Take That have extended warm congratulations to their former bandmate Robbie Williams following his monumental chart success, with Gary Barlow making a significant prediction about a potential future reunion. The iconic pop group, currently comprising Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald, shared their sentiments during a special appearance on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show with Scott Mills.
Chart-Topping Triumph Sparks Nostalgic Reflections
Robbie Williams' latest album, Britpop, debuted at number one upon its release, marking his sixteenth chart-topping album. This remarkable achievement surpasses The Beatles' record of fifteen number one albums, cementing Williams' status as one of Britain's most successful solo artists. The members of Take That, who began their journey together as a five-piece band in the early 1990s, expressed genuine pride and admiration for their former colleague's accomplishment.
Barlow's Confident Prediction About Band Dynamics
During the Radio 2 interview, Gary Barlow made a compelling prediction about the band's future composition. He stated with conviction that Robbie Williams would definitely rejoin Take That at some point in the coming years. Barlow elaborated on the unpredictable nature of their group dynamic, noting that one of the wonderful aspects of their band is that you never know what's around the corner.
Barlow reflected on their shared origins, expressing amazement at how far they've all come since their humble beginnings. He emphasised the emotional significance of their journey together, which is documented extensively in their new self-titled Netflix documentary that premiered this week.
Netflix Documentary Reveals Untold Stories
The three-part documentary series on Netflix represents a comprehensive exploration of Take That's thirty-five year history. It features rare archive material, never-before-seen footage, and personal insights that reveal both the spectacular highs and challenging lows of their career. Gary Barlow admitted that some portions were particularly difficult to watch, especially the middle segment covering the period immediately after the band's initial breakup in the 1990s.
Barlow described this era as a hard, hard time that he had been content to leave in the past. Seeing those memories revived on screen proved to be an emotionally complex experience for the singer-songwriter, though he maintains he is not a regretful person by nature.
Emotional Recollections of the Band's Hiatus
Howard Donald became particularly emotional when discussing the band's temporary dissolution three decades ago. He compared the experience to the end of a marriage or significant relationship, describing how it felt like his world had ended. Donald recalled the sudden transition from spending six years in each other's pockets to facing an uncertain future, returning to his pre-fame occupation as a vehicle painter.
The Radio 2 special featured the revival of the Take That helpline, allowing listeners to share their own memories of the band's split. Callers included Emma from Lowestoft, who remembered leaving a hospital ward to call the helpline while recovering from an appendectomy, and Lisa from Barton-on-Humber, who was so distraught upon hearing the news that she had to leave her geography lesson to compose herself.
Upcoming Projects and Tour Preparations
Take That confirmed several exciting developments during their Radio 2 appearance. The documentary concludes with a brand new song from the trio, and they announced that a fresh album will be released towards the end of the year. Additionally, the band is preparing for their upcoming Circus Live Tour, with each member adopting different training regimens.
Gary Barlow revealed he's been using an exercise bike, Howard Donald has committed to twice-weekly Pilates sessions, and Mark Owen - who celebrated his birthday on the day of the interview - has purchased a unicycle to hone his circus skills for the tour. The band also shared amusing anecdotes about their early days, including school assemblies where Gary had to manually press play on cassette tapes containing their backing music.
The Radio 2 appearance also marked Scott Mills' one-year anniversary hosting the Breakfast Show, adding an extra layer of celebration to the occasion. Throughout the special, Take That demonstrated the enduring bond between current and former members, suggesting that their story continues to evolve in unexpected and heartwarming ways.
