When Robbie Williams, the former Take That front‑man turned solo pop icon, announced a one‑off Glasgow gig for 6 February 2026, fans across the UK felt a surge of excitement. The concert will unfold inside the historic Barrowland Ballroom, a venue whose wooden floors have reverberated with countless legends. Set against the backdrop of his Long 90’s Tour, the show marks the first UK headline date of the tour’s 2026 leg, and it arrives just weeks after a sold‑out London showcase.
Why the Barrowland Ballroom matters
The Barrowland, located at 244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G40 1BA, isn’t just another stop on a European itinerary. Since opening its doors in 1938, its Art Deco façade and intimate capacity of roughly 1,900 have made it a beloved rite of passage for performers seeking a genuine connection with a crowd. Oddly enough, many artists consider a Barrowland gig a career badge of honour, and Williams is no exception.
Tour timeline and other UK dates
Williams’ itinerary kicks off on 28 September 2025 at Sofia’s Vasil Levski National Stadium, then swings through Athens, Istanbul and a packed Dingwalls night in London on 9 October 2025 – the latter billed as a full‑album throwback to ’97’s Life Thru A Lens and the Britpop‑era record often colloquially referred to as “Britpop.” After a winter break, the 2026 segment opens in Glasgow, followed two days later by a performance at Liverpool’s Olympia Theatre (Granby Place, L7 6HL). An O2 Arena date in London remains to be confirmed.
VIP hospitality: who’s handling the extras?
If you’ve ever wanted a glass of champagne beside the stage, the official Premium VIP Hospitality Packages are being sold exclusively through markbutler.co.uk. The provider lists a London‑based telephone line (+44 (0)20 7603 6033) for direct orders, underscoring its role as the sole authorised seller for that tier of tickets. In parallel, Event Travel offers a different “exclusive VIP fan package,” though its exact inclusions haven’t been publicised. The two companies, while distinct, both sit under the umbrella of the tour’s broader premium experience.
What the Long 90’s concept brings to fans
Instead of a traditional greatest‑hits set, the Long 90’s Tour is built around full‑album performances. That means audience members at the Barrowland will hear every track from Life Thru A Lens – from the cheeky opener “Old Before I Die” to the melancholic “Angels” – followed by the entire I’ve Been Expecting You record, often mis‑labelled as “BRITPOP” on promotional material. For fans who grew up with the 1990s Britpop surge, it feels like stepping back into a time capsule.
Impact on the local music scene
Glasgow’s live‑music economy is worth an estimated £150 million annually, according to a 2023 report from the Scottish Music Rights Agency. A high‑profile act like Williams not only fills seats but also drives spill‑over revenue for nearby pubs, hotels, and transport services. Interestingly, the Barrowland’s recent renovation in 2022 added new back‑of‑house facilities, so the venue is technically ready to accommodate a modern production while retaining its vintage charm.
What’s next for the Long 90’s Tour?
After the Glasgow‑Liverpool double‑header, the calendar hints at a possible spring leg across the UK, though no dates have been released. Industry insiders suspect a return to the O2 Arena in early summer, a move that would cap the tour’s UK run with a stadium‑size finale. Meanwhile, ticket‑selling platforms report a steady climb in secondary‑market prices for the February shows, signaling robust demand.
Key facts
- Artist: Robbie Williams (born 13 Feb 1974, Stoke‑on‑Trent)
- Event: Long 90’s Tour – full‑album performances of 1997‑1998 releases
- Glasgow date: 6 Feb 2026 at Barrowland Ballroom, capacity ~1,900
- VIP providers: markbutler.co.uk (Premium) and Event Travel (Fan package)
- London Dingwalls show (9 Oct 2025) sold out, indicating strong appetite
Frequently Asked Questions
How can fans purchase VIP tickets for the Glasgow show?
The official Premium VIP Hospitality Packages are sold only through markbutler.co.uk. Prospective buyers can call +44 (0)20 7603 6033 or place an order online. A separate fan‑focused VIP package is available via Event Travel, though details on seating and perks vary.
Will the Glasgow concert feature the same full‑album set as the London Dingwalls night?
Yes. The Long 90’s Tour promises to play both Life Thru A Lens and I’ve Been Expecting You in their entirety at every stop, including Barrowland. Fans can expect the same track‑by‑track order used for the sold‑out Dingwalls performance.
What impact does the tour have on Glasgow’s local economy?
A concert at Barrowland draws roughly 2,000 attendees, many of whom spend on accommodation, dining and transport. According to recent estimates, an event of this size can inject between £200,000‑£300,000 into the city’s hospitality sector within a single night.
Why is the Long 90’s Tour different from Williams’ previous tours?
Instead of a typical greatest‑hits set, this tour is built around full‑album performances from his mid‑90s catalogue, offering fans a nostalgic deep‑cut experience that hasn’t been replicated in his recent shows.
When does the next announced date after Glasgow take place?
Two days later, on 8 February 2026, Williams will perform at the Olympia Theatre in Liverpool, followed by a currently unconfirmed London O2 Arena date later in the year.