2025 - July - Berlin - Unfortunately, no Robbie Williams concert

Just ten days ago …

the forecast for Berlin for today, July 21, 2025, predicted a whopping 33 °C and ten hours of sunshine. Perfect conditions for an open-air concert at the Waldbühne. However, with every new check of the weather app, the forecast worsened: From ten hours it became six, then five, then one – and eventually just rain.

The meteorologist on television quickly had the explanation ready: There's no stable high-pressure system over Germany. A proper summer is not in sight.

It's just unfortunate that Robbie Williams had chosen today to perform at the Waldbühne. The Waldbühne, built after the model of a Roman amphitheater, is impressive and very steep, with a stage at the bottom. You can see well from everywhere, but there is, of course, no roof.

With this knowledge, our anticipation dwindled day by day and gradually turned into a quiet panic. Our summer clothing choice would hardly withstand constant rain. While we had prudently packed rain ponchos, with up to 40 liters per square meter in just six hours – and exactly during concert time – this would probably not be enough.

Since neither Robbie Williams nor Eventim canceled, it was clear: we would go through with it. So we needed a contingency plan. I need rubber boots. And rain pants.

Our day consisted of a single activity: procurement measures.

The first stop was Deichmann. The store that supposedly has everything actually had rubber boots in stock. But somehow, no pair fit. Either they were too tight, too loose, or just uncomfortable to wear. And I was not the only one searching. Rubber boots seemed to be a sought-after item that day.

Next was Street Shoes. It was significantly quieter there, though the prices were also a bit higher. Nevertheless, women were trying on various rubber boots here as well. Two women around our age were just frustratedly taking off the next pair. I approached them and was right: they also wanted to see Robbie Williams.

Hardly had this been spoken, when two more women behind us revealed themselves. They were also looking for rain-appropriate clothing for the concert. And then one of us said the sentence that probably everyone was thinking: “They really should cancel the concert given the weather.”

But then one of the two presented a newly purchased pair of rain pants from Decathlon, and the others pulled out freshly bought raincoats from Primark from their bags. I, on the other hand, had nothing to show.

But instead, I discovered comfortable, non-slip leather shoes with a solid sole and good grip. Practical for everyday wear, already water-repellent, and quite honestly: much better than rubber boots. So: purchased.

Still, I had a bad feeling when looking at the weather map. It wouldn’t work without rain pants. And since Robbie Williams continued to show no signs of canceling the concert, I was sure: He had probably long planned 'Singin' in the Rain.' After all, his big idol Frank Sinatra had sung it too.

So off to the next destination: Decathlon. The store is really huge. And of course: more concert-goers. You can recognize them quickly because they don't look like they're looking for sportswear.

Around the cheap rain pants, people were literally fighting over the last sizes. The suggestion to check the men's pants helped only to a limited extent. The common sizes were already sold out there as well.

But in a remote corner, I got lucky: an affordable, fitting pair of rain pants. Annett also found a nice, thin raincoat.

Somewhat satisfied, we sat in the S-Bahn when at 2:46 PM this email came in:

“Event rescheduling Robbie Williams”

“Today's Robbie Williams concert at the Waldbühne (July 21, 2025) cannot take place due to the acute weather situation.”

The new date is the day after tomorrow. Unfortunately, it will be without us, as we have to work.

And now? We could have returned the freshly acquired rain treasures. No, absolutely not. They were too hard-won.

As for the concert, we are still glad about the cancellation. The short walk from the S-Bahn to the bus, maybe 200 meters, was already enough to get us quite wet despite the umbrella. (The rain jacket and pants were still securely stored in the bag.)

Now that we've arrived at the hotel, we look at our new gear and are just happy to be inside.

The NINA app has just intensified its warning:

“Official SEVERE WEATHER WARNING for HEAVY THUNDERSTORM with HEAVY HEAVY RAIN.”