WITH Take That due to arrive in Southampton for two massive shows, they’re promising a superb celebration of three decades of hits.
Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald present The Greatest Hits Live Tour 2019, which supports latest album Odyssey and tells the story of Take That.
It’s the tale of five Northern lads who became one of the biggest boy bands of all time, before splitting up and reforming nine years later with one of the most sensational music comebacks ever seen.
The band will be joined on stage by special guest Lulu to perform their 1993 smash hit collaboration Relight My Fire and supported by 80s comeback king Rick Astley. Thirty members of Southampton’s Love Soul Choir will also appear.
Here’s what they had to say when the Daily Echo caught up with the current trio ahead of their South Coast dates...
30 years of Take That. How did that happen?
Gary: “Mad, isn’t it? It’s been a cracking year putting this together. Pulling up all the recordings, listening to the vocals, takes you back into the room.”
Will you do anything privately between you as a special memory for the 30th anniversary?
Gary: “I think this year for us is a year to enjoy it all. The record doesn’t come with any of the pressures of new direction or a new era. There’s none of that. Odyssey is the name of the album. These are songs all people know. It’s a chance for us to just sit back, celebrate it and enjoy it all.”
Your shows always get great reviews. How do you challenge yourselves to better them?
Mark: “We always like to push ourselves and know we’ve given everything, whether that’s learning how to ride a unicycle or getting over your fear of heights because you’ve got to stand on something that’s 60ft.
Will there be another 30 years of Take That?
Gary: “I hope so.” Mark: “How old will we be then?” Howard: “Don’t look at me.” Gary: “You’ll be 80. Howard: “You’ll be just behind. You’ll be 73.”
Take That play St Mary’s Stadium tomorrow and Sunday.
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