Robbie failed to perform in Croke Park

I WAS very interested to read the review of the Robbie Williams concert in Croke Park by Ed Power (Irish Examiner, June 12) and in particular his line: “Williams was being unduly harsh on himself — until the gondola malfunction he delivered a tight, exhilarating set, a riot of hits and fireworks”.

I would be curious to learn where Mr Power was seated for the concert. I, with many others, was relegated to the upper sections of the Cusack Stand where it was impossible to hear a single word the singer said. When he sang, the music seemed to overpower the lyrics.

It was difficult at times to distinguish what song he was actually singing. The video was out of sync with the music and the lift Robbie Williams had intended using for his big hit Let Me Entertain You didn’t work.

I paid a considerable sum to see a professional musician who is reputed to offer an amazing live performance. Many people who attended remarked that often the opening concert of a world tour isn’t good. I find this unacceptable.

Robbie Williams was below par — far, far below it. The “free concert” he mentioned several times has not been confirmed in the media or on his website.

I am concerned and upset by how my hard-earned cash counts for little in the way of service in Ireland, and particularly Dublin. Bad service has become little more than a policy that we accept meekly, like dumb animals on the way to the slaughter.

We hand over our cash in almost an apologetic, grovelling manner and rarely utter a word when the service received in return is less than average. The Robbie Williams concert highlights this fact. His poor performance indicates how this policy is now acceptable.

Apparently my €161 counts for very little as far as Robbie Williams is concerned and he has skipped town with my money, offering me nothing in return.

This is a close encounter I will not be repeating any time soon.

Clare Minihane

Apt. 8

Headford Court

36/37 Hill Street

Dublin 1