For most tribute acts, getting the approval of the star they impersonate would be enough to make their career. But for Robbie Williams lookalike Dan Budd, the compliments have come from both the former Take That star and his father, with one encounter leaving him the proud owner of Robbie's famous tiger pants.
A Chance Encounter with Robbie's Dad
Dan has spent years performing as the Angels hitmaker, entertaining crowds across the UK with a show that has earned praise from some very important people. Incredibly, it was Robbie's father Pete Conway who first spotted his talent and helped launch his career. 'It was actually Robbie's dad, Pete, who started me on my career,' Dan explained.
Pete first heard him singing in a pub close to where he lived and immediately noticed the similarities. 'He heard me sing in a pub across the road from where he used to live and said I sounded just like Rob.' Keen to prove himself, Dan recorded a selection of Robbie classics including Come Undone, No Regrets, Trippin' and Go Gentle before sending them to Pete for his thoughts.
The Ultimate Seal of Approval
The verdict arrived just days later. 'He text me saying: "Ayup youth, it's Pete, just listened to your EP! Spot on, closest thing to Rob that I've ever heard."' For Dan, it was the ultimate seal of approval. But things got even stranger when Pete handed over one of the most unusual gifts imaginable.
Before a Robbie show in Las Vegas, Dan joked that he hoped the singer wouldn't be wearing tiger pants because he couldn't find a decent pair to match. The next thing he knew, Pete disappeared and returned carrying the real thing. 'He threw them on the table and said "e'ar",' Dan laughed. 'I asked if they had been worn and he said no!'
Robbie Williams Himself Weighs In
The tribute star says another unforgettable moment came when Robbie himself referenced him during an interview ahead of a hometown performance at Port Vale FC. Asked whether he was nervous, Robbie reportedly joked: 'Yeah, s****** myself! I might give Dan Budd a call and see if he'll do it... nobody would know the difference.' For Dan, hearing those words from the man himself remains one of the proudest moments of his career.
Preparing for a Busy Summer
The performer is now preparing for another busy summer and is set to appear at Replika Festival in Derbyshire, Europe's biggest tribute music festival. The four-day event, which runs from June 25 to June 28, will attempt a Guinness World Record for the most tribute acts ever to perform at a music festival. He added: 'There are a couple of shows I'm looking forward to this year!.. Obviously Replika will be fun! Being part of a Guinness World Record attempt is exciting but aside from that, it's always a great atmosphere.'
