Take That

In 1990 a group of five working class boys from the north west of England were brought together by Nigel Martin-Smith.  Their names were Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams.  No one knew who they were, but collectively they were given the name Take That and would be known throughout the country within a few short years.

Take That’s first three singles flopped, with only “Promises” reaching a lowly 38 in the UK’s top 40.  But their fortunes changed in 1992 when “It Only Takes A Minute” entered the top 10 and reached number 7.   A further single, “I Found Heaven”, stalled at number 15, but three more releases, including a cover version of Barry Manilow’s “Could It Be Magic”, all reached the top 10.

Almost three years after their formation the boys were finally rewarded with their first number one hit when “Pray” hit the top spot in the UK.  This was followed by three more number one’s, including a duet with Eurovision winner, Lulu, who joined them on the dance-floor filler “Relight My Fire”.   Despite the next single being held back by Wet Wet Wet’s “Love Is All Round”, which remained at number one for an incredible 15 weeks, Take That were soon back at the top with “Sure”.

Further number one hits followed during the next two years, but rumours of a potential split were to dominate the media in the way that Take That songs dominated the charts.  In 1995 Robbie Williams announced his departure to follow a solo career, while the remaining four pledged to continue as a foursome.  It was not to be.  After one final hit in the spring of 1996, the band announced that they had come to the end of the road.

During the years that followed Gary, Howard, Jason and Mark maintained contact, but developed their own careers; not all of which were in the music industry.  During 2004 there was talk of a greatest hits album, and the four boys began to share and re-live their experiences from the previous decade.  They suggested the possibility of a reunion concert in 2006, not expecting many of their former fans to be interested, but the show was so successful that further dates were added to what became a sell out tour.

A new album was recorded and, following on from their earlier success, the first two singles, “Patience” and “Shine”, both went to number one.  Take That were back and although Robbie had declined to take part in a full reunion, the four who remained faithful to their past are proving that they and their music are as popular as ever.