Rule the World - The Official Take That Thread

[Mai82Go]

From Wikipedia

"Take That are a BRIT Award-winning English pop band. Gary Barlow is the group's main songwriter. Each member primarily performs vocals, though each has some instrumental/songwriting capability. The band achieved major success in the early to mid 1990s as a five person boyband act, with Robbie Williams. The current lineup reformed without Williams in 2005 and achieved new success as a four-piece.

Formed in Manchester in 1990, Take That sold more than 19 million records between 1991–96. Take That's dance-oriented pop tunes and soulful ballads dominated the UK charts in the first half of the 1990s, spawning two of the best selling albums of the decade with Everything Changes and Greatest Hits 1996, and according to Allmusic, "at this time were giant superstars in Europe with the main question about them not being about whether they could get a hit single, but how many and which would make it to number one". The band split up in 1996, but after a 2005 documentary and the release of a new greatest hits album, they officially announced a 2006 reunion tour around the United Kingdom, entitled The Ultimate Tour. On 9 May 2006, it was announced that Take That were set to record their first studio album in over ten years, which was eventually released as Beautiful World. The band have released a second post-reunion studio album entitled The Circus and have completed their Circus Live tour 2009."

Members
Gary Barlow (1990-Present)
Howard Donald (1990-Present)
Jason Orange (1990-Present)
Mark Owen (1990-Present)
Robbie Williams (1990–1995)(2010-Present)


Are there any Fans here on AHS? When discussing grand live shows in this thread, andre2907 and me started to discuss them, and decided to make a thread for them. So who is a fan? When did you become one (old fan or new fan)? What's your favourite song or performance? Who is your favourite member? Do you know them at all?

If you are new to the band, you should really check them out. They make pop music, and that's what most of us like anyway, right? Don't let the Boyband thing scare you away, the days of hysterical, screaming teenagers are long gone for them. Now they have hysterical, screaming families as fans .

[andre2907]

Oh, yay!

I wonder if anyone besides us like them here in AHS... mm...

I'm actually in the process of borrowing my The Circus Live DVD to all my close friends and they're all getting into Take That (I'm from Brazil and they were never popular here). It's almost impossible to watch this concert and not being blown away by the props, effects, their charisma, catchy songs and talent. I've seen LOTS of concerts and no one has ever impressed me so much.

And one thing I also really like about them is the fact it's so clear they're enjoying every second of the show and are really, really grateful. It's not that other artists aren't grateful/happy, but they make this clearer than anyone I have ever seen in concert.

Also, I'm pretty sure they'll reunite with Robbie for their 20th anniversary this year. Meh, not looking forward to it. At this point, they are two completely different artists: Take That are an institution and Robbie Williams is another separate institution. They both are good, etc. but I do not think they belong together. Although I don't blame them for going along with it: their temporal reunion with Robbie will probably help them break even more records and will make them much more visible worldwide (since Robbie is huge pretty much everywhere besides the US).

BTW, I also love their elephant:


Not surprised they sold 1.1 million tickets in a few hours and became the most successful touring act in the UK history. It's a shame though cause getting tickets for their next tour will be completely impossible, they'll probably sell-out in 3 seconds

Oh, also, I love the fact they transcended the boyband label. They're at another level.

[Mai82Go]

Originally Posted by andre2907

Oh, yay!
And one thing I also really like about them is the fact it's so clear they're enjoying every second of the show and are really, really grateful. It's not that other artists aren't grateful/happy, but they make this clearer than anyone I have ever seen in concert.

Maybe this is because they actually KNOW they got a second chance something which is not the norm. They were nice guys before, but now I think after 10 years out of the spotlight they really appreciate the fact that they can do this again. If you're interested and haven't already you should read Garys Book My Take, which is really an interesting read. He is really reflective about his part in the band the first time they were around and is not afraid to take blame for some things he did. Actually, it's a fascinating read about fame and how it can be taken away from you in a short time, too. So even if you're not interested in the band, it's a good insight into the western/european Pop-Business.

Originally Posted by andre2907

Also, I'm pretty sure they'll reunite with Robbie for their 20th anniversary this year. Meh, not looking forward to it. At this point, they are two completely different artists: Take That are an institution and Robbie Williams is another separate institution. They both are good, etc. but I do not think they belong together. Although I don't blame them for going along with it: their temporal reunion with Robbie will probably help them break even more records and will make them much more visible worldwide (since Robbie is huge pretty much everywhere besides the US).

I hope not. Honestly, they don't need him. He doesn't need them. He can join them for a concert if he wants, but I don't think this will work at all. If it does, I would be really surprised, but after everything that happened between them it would leave a bitter aftertaste, I think. And Take That are popular in the same places that Robbie is succesful in. They also failed to break America when they tried.

By the way, for all Fans of J-Pop, Take That held concerts in Yoyogi in 1995, too. I would love to see some footage of that, but this was the time before Internet was spread so it seems impossible.

These were the tour dates:


Monday 25th September 1995 - Adelaide Entertainment Center
Tuesday 26th September 1995 - Melbourne Flinders Park
Friday 29th September 1995 - Sydney Entertainment Center
Sunday 1st October 1995 - Brisbane Entertainment Center
Wednesday 4th October 1995 - Perth Entertainment Center
Saturday 7th October 1995 - Bankgkok Hua Mark Indoor Stadium
Sunday 8th October 1995 - Bankgkok Hua Mark Indoor Stadium
Tuesday 10th October 1995 - Singapore Indoor Stadium
Saturday 14th October 1995 - Tokyo Yoyogi Olympic Stadium
Sunday 15th October 1995 - Tokyo Yoyogi Olympic Stadium
Tuesday 17th October 1995 - Djkarta Istorn Senayan

Source

Don't know if that is all correct, because this site misses some dates in 1993, but for now I'll assume it's correct.

[XFER]

Originally Posted by Mai82Go

Now they have hysterical, screaming families as fans .

lmao!!!

I liked them back in the 90's. Not so much the new reunited band. I practically hate every song (Take That songs) that is not sung by Gary Barlow. So I haven't given them many chances.

Gary was my favorite. And Back For Good is the song that I liked the most.

[andre2907]

Originally Posted by Mai82Go

Maybe this is because they actually KNOW they got a second chance something which is not the norm. They were nice guys before, but now I think after 10 years out of the spotlight they really appreciate the fact that they can do this again. If you're interested and haven't already you should read Garys Book My Take, which is really an interesting read. He is really reflective about his part in the band the first time they were around and is not afraid to take blame for some things he did. Actually, it's a fascinating read about fame and how it can be taken away from you in a short time, too. So even if you're not interested in the band, it's a good insight into the western/european Pop-Business.

Yes, I really want to read Gary's book but it's not available where I live and also I think it's currently out of print

Originally Posted by Mai82Go

I hope not. Honestly, they don't need him. He doesn't need them. He can join them for a concert if he wants, but I don't think this will work at all. If it does, I would be really surprised, but after everything that happened between them it would leave a bitter aftertaste, I think. And Take That are popular in the same places that Robbie is succesful in. They also failed to break America when they tried.

No, Robbie is absolutely humongous here in Latin America but most people have only heard of Take That as a band Robbie used to be part of back in the early 90s ("Back for Good" was mildly successful too but that's it). But when Robbie Williams reunited with Take That for 40 seconds in the Children in Need concert, it was all over the news here so imagine how much promotion they would get if they reunited for a single or for a concert (also, there are plenty of places in Europe where Take That are almost unknown in present time but Robbie Williams is extremely popular: France, for example).

That they'll reunite for SOMETHING it's already confirmed. Robbie himself has said it. No idea for what though... all I know is that, even if it'll help them outside the UK, I don't want it to happen. It's completely pointless.

Also, Gary Barlow confirmed a few days ago the new album will be out in the end of this year and there'll be a new tour in 2011. CAN'T WAIT. Also, I cannot imagine HOW they'll top the Circus tour. By the way, it would be nice if they released a non-ballad as a single. With the exception of "Shine", they only released ballads in the last few years... I mean, I love their ballads but something different would be quite nice in my opinion.

[powpowparn]

I was never a fan of Take That in the old days, I was a fan of Boyzone instead. I have never liked any other boy band as much as Boyzone as I doubt I ever will. However, I do like Take That's reincarnation and I think they're better without Robbie.

My mum loves Take That and got their Circus Tour on DVD for Christmas. I watched it with her and it was amazing. I definitely want to get tickets for their next tour. Whilst I like all of their new songs individually, together they all sound kind of similar :S I love Shine but now it just reminds me of the Morrisons advert

But it's good that the can all sing. That surprised me a bit when we watched the DVD. I loved Jason's voice and the song he sang, can't remember the title of it though. Whilst I love Boyzone, it's pretty much made clear that Keith Duffy isn't great because his solo is always a rap XD

[Mai82Go]

Originally Posted by andre2907

Yes, I really want to read Gary's book but it's not available where I live and also I think it's currently out of print

It's out of print? That's a shame. I hope they will publish it again. Maybe as a new version with more insights? Well, if you find it used or whatever you should get it.

Until a collaboration or whatever is officially announced I don't think it'll happen. They may talk about it, but they should be extremely careful with this. It could go the wrong way and I don't think they or Robbie would want this. So until something REALLY happens I won't panic.

@powpowparn
I never liked Boyzone that much. But one cannot deny that Ronan Keating is very talented.

I don't think their songs all sound the same. They have a similar style which is not surprising - they are done by the same people. It's that way with most artists. I think they are most comfortable with Ballads, I don't really see them doing dance numbers, like they did back in the 90's. Well, I'm curious when they release new material, how that will sound.

[Mai82Go]

Things look cloudy on the Take That front. Mark Owen, out of all people, was cheating on his wife/girlfriend for years and is an alcoholic and sometimes-drug user. With 38. I'm honestly not sure what to think of it. I mean everybody was always like "Oh, Mark is such a good person. So nice, he is the nicest person around." I hope it won't affect TT's career but if it does I'm really angry at Mark. I'm not a prude and I understand there is always temptation of always-willing fans and alcohol, but I think this is really something that shouldn't have happened at all. I know that the media is always creating an image of stars but this was so unexpected.

[Mai82Go]

Robbie has teamed up with Gary Barlow on his next single, Shame, which is not only co-written but also performed with his former bandmate. The duet between the two superstars is set for release on 4th October later this year and working on this track is the first time the two have written and recorded together since Robbie left Take That back in 1995, that's 15 years ago!

Shame is the first single to be released from In And Out Of Consciousness: The Greatest Hits 1990-2010, Robbie's 39-track album of greatest hits from the last 20 years.

Spread over two CDs, this is the definitive collection of Robbie hits celebrating his impressive career to date; 57 millions album sold, 11 millions singles sold, seven UK No.1 albums (making him the biggest selling solo artist in the UK), a Guinness World Record for fastest ever ticket sales… it's no wonder that he picked up the Outstanding Contribution To Music award at the esteemed BRIT Awards in London earlier this year!

Speaking about this forthcoming album and working with Gary Barlow again, Robbie said: “It’s incredible to listen to the album and realise that it’s already been 20 years of making music and playing gigs. And the great thing about the album is that it’s not only a celebration of my past but also a bridge to the future. The fact that part of the future includes a name from my past makes it all the more poignant for me”.

To be released on CD and DVD, In And Out Of Consciousness will be out on 11th October 2010.

From robbiewilliams.com.

Not sure what to think of it. And the title, Shame? What is that suppose to imply? I'm happy that they made up though, this really shows that what passed is forgotten. I have to say kudos to Gary, I don't know if I'd been able to work with Robbie again after all that was said and done. Well, I'm curious how the single will do on the charts. And if it's a good song, I doubt it will be bad. Wanna listen....

[Mai82Go]

the rumours are true...
Take That: the original line-up
have written and recorded a new album
for release later this year.

Following months of speculation Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams confirmed today that they have been recording a new studio album as a five piece, which they will release in November of this year. It is the first time they've recorded a full album together since the release of their number one album 'Nobody Else', back in 1995.

'Getting the five of us to be in a room together, although always a dream, never actually seemed like becoming a reality. Now the reality of the five of us making a record together feels like a dream. It's been an absolute delight spending time with Rob again. But I'm still a better footballer' - Mark Owen.

'I get embarrassingly excited when the five of us are in a room. It feels like coming home' - Robbie Williams.

'Flippin' brilliant, absolutely brilliant. I'm over the moon that Robbie's back with us, however long it lasts. I just want to enjoy our time with him. Life is beautifully strange sometimes' - Jason Orange.

The reunion of reunions took place in New York last September, following Take That's record-breaking 'The Circus Live' tour. Shortly afterwards all five of the original Take That secretly wrote and recorded the six songs which would set the foundation for the forthcoming album.

Since then the band have been hard at work finishing their new, as yet untitled, record, which will be released through Polydor Records in November. The album has been produced by Stuart Price.

from the official website.

I don't know what to think, I honestly don't know. I'm wondering if it was really necessary. If they (TT) were pressured to do it? I don't know, if they said it's ok - then it probably is, but right now I'm wondering if these are happy news or not. Well, I'm looking forward to the album. I'm super curious how it'll sound.

It'll be impossible to get tickets for the tour though. I would have killed to see the Circus live but that was sold out in minutes, and now with Robbie involved...oh man....getting tickets will be an impossible task.

(Yes, I'm aware that I'm basically entertaining myself in this thread.... )

[XFER]

I am reading!

I would like these news much more if Mark Owen was kicked out from the group, he bothers me so much jajajajaja

I somehow don't feel like this reunion was organically created. I remember Robbie badmouthing about the rest of the group when he left, so this sounds supsicious. Probably Robbie noticed his music sucks so much since a few albums ago and wants/needs other people to collaborate with.

[Mai82Go]

^haha.

You don't like Mark? Why?

Yes, I'm afraid of that last bit as well. He realized his career is going nowhere and now he wants to shine in the glory of TT. But it's probably only fair to judge when that album is out. I'm having high hopes for it. To be honest I cannot wait for it, it's going to be awesome music, I think. And that's why I'm not that afraid anymore because if you take everyhing away from TT, all the probs and the drama and stuff...the music remains and I've always loved their music.

[Mai82Go]

More of a celebrity thing than a music thing, but Robbie got married to American actress Ayda Field in Los Angeles last Saturday. There is a 35-page special on it in OK! Magazine UK out today. There are already baby-rumors around. If that's coming true everyone but Jay is a daddy in TT. *_*

Other Robbie News, there will be a We Sing Robbie Williams for Wii out soon. I want a We Sing Take That! Don't have PS, they have a Sing Star game, there.

I also read somewhere that Gary and Robbie will perform at Heroes Concert on the 12th of September and sing their duet Shame.

[Mai82Go]

Still continuing my self-entertainment here :

New Single: The Flood
digital release: Sunday 14th November
physical release: Monday 15th November

New Album: Progress
release: 22nd November

[XFER]

LOL self-entertainment

I finally heard "Shame", the song is ok, maybe with more listens I will like it more. And the video is SO homoerotic! Love it LOL!!!

Maybe you can tell me when the album is released, what songs are sung by Mark Owen, so I can skip them

[Mai82Go]

^Thank you for stopping me talkin' to myself. (haha...Ayu song) I really like Shame and the Music Video is so lol-worthy. I'm looking forward to The Flood and Progress. I wonder if The Flood will also be on Progress? I mean it's just released one week before the album, if it's on it I will wait for the album.

Yep, I can tell you. But wait....what if Mark just sings a few lines in a song? Like in The Garden? Dilemma, dilemma....

[XFER]

I suppose The Flood will be in Progress. Usually western artist include everything on the album, so I wouldn't buy the single, cause I would be sure it would be in the album.

jajajajaja, thanks! If Mark only sings a few lines, then I can listen to that jajaja, thanks!

[Mai82Go]

I'm crying now. The Flood is the most beautiful song! I will explode from emotions if I ever see them all sing this live. The Flood on Youtube



Oh my God, I'm so touched. So I'm going to shout it out to my own personal AHS thread. Robbies really the front singer for this song, but that is OK with me. The song is so Take That and hearing them sing together like this after such a long time makes me happy, I can't help it.

[Mai82Go]

Only a few days until Progress is released, I cannot wait!

Because I'm crazy'n'obsessed I got tickets for Progress Live for all German Tour dates.

I'm going to
Hamburg on the 22nd of July 2011
Düsseldorf on the 25th of July 2011 (the only one where I don't have to stay overnight, because it's nearest to where I live)
and München on the 29th of July 2011

I'm sooo happy that I got tickets, I tried for UK - I wanted to see at least one concert in Wembley, but it was madness that day and nearly impossible. This was ticket horror at it's best. But I'm so in love with them, once again and I cannot wait and I really hope it'll be as good as the Circus, although that seems like a very hard task. I just cannot imagine how they'll ever top that. And that Robbie is having his solo part in the concert is also something I'm not overly looking forward to. Anyway, my seats are really good seats - I didn't want any standing tickets in a Stadium. I was nearly trampled over and squashed around at a Mark Owen Concert in a really small venue before - I'm too old for that kind of thing now.

[Mai82Go]

Originally Posted by XFER1

Maybe you can tell me when the album is released, what songs are sung by Mark Owen, so I can skip them

I have a feeling you won't like Progress at all XFER1. Lots of Mark not a lot of Gary. You definitely have to skip SOS, Kidz and What do you want from me? These songs have Mark on lead vocals. (and they are brilliant songs...sorry, to say) The album is awesome. I'm only afraid a lot of TT fans don't/won't really like it, since it is very, VERY different. There is already a big rift between supporters and haters that probably wanted another Circus/Beautiful World. But after all it is Progress.