Take That

Take That were formed in Manchester in 1990 by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who auditioned young male performers to create a British answer to American boy bands. The original lineup—Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Robbie Williams—was assembled after a series of auditions; Barlow, already a songwriter, became the primary creative force. Their debut single, "Do What U Like," was released in 1991, but it was the 1992 hit "It Only Takes a Minute" that brought them mainstream attention. Their first album, Take That & Party (1992), reached number two on the UK Albums Chart, and the group quickly became a teen phenomenon, with a string of top-ten singles including "Could It Be Magic" and "Pray."¹

The mid-1990s marked Take That's commercial peak, with albums like Everything Changes (1993) and Nobody Else (1995) topping charts across Europe. Their 1994 single "Back for Good" became an international hit, reaching the top ten in the US and earning a Brit Award for Best British Single. However, tensions within the group grew, particularly between Barlow and Williams, who felt constrained by the band's image. In July 1995, Williams left the group, and the remaining members continued as a four-piece, releasing the single "How Deep Is Your Love" before announcing their split in February 1996. Their farewell tour and greatest hits album, Greatest Hits (1996), solidified their legacy as one of the defining acts of the decade.

After a decade apart, Take That reunited in 2005 without Robbie Williams, releasing the album Beautiful World (2006), which debuted at number one and featured hits like "Patience" and "Shine." Williams rejoined for the 2010 album Progress, which became the fastest-selling album of the century in the UK at the time. The subsequent tour was one of the highest-grossing in British history. Williams left again in 2011, and the band continued as a trio, releasing III (2014) and Wonderland (2017). In 2023, they announced a new album, This Life, and a tour, demonstrating their enduring appeal. Their longevity is attributed to Barlow's songwriting and the group's ability to evolve with changing pop trends.

Beyond the hits, Take That have several lesser-known facets. Howard Donald is an accomplished DJ and has released solo electronic music under the name DJ HD. Jason Orange, who left the group in 2014, pursued a career in property development and has largely retreated from public life. The band's early choreography was influenced by American R&B acts, and they were initially marketed as a "manufactured" group, but Barlow's songwriting gave them a distinct identity. They have also been involved in charity work, including the 2009 Children in Need single "Greatest Day." Notably, their 1992 single "Could It Be Magic" was a cover of a Barry Manilow song, and their 1993 hit "Relight My Fire" featured Lulu, a collaboration that surprised many fans. These details highlight the group's versatility and the individual paths of its members.²

Boy band

A vocal group consisting of young male singers, typically performing pop music and marketed for teenage audiences.

Brit Award

The British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards.

Greatest hits album

A compilation album of an artist's most successful songs.