Singer’s fans camp out to get top spots
THEY don’t make music fans much more determined than a small group of hardy Australian and English fans who spent Friday night camping outside Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium before Saturday’s Robbie Williams concert.
Three of the fans, Amanda Bail, of London, and Bec Christou and Karen McCuskey, both of Melbourne, had already been to a total of 87 Robbie Williams concerts between them but they keep coming back for more.
The fans had VIP entry packages, but chose to wait all night to gain the best of the prime barrierside viewing spots at the front of the standing area closest to the stage.
It was windy outside the stadium overnight, but the three fans were warm enough in their sleeping bags, and they were also protected by a small tent.
‘‘It’s good; it’s comfortable,’’ Ms Christou said.
Ms Christou is a police officer in Melbourne, and stadium security staff also checked on them throughout the night, so they always felt safe.
Mrs Bail is a member of RWFanfest, a group of Robbie Williams fans that raises funds for the Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, in StokeonTrent, England, whose patron is Williams.
This was her 47th Robbie Williams concert, a number which proved particularly meaningful, because yesterday was also her 47th birthday.
What keeps bringing these fans coming back for more?
‘‘He’s the most incredible stage performer. I don’t think anyone touches him live,’’ Mrs Bail said.
‘‘It’s just the entertainment factor. His music is amazing — he just brings so much energy to it,’’ Ms Christou said.
Mrs McCuskey said the Dunedin performance was ‘‘fantastic’’.
‘‘He makes you feel younger. Life is short.’’