A colossal mechanical figure, once a highlight of a major music tour, has become an unexpected resident in the former garden of pop star Robbie Williams, leading to local bewilderment and comparisons to a pagan effigy. This 60-foot tall animatronic, known as Om, was a central element of Take That's 2011 'Progress Live' tour, an elaborate production with a reported cost of £15 million. Despite its grand past, the robot now rests dormant on the grounds of Williams' erstwhile Wiltshire property, surprising passersby with its sudden appearance amidst the natural landscape. The discovery has prompted considerable discussion, with many locals finding its presence unsettling and likening it to the ominous 'Wicker Man' figure from folklore.
The enormous automaton, nicknamed Om, once commanded the stage during Take That's 2011 'Progress Live' tour, a spectacle renowned for its elaborate staging and impressive visual effects. Costing an estimated £15 million to produce, the tour was a significant event in music history. However, more than a decade after the tour concluded, Om now stands motionless in the expansive garden of what was once Robbie Williams' estate in Wiltshire, England. This unexpected placement has generated a mix of curiosity and apprehension among residents of Compton Bassett, a village nestled near Calne. Its sheer size and dormant state have led many to describe it as a 'creepy fella,' with some drawing eerie parallels to the 'Wicker Man' — a historical or mythical effigy used in ancient rituals, often involving sacrifice.
Villagers have taken to local social media groups, such as 'Calne in Photographs,' to express their astonishment and share their observations. One resident recounted their surprise: "Something caught my eye. I thought: 'what's that?' I've driven up and down that road many times and have never spotted it before. So I stopped the car and there he was — this giant humanoid sitting in amongst the trees, looking down into the field." Another echoed the sentiment, stating, "When I first saw it, I had to turn around and go back to see what I thought I'd seen. It must be as big as a house. It caught me completely off guard but I was intrigued. I thought someone had built a Wicker Man." The robot's tendency to seemingly appear and disappear within the foliage as one drives by only adds to its mystique and the locals' fascination.
The Wicker Man reference highlights the uncanny and slightly alarming impression the sculpture has made. Historically, the Wicker Man was believed by ancient Roman writers to be a large woven effigy used for burning human and animal sacrifices. This cultural association has deepened the sense of unease among some residents, with one woman remarking on the robot's "perfect location" and its ability to emerge from and retreat into the natural surroundings, before adding: "But I was concerned that the locals might be building up to a re-enactment of the Wicker Man." The robot, which can extend to a full height of 100 feet when operational, resides on the 71-acre grounds of Williams' former estate, which he owned from 2008 before relocating to Los Angeles.
The unexpected appearance of the giant robot follows a recent viral incident involving Robbie Williams himself. Last month, during an interview at the World Cup Final in July, a white object was seen falling from what appeared to be his nostril. Fans quickly noticed the event, which showed the singer discreetly removing the item and placing it on his forehead. Williams later clarified in an Instagram apology that the object was a Nicorette mint, humorously brushing off speculation that he was "off his nut." The clip quickly gained immense traction, accumulating 27 million views for his apology and reaching 51 million people with the broader "MintGate" story. Despite the public spectacle, Williams and his wife Ayda shared glimpses of a serene family weekend on Instagram, enjoying a vineyard visit and family strolls, indicating a calm approach to the media attention.
The colossal robotic sculpture, a remnant of a past music tour, continues to intrigue and slightly disquiet the local populace, underscoring the curious intersections of celebrity, art, and public perception.