Think you know everything about Take That? Dive deeper into the captivating world of one of the UK’s most beloved pop groups. From their humble beginnings to their grand reunions, Take That has had a fascinating journey filled with surprises, evolutions, and unforgettable moments. With their ninth album This Life just out, and a slew of exciting projects on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to revisit the intriguing facts about this iconic band. So, buckle up as we explore Take That fun facts that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of this legendary group.
Take That’s Evolution: From Early Beginnings to Stardom
The Name Game: How Take That Got Their Iconic Name
Take That wasn’t always known by their now-famous name. The band’s journey began with a different moniker. Initially, Gary Barlow and Mark Owen formed a group called The Cutest Rush. However, as Robbie Williams, Howard Donald, and Jason Orange joined the band, they briefly called themselves Kick It. This name didn’t last long, and after experimenting with Take That and Party, they finally settled on Take That.
Gary Barlow’s Regret: Living in the Moment
Gary Barlow, one of the band’s core members, shared his biggest regret in December 2022. He expressed a deep sense of wishing he had savored the moments more, rather than always planning ahead. In an interview with Ross King, Barlow confessed, “Everyone always has their different role, and I was the worrier. It’s my only regret looking back, is that I wish I was in the moment more. I’m always thinking about tomorrow… what do we do next year? Big plans? Always planning ahead, and I don’t ever really enjoy the moment.”
The Humble Beginnings: Take That’s Early Struggles
It might be hard to believe, but Take That’s initial singles didn’t make much of a splash. Their debut single, “Do What U Like” (1991), only reached Number 82 in the UK charts. Following up with “Promises” in the same year, they managed a modest Number 38. Their breakthrough came with the hit single “Pray” in 1993, which soared to Number 1, marking the start of their chart-topping success.
Chart-Toppers: Take That’s Dominance in the UK
Among Take That’s eight studio albums, six have hit the top spot in the UK charts. This remarkable achievement underscores their lasting appeal and consistent success over the decades.
The Origins of Take That: A UK Counterpart to New Kids on the Block
A British Answer to American Pop
Take That was conceived as the UK’s answer to the American boy band New Kids on the Block. This comparison set high expectations for the band, but they managed to carve out their unique identity and achieve phenomenal success.
Gary Barlow’s Pre-Take That Career
Before joining Take That, Gary Barlow had been performing in clubs from a young age. Starting at just 15, his early exposure to the music scene helped shape his future as a leading figure in the band.
Mark Owen’s Pre-Band Career
Mark Owen, another key member of Take That, was working at a bank before he joined the band. At 18 years old, this career shift marked the beginning of his journey into the music industry.
Take That’s Personal Lives: Behind the Music
Gary Barlow’s Personal Life: A Love Story
Gary Barlow is married to Dawn Andrews, a former backing dancer for Take That. They wed in 2000 and have three children: Daniel, Daisy, and Emily. Their relationship has been a stable foundation throughout Gary’s career.
Jason and Howard’s Break-Dancing Days
Before their Take That fame, Jason Orange and Howard Donald were believed to be part of a break-dancing group called StreetBeat. This experience likely contributed to their dynamic stage presence and performance skills.
The Rivalries and Achievements: Take That’s Journey Through Success
The Circus Tour and Its Record-Breaking Success
In 2009, Take That’s Circus Tour set a new record as the fastest-selling tour of all time. “Take That Present: The Circus Live” tour sold all 650,000 tickets in less than four and a half hours, showcasing the band’s immense popularity and fan following.
The Influence of Ed Sheeran
Take That’s eighth album, “Wonderland” (2017), was kept from the top spot by Ed Sheeran’s “÷” album. This competition highlighted the strong presence of both Take That and Ed Sheeran in the music industry.
The Reunion and Robbie’s Impact
Robbie Williams was the youngest member to join Take That at just 16 years old. His inclusion, prompted by a newspaper ad his mother responded to, marked a pivotal moment for the band. Robbie’s return to the group in 2010 was a major event, leading to the successful “Progress” album and tour.
Unforgettable Moments and Fun Facts
Take That’s Film Ventures
Did you know there’s a Take That film? Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald executive produced a musical film titled “Greatest Days”, based on their jukebox production The Band. The film brought their music to the big screen in a new and exciting way.
The Role of Robbie Williams in EastEnders
In 1995, Robbie Williams made a cameo appearance in EastEnders. This brief stint in one of the UK’s most popular soaps added another layer to his diverse career.
Howard Donald’s Lead Vocals
Though Howard Donald rarely took lead vocals, he famously led on the hit “Never Forget” in 1995. This track, which reached Number 1 in the UK, showcased his vocal talent and added to the band’s array of hits.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
The Reformation and Future Projects
Take That reunited again during the pandemic for a special performance on May 29, 2020. This online concert, which supported Nordoff Robbins and Crew Nation charities, was a unique event for fans.
Upcoming Releases and Tours
Take That released their ninth studio album, “This Life”, on November 24, 2023. Following the album, they announced a tour for 2024, creating excitement among their loyal fanbase.
The Greatest Weekend Festival
In October 2024, Take That will host “The Greatest Weekend” festival in Malta. This four-day event will feature performances by Take That, along with other artists and exciting activities.
Conclusion
From their early days as The Cutest Rush to their latest album “This Life”, Take That’s journey is a testament to their enduring appeal and evolution. Their story is filled with intriguing fun facts that showcase their growth, challenges, and achievements. As they continue to delight fans with new music and live performances, it’s clear that Take That remains a cornerstone of pop music history.
FAQs
1. How did Take That get their iconic name?
Take That initially went by The Cutest Rush and then Kick It before finally settling on Take That after experimenting with other names.
2. What is Gary Barlow’s biggest regret about his time in Take That?
Gary Barlow has expressed regret about not living in the moment and always being focused on future plans rather than enjoying the present.
3. Which Take That single was their first Number 1?
Take That’s first Number 1 single was “Pray” in 1993.
4. What was Take That’s fastest-selling tour?
Their Circus Tour in 2009 was the fastest-selling tour of all time, with tickets selling out in less than five hours.
5. What upcoming projects does Take That have in 2024?
In 2024, Take That released their ninth album “This Life”, embark on a new tour, and host “The Greatest Weekend” festival in Malta.
Author Profile
