Pharrell Williams gave a concert for a pumped-up* crowd at the Montreux Jazz Festival on Monday night, but some fans were less than happy when he left the famed stage after just an hour.

    The American R&B singer and producer, accompanied by his band, played tracks from his second album “GIRL,” including “Marilyn Monroe” and “Come Get it Bae,” before closing with his global viral* hit “Happy.”

    Known simply by his first name Pharrell, he repeatedly voiced support for women’s rights during the concert, declaring 2014 “The Year of the Woman” when things are going to change.

    “My new album is an ode* to women. From A to Z, I make no apologies for the way I appreciate women,” he told the sold-out standing crowd who paid 135 Swiss francs (US$150) per ticket.

    The 41-year-old Pharrell, who has earned four Grammy Awards, was appearing for the first time at the Swiss resort, one of Europe’s most prestigious summer music festivals, whose 48th edition runs from July 4-19. (SD-Agencies)