with a free concert Robbie Williams has surprised his German fans. About 7000 gathered in Berlin to see the British pop star. Really warm up to him, the spectators but only at the end .
M usikgott of the island, the greatest entertainers in the western hemisphere, self-destructive genius with a penchant for drugs and groupie sex excesses: Robbie Williams the same rock and roll. This was at least sometimes the other.
Three years ago, that a depleted superstar broke his world tour and is struggling with depression, withdrew into exile in America. There, he treated his drug addiction, was - after several false starts - a lovely new girlfriend, who he said is even true, and gathered strength. The discharges Robbie Williams now in a comeback attempt.
"Reality Killed the Video Star" is the new album on 6 November appears. And on Friday afternoon "Robbie" to his faithful German fans some of his new songs presented. In an announcement the day before mini-concert in Berlin, six songs, and for free. The second appearance since 2006. London last week was it.
"Everything good, yes?"
Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, just before 16 clock. Front of the stage on the square in front of the Max-Schmeling-Halle, the mass moves back and forth. About 7000 it should have been. In the neighboring park late thirties through the crowd rose hip bushes to get a better view. Children in fleece jackets climb into the trees. All Prenzlauer Berg appears on the legs: girls with sequined hats, young mothers, leather jacket carrier with graying temples. From the huge speakers pulsing house music. Gray clouds impose the sky. Drizzle.
silent clock at 15:59 when the music starts the crowd before the stage to ever celebrate. At 16:01 clock, the band rises to the stage. At 16:02 clock appears ER. No Moderation, not a great gesture, but good looks Robbie Williams, is recovering. The clean-shaven face, hiding accurate leather shoes, and the nationwide tattoos almost entirely under a blue coat. Only the voice is not quite warm.
The diehard fans who have waited for hours in front of the stage dancing, but when he started his new single "Bodies" is singing. The great mass still hesitates. "Everything good, yes?", Williams also satisfied for. In German, one wants to be understood. The background singers sing, fast is the first song over. The applause, too. "Are you warming up?" Asks the star.
Robbie, the tourist attraction
But warm up the audience does not know. The cheering sounds almost dutifully. The third piece of Williams sings his classic "feel. Anyone who owns a radio knows it. But when Williams asks to sing along, he must take after the second line again, then, so timid audience sings the chorus. With outstretched necks and serious expression many are there and are busy trying to catch the pop star with the digital camera. Robbie Williams, the thought comes to mind is the rock'n'roll mutates into a tourist attraction. He is examined, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the TV tower. With enthusiasm for his music has less to do.
Only the final two songs bring the node to burst: the massive hit "Angels" and "Come Undone", monuments like the man himself, who sings it. Williams joked as they used to read a obscene love letter makes the public compliments. That sums up the last one heart and sings.
How to say the new Robbie Williams, to crash and purification? It only works when the old one - minus the booze flag. "I'm Robbie, nice to meet you," he welcomes a child in the audience. "Your grandmother and your grandfather may know me."