When asked whether the UK should return the Parthenon Marbles, which were taken to Britain in 1806, Robbie Williams didn’t hesitate for a second. His response? A resounding “absofuckinglutely”—not once, but twice—a phrase in British slang meaning “absolutely” or “100% yes.”

Speaking via Zoom from Istanbul, where he was at the time, the music star talked about his upcoming October concert at the historic Panathenaic Stadium, his admiration for Greece, and his excitement for his new European tour.

A Deep Admiration for Greece

Williams, the only artist to match The Beatles’ record of 15 No.1 albums on the UK charts, expressed his happiness about returning to Greece for the third time in a decade. He described his admiration and respect for a country that has given so much to the world.

Recalling his first-ever concert in Greece, in 2015, he said: “I still remember that night in Athens like it was yesterday. The crowd was unbelievable, and I want you to know—not every concert is special.”

His love for Greece has even made him question his national identity. “Places like Greece made me stop feeling British. You can’t perform somewhere, feel like a king, and not leave a part of yourself there,” he said. “Sure, I support England in football, but deep down, I feel like a rebel heart—and that’s because of people like you and your fellow Greeks.”

On Stage in Athens Again

Williams’ European tour kicks off on May 31 in Edinburgh and concludes on October 7 in Istanbul, with Athens as one of the final stops. While he didn’t reveal much about his upcoming show at the Panathenaic Stadium, he did promise an electrifying performance:

“I’ve always been a bit lazy, but once I get into it, I know how to fire up a crowd. Some artists need full control over every detail of their shows. I don’t care about that. I just know how to entertain people. But at 51, I want to evolve, and I’ve invested more in this tour than I ever have before.”

As for the unforgettable moment when Greek fans surprised him by passionately singing along to his lesser-known track Me and My Monkey in 2015, Williams confirmed: “I’ll definitely play it again. I was surprised at first, but then I learned it was a Greek radio hit thanks to Nikos Aliagas. It’s touching to see a song that wasn’t a big global success mean so much to Greece.”

“The Marbles Must Go Home”

As the conversation wound down, Williams was reminded that the Panathenaic Stadium—where he will perform—is made of the same Pentelic marble as the Parthenon, from which several sculptures were taken and are still held at the British Museum.

His response to whether they should be returned to Greece?

“Absofuckinglutely,” he declared emphatically, repeating it for emphasis.

“In an era where we’re reassessing historical injustices—whether in racial issues, gender relations, or beyond—why shouldn’t we also rethink our past and return what isn’t ours? The Parthenon Marbles belong in Greece. No question about it.”