Gary Barlow Finds Take That Documentary 'Very Hard' to Watch
Gary Barlow has confessed that viewing old footage of Take That in a new Netflix documentary proved to be an emotionally challenging experience. The 55-year-old singer described the process as "really hard" during interviews for the three-part series, which delves into the band's storied career.
Documentary Explores Band's Turbulent History
The documentary, directed by David Soutar, chronicles Take That's early beginnings, Robbie Williams's controversial departure in 1995, and the group's eventual reunion and return to chart success. Barlow participated alongside current bandmates Howard Donald and Mark Owen, with archive interviews featuring Williams and Jason Orange, who left the band in 2014.
In a conversation with The Telegraph, Barlow revealed it took him approximately a week to complete the second episode, which addresses the darker aspects of fame and his personal struggles. "It was a really, really hard watch," he admitted. "Many of the topics covered haven't crossed my mind in years, yet they've lingered with me since viewing."
Bandmates Reflect on Fame's Challenges
Howard Donald, who faced depression and suicidal thoughts after Take That's initial split in 1996, spoke candidly about the ongoing difficulties of fame. "Despite feeling blessed with success, fame remains a genuine struggle for me," Donald explained. "I've never truly grown comfortable with it, even now when confronted with screaming fans reminiscent of the Nineties era."
Donald reflected on the abrupt end of the band's first chapter, stating, "My aspirations were short-lived, and handling the aftermath proved challenging. I felt lost, as performing was all I knew beyond manual labour."
Healing Old Wounds with Robbie Williams
Barlow expressed relief over reconciling with Robbie Williams, who previously made disparaging remarks about his former bandmates in interviews and award ceremonies. "Disliking someone you were once close to is unpleasant," Barlow noted. "We're fortunate to now laugh about past conflicts, though revisiting those moments remains traumatic."
He emphasised the emotional weight lifted when they reconciled in 2010, describing it as a significant relief. "Watching those events unfold again is very, very hard," Barlow added.
Documentary Release and Band's Future Plans
The Take That documentary will premiere on Netflix on 27 January. Additionally, the band announced last year that they will embark on a comeback tour this summer, performing their hit show The Circus in stadiums across the UK and Ireland.
Support Resources: If you are experiencing distress or struggling to cope, confidential support is available through the Samaritans at 116 123 (UK and ROI), via email at jo@samaritans.org, or through their website. In the USA, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For international assistance, visit www.befrienders.org to locate a helpline.
