Robbie Williams joined forces with longtime collaborator Guy Chambers on stage in Liverpool, creating a memorable and heartfelt moment during the performance.
Highlights from the Reunion
The pair delivered standout renditions of ‘Angels’, ‘Killing Me’, and ‘One Of God’s Better People’. This marked their first live collaboration since a special 2022 appearance celebrating 25 years of Williams’ solo career.
The reunion occurred on February 6 at Liverpool’s Eventim Olympia as part of the ‘Long ‘90s’ tour. Williams kicked off the evening by performing his 1997 debut solo album Life Thru A Lens in full, starting with tracks like ‘Lazy Days’, the title song, and ‘Ego A Go Go’. Chambers then joined for the co-written hit ‘Angels’ and the other fan favorites before Williams transitioned into a complete playthrough of his latest album BRITPOP.
Rich Collaborative History
Williams and Chambers began partnering around the 1997 release of Life Thru A Lens, shortly after Williams left Take That to launch his solo path. They co-created five successive albums: Life Thru A Lens, I’ve Been Expecting You, Sing When You’re Winning, Swing When You’re Winning, and Escapology.
Although their main collaboration ended in 2002, they reunited briefly for the 2013 album Swings Both Ways, a 2016 release, and a 2019 production with The Royal Shakespeare Company.
Chambers Shares His Experience
Guy Chambers reflected on the event via social media, describing his trip to Liverpool—his honorary hometown—as unexpected after nearly three and a half years since their last show together in Hamburg.
‘I must admit I was a little nervous. I was no longer a member of the band (I was Musical Director for many years) and it felt strange being a guest but I was grateful for the invitation,’ Chambers wrote. He noted feeling very welcome, spending time with his ‘old buddy’ afterward, and called it ‘a huge trip down memory lane’ playing songs from Life Thru A Lens.
‘I always thought the Scouse crowd was the best. It was a very big, emotional night for me,’ he concluded.
Chart Success and Tour Momentum
BRITPOP recently claimed the top spot on the UK charts on January 23, securing Williams’ 16th Number One album and surpassing The Beatles’ record of 15.
Williams expressed his drive behind the achievement, stating he wanted to top The Beatles ‘more than anything in my career right now’.
On the album’s guitar-driven sound, Williams shared: ‘I was playing it safe and I’ve not been driving my own car. I’ve not had my hands on the wheel through second-thinking myself and guessing what people like. I just wanted to do something that I like.’
The ‘Long ‘90s’ tour continued on February 8 at London’s O2 Academy Brixton and concluded on February 9 at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall.
