THOUSANDS of screaming Robbie Williams fans packed into the York Barbican Centre to see their idol's first solo gig in the city.

Some had spent most of the day sat outside the centre in anticipation of last night's sell-out concert, as well as waiting for a glimpse of the revitalised pop star.

Staff at the Barbican say he arrived in the city at 5pm, "dumped his stuff and went straight out to play golf, somewhere in York".Queues stretched around the centre and towards Fulford Road as fans sang his numerous hits to keep themselves entertained.

Ear-piercing shrills filled the concert hall as 2,000 Robbie William fans waited for a glimpse of the 90s pop idol - and still he kept them waiting.

They stamped their feet, screamed their heads off, blew whistles, repeatedly shouted 'Robbie, Robbie, Robbie' - and still he kept them waiting.

Not until a quick tribute to Frank Sinatra had been heard over the speakers did the cheeky chappie appear on stage.

The image of the black-clad pop star standing in front of a huge Union flag sent the sell-out crowd into a frenzy as he burst straight into Let Me Entertain You.

It was an explosive, high-octane confirmation of his burgeoning stature as a solo artist - and the uncontrollable York crowd could not get enough of it

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