Robbie pulls big crowd at Springs

By STUART DYE

If it wasn't already official, Robbie Williams has joined the rock star elite after his concert with Duran Duran on Saturday night.

Up to 50,000 turned out to Auckland's Western Springs, putting the concert in the same crowd-pulling league as the Rolling Stones and the Bee Gees.

But pop's favourite loveable rogue still has some way to go before he catches David Bowie, who attracted 80,000-plus fans to the Springs in 1982, and 70,000 are thought to have attended ZZ Top's concert in 1987.

Other big attendances include the Dire Straits tour of 1986, which was seen by 150,000 over four shows nationally, and 94,000 saw Michael Jackson over two nights at Ericsson Stadium in 1997.

The Williams double bill was evidently enjoyed by those who made the trip. And the performers equally enjoyed themselves, say promoters.

Williams is staying on in New Zealand for a few days' holiday, before heading to Australia for several more shows with Duran Duran.