He’s one of the UK’s best entertainers, known for his energetic stage presence and cheeky personality, so Robbie Williams’ latest quip likely wouldn’t have come as a surprise to fans.
The Rock DJ musician, 50, headed Down Under to headline broadcaster ABC’s New Year’s Eve Party in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House, before flying into Melbourne for the iHeartLIVE concert as part of the promotional tour for his new film, Better Man, which was filmed in the city.
Fresh from his somewhat controversial New Year’s Eve gig, which saw him mocked by Australians, he treated revellers to his biggest hits at the Melbourne gig – from power ballad Angels to the anthem Let Me Entertain You – Robbie split up the tunes with a cheeky menopausal quip in between.
The entirely free event in Federation Square was attended by over 8,000 fans and Robbie couldn’t help but point out the large majority were women of a certain age.
While speaking to the audience at one point, the star said: ‘What’s making me laugh about this whole thing is the police horses here because of the menopausal audience that I attract.’
‘They’re violent f**kers,’ he jokingly added, news.com.au reported, referring to the crowd of fans.
Menopause seems to be a hot topic for the 16-time Brit Award winner, as just days prior, he spoke to the Daily Telegraph, where he revealed his social media algorithm thinks he is a ‘menopausal gay Republican’ as he is getting ‘a load of menopausal remedies and exercises.’
He also notably said last year that he is suffering from ‘manopause’ and confessed his party days of the 1990s and noughties are catching up with him.
With low testosterone, Robbie explained his symptoms include ‘thinning’ hair, as well as his serotonin and dopamine – the neurotransmitters that produce happiness and rewards-based feelings – wearing off.
Also during Robbie’s Melbourne performance, he was honoured with an official key to the city by Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece. He said at the event: ‘There’s no better man to have a key to our city than legendary British pop singer Robbie Williams.’
It comes after the musician’s NYE show, which earned plenty of mixed reviews from fans who took to X to share their thoughts.
@mgrace wrote: Robbie William singing The Voice…. Badly!! #ABCNYE.’
@HenryLawson55 commented: ‘Well he is NO John Farnham, he struggled #RobbieWilliams.’
However, others disagreed. @ksyd2015 said: Robbie Williams is a professional entertainer who always delivers. Even on an embarrassingly small stage like the one he was given here. Finally some atmosphere, some party spirit #ABCNYE.’
@gemrocks17 added: ‘#ABCNYE Loved Robbie. Great performance! The world needs to hear our unofficial anthem right now, too #united#RobbieWilliams#Sydney#NYE2025.’
‘Robbie Williams bloody great. Best I have seen in years. Thanks abc and Robbie Williams brilliant performance’, @wooksster1 added.
Reflecting on the performance, Robbie enthused: ‘I’ve always had a soft spot for Australia. Ever since I first arrived here on my solo tour in 2003, Australia accepts me for who I am and that’s the best feeling. So it was truly an honour to entertain the nation in front of the iconic Sydney Harbour counting down to New Year’s Eve.’
Robbie’s Australian performances coincided with the release of his new film Better Man of which he told the crowd that it has already been dubbed ‘the film of the century.’
The musical biopic, directed by Australian filmmaker Michael Gracey and made with funding from the Victorian and federal government, follows the story of Robbie’s life in a rather interesting way as the musician is portrayed as a CGI monkey, played by Jonno Davies in a motion capture suit.
Robbie previously revealed to Metro why he is played by a monkey, saying: ‘I didn’t know that I’d have to explain it, but obviously [I do]! Cos it’s unusual, right? That’s the thing.
‘I’m on the spectrum, so things that are unusual to me, aren’t that unusual – I don’t pick up on those sorts of cues. I don’t know where I am on the spectrum, by the way, I just know I am.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Syrians celebrate their first New Year no longer under dictator Assad’s thumb
MORE: The biggest tours of 2025 that can’t be missed – and not just Oasis
MORE: ‘Beloved’ church pastor killed by shark while fishing with his family