In June 2017, Robbie Williams took the stage at a packed Aviva Stadium in Dublin, delivering a standout performance as part of his Heavy Entertainment Tour. As his twelfth solo tour, Robbie was no stranger to captivating large crowds. However, during this show, Robbie took a trip down memory lane. Robbie recalled how watching his father sing had ignited his passion for music. He then transitioned into a cover of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline,’ a song his father often performed.
In an unexpected surprise, Robbie’s father, Pete Conway, appeared at the back of the stage, ready to prove why he had such a profound influence on his son. In a charming display of showmanship, Pete delivered a solo performance of the first verse. Then, the father-son duo sang together in a moving moment that will touch fans’ hearts. The online video reached 1.2M views, and many viewers were impressed with Pete’s voice. One fan commented, “He got a good voice. It runs in the family.”
In recent years, Robbie has invited his father out to sing with him a number of times, frequently sharing the story of how Pete had inspired him to pursue music. Each performance charms the audience, as attendees have the opportunity to see exactly where Robbie gets his talent from. One of their most memorable performances together was in Las Vegas in 2019. Here, the duo repeated their cover of ‘Sweet Caroline’ before moving into the classic standard ‘That’s Life’ by Frank Sinatra.
Dressed in sharp suits, Robbie and Pete impressed the audience with their classy rendition of the song. While Robbie’s album ‘Swing When You’re Winning’ proved his ability to sing Rat Pack style, Pete seemed more than comfortable singing the Sinatra classic, too. A fan who remembered Pete’s performances in the 1970s commented, “Many happy Stoke-on-Trent memories of Pete.” It’s a reminder that Robbie isn’t the only one with fond memories of his father’s musical legacy.
Many readers will be able to connect with the idea that music transcends generations. For many, the first songs they hear are those their parents played around the house. Robbie and Pete’s musical bond is something that music fans across the world are sure to relate to, making their on-stage performances together all the more touching. It is not simply a son making his father proud of his success; it is a celebration of a father-son bond that all started with the universal language of music.
