Robbie Williams and the Heartfelt Purchase of Eric Morecambe’s Glasses and Pipe
A Touching Tribute to a Childhood Hero
Robbie Williams, the world-renowned singer, has recently made headlines for a unique purchase that speaks volumes about his admiration for a comedy legend. The Angels singer revealed that he bought Eric Morecambe’s iconic glasses and pipe during an auction, a decision that holds deep sentimental value for him. Eric Morecambe, one half of the beloved British comedy duo Morecambe and Wise, has long been a source of inspiration and comfort for Williams, who describes him as an "uncle of sorts." This heartfelt purchase was not just about owning a piece of history but about connecting with a figure who has been a constant in his life, even from afar.
The auction, which took place in January, saw Williams place the winning bid of £20,000, far exceeding the estimated £2,000 to £4,000. The lot included Morecambe’s signature tortoiseshell glasses, a Barling briar pipe, and two black-and-white photographs of the comedian wearing the glasses. For Williams, this purchase was more than just acquiring memorabilia; it was a deeply personal and emotional experience. He even admitted to shedding "happy, childlike tears" when he realized he had won the auction, a moment he celebrated ahead of his 51st birthday.
A Connection Across Generations: Robbie Williams and Eric Morecambe
Robbie Williams’ admiration for Eric Morecambe is rooted in the joy and comfort the comedian brought into his life. Growing up, Williams found solace in Morecambe’s sharp wit and infectious humor, which he describes as a "salve for his soul." For Williams, Morecambe was not just a TV personality but a kind of surrogate uncle, someone whose presence in his life, albeit through a screen, provided warmth and inspiration. This deep connection is what drove Williams to go the extra mile to secure the auction, even as he was thousands of miles away in Los Angeles.
The singer shared details of the auction process, describing how he enlisted the help of his team member, Mike, to act as his "chief bidder." With Williams about to board a plane as the auction began, the two used their iPhones like walkie-talkies, communicating nervously as the bids escalated. Williams recalled asking his wife, Ayda, for guidance, to which she responded with a determined "keep bidding," a moment he likened to the chaos of Black Friday shopping. This back-and-forth conversation repeated several times over the course of 10 minutes, building up the tension and excitement of the bidding war.
The Auction and the Emotional Win
When the dust settled, Williams emerged victorious with his £20,000 bid, a moment that left him overwhelmed with emotion. He wrote on Instagram, "I cried happy, childlike tears," a reaction that speaks to the significance of this purchase. For Williams, winning the auction was not just about owning a piece of Morecambe’s legacy but about preserving the memory of someone who had been a constant source of joy in his life.
The items themselves are deeply symbolic, representing Morecambe’s iconic persona. The tortoiseshell glasses, made by Metzler, were a hallmark of his comedic identity, while the Barling briar pipe added to his signature look. Alongside these items were two black-and-white photographs, which serve as a reminder of Morecambe’s enduring presence in British comedy history. For Williams, these items are not just collectibles but tangible connections to a man he holds in high regard.
Morecambe’s Legacy and the Auction
Eric Morecambe, who passed away in 1984 at the age of 58, left an indelible mark on British comedy. His partnership with Ernie Wise created some of the most memorable moments in television history, and their shows remain a beloved part of British culture. The auction of Morecambe’s belongings, which included
