In the whirlwind of the 1990s, Take That dominated the pop scene with their catchy tunes and synchronized dance moves. Behind the scenes, personal make-up artist Tally Bookbinder had a front-row seat to their meteoric rise. Now, she exclusively shares her memories of working with Gary, Mark, Jason, Howard, and Robbie from 1994 to 1996.
The Beginning of an Unforgettable Journey
Tally, then 26, was working for the band's manager Nigel Martin-Smith when she was asked to do a trial with Take That. The trial involved flying to Italy the following week. 'I checked with my parents first,' she recalls. 'They were concerned about me traveling alone with five young pop stars, but they trusted me.'
Upon arriving in Rome, Tally found a handwritten note from the boys: 'Tally, welcome to Italy! We're sitting downstairs in the bar, come and have a drink with us!' She admits she was nervous, but the boys quickly put her at ease, excited that she was also from Manchester.
Life on the Road with Take That
The fans in Italy were wild, with girls throwing themselves at the band's cars. Tally recalls, 'I was genuinely concerned someone might get run over.' After the flight back to the UK, Mark Owen offered her a lift home and needed to use the loo. Tally's sister was mortified the next morning when she realized she had heard Mark's voice in the middle of the night, especially since their house was under renovation with an old toilet.
The trial went well, and Mark told Tally she got the job. 'I think they just wanted someone they could trust,' she says. 'I had a laugh with them, but I was professional. I didn't have a favorite or fancy any of them. They were all different but had gorgeous chemistry.'
The Make-Up Chair: A Safe Space
Being in the make-up chair was one of the few times the boys could relax. 'They'd say, 'Tal, I've got this big spot,' or 'Have you got paracetamol?' I was like their mum.' Tally was often envied by fans, who would ask for used make-up sponges and tissues that had touched the boys.
Daily schedules were faxed, with back-to-back commitments across Europe. 'They'd go from one place to the next without coming up for air,' Tally remembers. The glamorous costume lady Bonnie would label outfits for each day, and Tally would hang them in her hotel room like traveling with kids.
Personal Connections and Memories
Tally had a special bond with Robbie Williams, as they shared a mutual friend. When Robbie was in Manchester, he would visit her father Brian's nightclub, Bookbinders. 'My dad was a saxophone player, and he'd ask Robbie what he wanted to hear. The first time, he chose Mack the Knife. I lost my dad 21 years ago, so those are precious memories.'
Jason Orange was a deep thinker who loved poetry, as did Mark. 'They were very spiritual and calm amid the chaos. Robbie was the chaos, but I loved that energy—he was daft and goofy, always making everyone laugh.'
The Break-Up and Aftermath
The band's split in 1996 was gradual. 'It felt like all my mates had fallen out and weren't speaking anymore,' Tally says. She was present at the press conference announcing the split, and the atmosphere was heavy. 'I knew what was coming and felt bereft.'
After the announcement, Tally's father took her to a health retreat to reset. 'I was drained from traveling and snacking on sweets. It was exactly what I needed before joining the boys for their last few months.'
Cherished Memories
During the band's final week, Tally asked Nigel if she could take candid photos of the boys. 'I wanted to capture their daft moments, mucking about or having a takeaway. Nothing styled.' She had the film developed at a local camera shop, warning the clerk not to leak the photos. 'The girl looked like she was about to pass out when she saw them.'
After the split, Tally worked with Gary Barlow on his solo career. 'I loved him and his wife Dawn. They had a beautiful, young love story and made me feel like part of their family.'
Reflecting on her time with Take That, Tally says, 'I can't believe it's been 30 years. They are honestly the best memories I have. It was an amazing, bonkers, fun, and unforgettable job.'
