He's setting up a string of dates at London's O2-his first in the UK for FOUR YEARS. Gobby has decided to ditch any plans of joining old band Take That this year and stay solo so his super gigs have maximum impact.
A source close to him told me: "He wants to blow Michael Jackson and Take That out of the water with his comeback tour. "It's going to be huge. He wants these gigs to help re-establish himself as the King of Pop."
Gobby, 35, was our brightest pop star just five years ago. But after a disastrous last album (yes, I haven't forgotten Rudebox either) he's going to have his work cut out putting TT's success in the shade. He's hoping about ten dates at the O2, which should make him around £10 million, followed by a handful of other gigs around the country will sort that out.
My source went on: "Robbie has been itching to get back in front of a live audience since he started writing his new album two years ago. "He doesn't want to be outdone by Take That's Circus tour, so he's planning to put on a super show to win back all the fans he's lost. "The O2 is the only venue big enough for Robbie to return to with a new tour and they're desperate to get him."
Gobby has told friends he doesn't want to hook up with TT this year. Best pal JONATHAN WILKES confirmed: "I understand the nation want to go, 'Oh, is Rob going back with Take That?' "But NO, Rob has been in the studio for the last two years writing."
The Angels singer has called in help from his ex-songwriter GUY CHAMBERS and rent- a-producer MARK RONSON to record his last album as part of his £80 million deal with music giant EMI. My insider added: "The album will be released in time to whip up a frenzy over these dates. Rob has pencilled in some time late next year, but the exact dates are still being worked out."
NOTW