Robbie Williams stormed onto the Bilbao BBK Live stage like a force of nature, unleashing a 90-minute torrent of hits that had the crowd in raptures. The Stoke-on-Trent superstar, with an astonishing 16 number one albums under his belt, left it all on the pitch, blending his most iconic tracks with playful covers and hilarious anecdotes that left the audience giggling like schoolchildren.
Williams' commanding performance was matched only by his sheer cheekiness – who else but him would burst into a show-stopping rendition of 'New York, New York', sporting a pink feather boa, munching on a banana and generally having the time of his life? The crowd lapped it up like thirsty lambs at an oasis, singing along to every word as he effortlessly segued from Depeche Mode to The Beatles in a stunning medley that showcased his peerless musicianship.
But it wasn't just Robbie's set that had the Bilbao BBK Live faithful in awe – earlier in the evening, Irish sensation CMAT (real name Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) electrified the Repsol stage with an unapologetically raw and emotive performance that left even the most hardened festival-goers in tears. Taking on a late-night slot typically reserved for DJs, CMAT's unique blend of 'Irish country rock'n'roll' proved a game-changer, drawing a sizeable crowd at 1:30 am to witness her explosive energy and talent.
The Bilbao BBK Live festival is marking its momentous 20th anniversary in style, with day one featuring the likes of FKA Twigs and David Byrne, while Lily Allen and IDLES are set to bring the house down on closing night. Meanwhile, Robbie's set was just one highlight among many – other standouts included Aurora's ethereal soundscapes, Alabama Shakes' scorching blues and a special late-night rave courtesy of The Chemical Brothers' Tom Rowlands (TOMORA).
As the festival continues to make its mark on the European circuit, attracting thousands of UK and Irish attendees each year, one thing is clear: Bilbao BBK Live remains an unmissable event in any music fan's calendar – a true celebration of sound that brings people together like no other.