Court backs payout for axed Robbie Williams concert

Australian Grand Prix organisers have failed to overturn a $2.84 million compensation order to a music promoter over a COVID-era Robbie Williams concert cancellation.

A panel of three Court of Appeal justices backed the 2024 Victorian Supreme Court ruling on Monday, unanimously refusing race organisers' bid to appeal.

The Formula One event at Melbourne's Albert Park in 2020 was axed hours before gates opened on March 13 due to the looming threat of COVID-19.

Williams, whose discography includes Let Me Entertain You and Angels, was to perform at Lakeside Stadium the following day as part of the event, but his concert was also cancelled.

Live music promoter World Touring Melbourne successfully sued Grand Prix organisers in 2024 over a breach of contract, claiming the concert was axed because the corporation provided misleading information about government health advice.

Justice Clyde Croft in 2024 ruled event organisers had deceived promoters by claiming Victoria's then chief health officer Brett Sutton had directed the concert should not go ahead as planned, when no such advice had been given.

Organisers had sent an email to World Touring Melbourne at 4.25pm on March 13, stating Dr Sutton had advised the Grand Prix needed to be cancelled or run patron-free.

But the former CHO had actually texted Grand Prix officials earlier that day to say while he supported the decision to cancel the Williams concert, it was ultimately up to the organisers.

The judge ordered the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to pay $2.84 million in damages to World Touring Melbourne for loss of earnings.

Other events, including National Rugby League fixtures and a concert at Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl, continued to take place that weekend.