Kiwi Singer-Songwriter Pens Tribute to Robbie Williams
For Auckland singer-songwriter Samantha Jane, Robbie Williams has provided the soundtrack to most of her life.
Some of her earliest memories of his music are intertwined with a special tradition: attending Robbie Williams concerts with her dad. Together, they went to her first three Robbie concerts (she’s now been to six).
Now, three decades after first discovering his music, Samantha has released Dear Robbie, an original song dedicated to the British pop star whose music has been a constant presence throughout her life.
Released today, 22 October, Dear Robbie weaves together titles from Williams’ songs and albums, using them to tell the story of what his music has meant to Samantha – from being a kid singing along to ‘’Rock DJ’’ in blissful ignorance all the way through to adulthood today.
‘’It felt really natural to weave his song titles into my own story. Every reference means something, and I hope other Robbie fans will hear it and have fun connecting to them too.’’
With Williams set to perform at Auckland’s Eden Park on 24 November, Samantha is now embarking on a campaign to see whether fellow fans can help get the song to its intended recipient.
“It would be a dream come true if this song actually found its way to Robbie. His music has given me so much over the years, and writing this song was my way of acknowledging that. I’d love for him to hear it as my way of saying thank you.”
Adding another personal connection to the recording, Dear Robbie features drums by New Zealand musician Sam Holdom, known for his drumming in Skinny Hobos and In The Shallows. Sam and Samantha have been friends since they were teenagers, making his contribution to a song celebrating lifelong memories particularly fitting.
While the song is a personal dedication, Samantha hopes its message will resonate beyond Robbie’s fanbase.
“I think most of us have an artist whose music feels like a big hug. Someone whose songs offer instant comfort or transport us back to different moments in our lives. That’s what Dear Robbie is about.”
Dear Robbie is available on major streaming platforms from 22 October 2026. It was produced by Nate Selway and Stefan Antoinette.
