, 48, comes on the back of his new album XXV featuring many of his greatest hits and fan favourites, which were all re-recorded and newly orchestrated with the Metropole Orkest. The autumn arena tour is billed as "a joyous celebration of Robbie’s 25 years as a solo artist".
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Fans can expect some of his biggest hits on the setlist and some huge fan singalongs to the likes of Come Undone, Rock DJ, Kids, Feel and, of course, Angels.
There's likely to be a nod to a few Take That classics too. And heck, he might even roll out a bit of Oasis, if his homecoming show in Stoke-on-Trent earlier this year was anything to go by when he did a cheeky bit of Don't Look Back in Anger. Here's what we know so far about the gig if you're heading along to any of the Manchester shows this week to help you plan your night.
Who is the support act?
Support on this new tour comes from Lufthaus, which is yes, the new Robbie Williams electronic project. But we're told Robbie does not actually appear during the support set from the band's Tim Metcalfe and Flynn Francis, but you will hear his vocals.
Lufthaus merge music, art and digitial technology in their live performance so it will definitely be worth getting their early to give them a watch.
Stage times
Stage times are always given as a rough guide and are subject to change. The advice is always to arrive as early as possible to get through the security checks and to find your seats as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Doors — 6:00 pm
Lufthaus — 7:30 pm
Robbie Williams — 8:40 pm
Curfew — 11:00 pm
Setlist
Robbie kicked off the new tour at London's 02 Arena on October 9, before continuing on to Birmingham's ResortWorld Arena. He's played roughly the same set at both venues, so this is likely what we can expect here at the Manchester gigs this week.
Hey Wow Yeah Yeah
Let Me Entertain You
Land of 1000 Dances
Monsoon
Strong
Come Undone
Everything Changes
Don't Look Back in Anger
The Flood
Love My Life
Eternity
Lost
Old Before I Die
Supreme
Feel
Kids
Rock DJ
ENCORE
No Regrets
She's the One
Angels
Are tickets still available?
There is only limited availability on seats for the first two nights, October 19 and 21, which were the first to go on sale earlier this year. A third date was announced for Saturday October 22, where some tickets are still available.
For all the latest ticket availability you can click here.
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