Take That Star Mark Owen Voices Fears Over Band's Future
Take That member Mark Owen has candidly discussed the future of the legendary pop group, expressing concerns that their long-running success could suddenly come to an end. Despite the band's remarkable endurance for over three decades in the music industry, Owen admits he worries it 'could end tomorrow', forcing the members to return to their day jobs.
Reflections on Past Departures and Reunions
The musician, who is set to embark on a tour with bandmates Gary Barlow and Howard Donald, opened up following the release of a new Netflix documentary that chronicles the group's meteoric rise in the early 1990s. Throughout their illustrious career, Take That faced significant upheavals, including Robbie Williams' shocking departure in 1995, which preceded the band's initial disbandment a year later.
Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Gary Barlow, and Jason Orange continued as a quartet before reuniting in 2005. However, in 2014, Jason Orange decided to step away, leaving the remaining trio to carry on. Despite these high-profile exits, Take That has maintained a busy schedule, yet underlying anxieties about their longevity persist.
Brave Decisions and Emotional Impact
'I think Rob and Jason made brave decisions,' Mark Owen stated, emphasizing the uncertainty that still looms. 'We still think it could end tomorrow and we go back to the day job.' In a conversation with former publicist Nicki Chapman on Magic Radio's Pop Idols, Howard Donald reflected on the band's 1996 split, describing the abrupt halt after six intense years as disorienting.
Donald revealed he spent many 'depressing mornings watching This Morning' during that period. He also shared that the band initially expected Robbie Williams to return quickly after his departure, not anticipating his absence would last until 2010. 'We thought he [Robbie] was going to be back, we never knew it was for good really,' Howard said, noting Williams was a young man at the time, making his mindset difficult to gauge.
Coping with Loss and Nostalgia
The loss of Jason Orange was particularly challenging for the trio. 'Losing Jason was a tough time for the three of us... Even though I knew it was coming. I feel like he'd had enough of the fame and being recognised,' Howard admitted. Despite the hectic pace of their peak years, which he describes as 'a blur', Donald expressed a desire to revisit 1993 for a week to savor moments that passed too quickly.
He confessed to occasional tensions within the group, recalling times he pretended to visit his mother to see his girlfriend instead. Gary Barlow added that during their 2005 reunion, documented by ITV, the band felt apprehensive, believing they were being 'stitched up'. Barlow noted a shift in dynamics, saying he once felt like a solo artist in the 1990s but relied heavily on his bandmates post-reunion.
Looking Ahead to New Music and Tours
As Take That prepares for The Circus Live – Summer 2026 tour, fans may also anticipate new music. The band has not released a single since 2024's 'All Wrapped Up', but Gary Barlow hinted at ongoing efforts, stating, 'We've been writing for about a year for hopefully a new record in the fall.' This potential release adds a layer of excitement to their future, even as uncertainties linger about the band's ultimate fate.
