Finding Neverland Sets "Good Morning America" Thanksgiving Performance with Gary Barlow

Cast members from the upcoming Broadway musical Finding Neverland will offer a performance and a special behind-the-scenes look at the new production as part of Thanksgiving Day coverage on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Songwriter Gary Barlow, who created the score for the Broadway production, will perform alongside the musical's leading lady, actress Laura Michelle Kelly.

The segment, which airs live from Times Square, is slated to begin around 8:30 AM. "GMA" has also announced an ongoing series that will follow the musical through its Broadway opening night in April 2015.

Kelly (Mary Poppins) will star as Sylvia Llewelyn Davies opposite Tony Award nominee and "Glee" star Matthew Morrison (The Light in the Piazza, South Pacific, Hairspray) as Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie in the Broadway production.

They will be joined by Emmy Award winner Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier," La Cage aux Folles) and Tony Award nominee Carolee Carmello (Parade, Scandalous).

Performances begin March 15 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre towards an April 15 opening night.

Tony Award-winning director Diane Paulus (Pippin, Porgy and Bess, Hair) directs Finding Neverland, which features a score by U.K. pop songwriters Barlow and Elliot Kennedy and is also based on the play The Man Who Was Peter Pan by Allan Knee. It has a book by Olivier Award nominee James Graham (This House).

The musical features choreography by Emmy Award winner Mia Michaels. The creative team also includes scenic designer Scott Pask, costume designer Suttirat Anne Larlarb, lighting designer Kenneth Posner and sound designer Jonathan Deans.

Visit FindingNeverlandTheMusical.com.

TAKE THAT ON X FACTOR 2014 - PERFORMING " THESE DAYS " All the articles !

'We're missing him': Take That make their debut as a trio on X Factor... two months after Jason Orange's decision to quit the band

Two months after the shocking news that Jason Orange was departing Take That, the band's remaining singers have stepped out for their first performance as a trio.

Former X Factor judge Gary Barlow made a return to talent show's London's studios with Howard Donald and Mark Owen for a live performance of their track These Days.

And after the audience cheered them through their dance-filled set, they spoke with host Dermot O'Leary, admitting that they were still adjusting to life in the band without Jason.

'We felt nervous about how people were going to react [to the three of them]. But the fans have been amazing.'
The singers looked sharp for their performance, wearing black suits with white accents - and dazzling white shoes - as they showed off their moves to a cheering audience.

They were supported by several dancers - clad in all-black - on the multi-coloured stage set.
Once the performance came to an end, judges Simon Cowell, Mel B, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Louis Walsh joined the audience in giving them a standing ovation.
Host Dermot then noted that Gary and his bandmates have 'still got the moves, prompting the former X Factor judge to quip: 'They never left.'

He added, over screams from the studio audience: 'It's brilliant being back. I've missed everybody, I really have.'
As well as picking their competition favourites - Andrea Faustini, Fleur East and the later eliminated Stevi Ritchie - the band also plugged their tour, which is set to kick off in April.
Earlier in the night, Labrinth took to the stage to entertain the crowd with his latest track Jealous.

Sitting on a darkened stage under a single spotlight, he played the piano as he sang his way through the newly-released track.
Also wearing a black-and-white ensemble, he advised the contestants to enjoy themselves 'as much as possible, because there are so many people wanting to do what you're doing right now', before naming Andrea as his favourite act.
Having already been whittled down to a quartet several years ago following the departure of Robbie Williams, Jason became the next one to bow out in September.

He said in a statement: 'At a band meeting last week I confirmed to Mark, Gary and Howard that I do not wish to commit to recording and promoting a new album.
'I have spent some of the best years of my life with Take That and I'd like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey, including my bandmates, who I feel are like brothers to me.
'At the end of the Progress Tour I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That.
'There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this.'


source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

X Factor 2014: Take That reveal they're missing Jason Orange as they perform for first time as a three-piece

Take That caused a stir on the X Factor as they took to the stage in a world exclusive performance as a three piece.

Singing their brand new single These Days, released today, the band received a huge reaction for the audience, despite having lost two of their original members.

And the band have revealed that they are missing their ex-bandmate Jason Orange.

Speaking to X Factor presenter Dermot O'Leary about their time as a three piece, they said: "It's going fantastic. We're missing Jason though."


"We felt nervous about how people were going to react [to the three of them]. But the fans have been amazing."

Gary Barlow admitted he was backing Fleur East to go on and win the show this year, but Howard was a little more controversial.

"If I could go and see anyone live, I'd see Stevi," he laughed.

The band, originally a five piece, reunited in 2006 - although Robbie Williams was noticeably missing.

Robbie did join the group in 2010 for the band's sixth studio album Progress, but made it clear that his return may not be long-term.

In September this year, Jason Orange also announced that he was leaving the band.

"At a band meeting last week I confirmed to Mark, Gary and Howard that I do not wish to commit to recording and promoting a new album," said Jason in a statement.

"I have spent some of the best years of my life with Take That and I'd like to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey, including my bandmates, who I feel are like brothers to me.

"At the end of the Progress Tour I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That.

"There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this"

X Factor results: Take That WOW with These Days! Gary Barlow etc mobbed at ITV!

Gary Barlow returned to the X Factor stage tonight and boy it was nice to see him back! The Take That star judged on the ITV show until this year but tonight he was there in his musical capacity and was on hand to perform his newest single for the studio audience and viewers at home.

Gary has rejoined with Howard Donald and Mark Owen, though they lost Jason Orange along the way, and the men recently released These Days as the lead single from their new album III, which will drop next month.

Tonight was the first time the band have performed on live TV in their new makeup and it seems that though they were smaller in number, they certainly haven’t lost any support and onlookers say there was quite the crowd outside Fountain Studios, waiting to greet the trio this evening.

Howard tweeted his fans saying:

“Bless all of you who have or are stood in the rain queuing at Xfactor. X”

The hunk was a little nervous about his big return though and added: “On @TheXFactor Tonight. Lordy Lordy!

1st live TV performance. I want me mum.”

The men emerged for their performance wearing the snazziest matching black and white suits. They might have been secretly nervous, but it definitely didn’t show! We have become so used to seeing Gaz on his own, in solo performances and stand alone concert, but it was so nice to see Take That as a collective tonight. Even if it was a little smaller than usual.

Even in their reduced form they appeared to be having so much fun and while Take That no longer fill a stage as well as they once did, the camaraderie and friendship between the boys, teamed with a seriously catchy song, made this one of the most enjoyable X Factor performances we’ve seen in a long time!

Also, we’re not ashamed to admit how much we’ve missed Howard’s funky dance moves! He’s one hot potato!

source: http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk

X Factor Results: Gary Barlow returns with Take That to perform These Days

Boy band-turned-man band Take That entertained the audiences on the seventh live Results Show for X Factor tonight, as they performed their new track These Days.

It was a poignant moment for Gary Barlow, as he made his comeback on the show which he used to be a judge on.

Joining his bandmates – Howard Donald and Mark Owen – on stage, the boys looked suave in black suits with white detailing, as they sang and danced for the audience. We wonder what it took to get Gary to show off his moves as he is notoriously sensitive about his prowess on the dance floor!

These Days, which is Take That’s first single as a trio, following Jason Orange’s departure, shows off a new side to the boys, with funky guitar riffs combining with a pop feel.

Asked how it felt to return to the show, Gary said: “It’s brilliant being back. Brilliant being back, it really is. I’ve missed everyone, I really have.”

Howard spoke about life as a trio now Jason Orange has left, and told Dermot: “It’s going fantastic actually, we miss Jason thought. But it’s going really well.Bit nervous but it’s going well so far.

“We felt nervous about how people would react, but the fans have been absolutely amazing, so thanks for that.”

And the third member of the trio talked about the boys’ plans to go on the road next year.

“It’s been a while, it’s been four years since we toured but we’re going on tour next year in April and hopefully people will come and see us.”

After that the guys were asked who they were bakcing to win, with Gary picking Over 25s act Fleur East, Mark going for either Fleur or Andrea Faustini, and Howard adding: “I’d say Andrea, but if it’s to go and see anyone live I’d go and see Stevi [Ritchie].”

Gary Barlow makes a massive return to The X Factor with Take That

Gary Barlow made a big return to The X Factor stage tonight in Take That's first proper live performance as a trio. The man-band were special guests on this evening's results show with a huge and colourful live version of their new single, 'These Days,' complete with some sensational (and awkward) dance moves. In short, it was brilliant.

Howard admitted that they miss Jason Orange: "It's going really well. We miss Jason, though. We miss him a lot."

Gary added that he was happy to be back on the show: "It's brilliant being back. I've missed everybody. I really have." (Aside: you're reading that quote in his voice, aren't you?)

After Dermot asked who they're backing to win, Howard joked: "If we're talking about who I'd go and see live, I'd see Stevi..."

Louis Walsh's face dropped, obviously.

source : http://www.clickmusic.com/

Gary Barlow joins Take That bandmates for grand final of Strictly Come Dancing

Former X Factor judge Gary Barlow is to make an appearance in the grand final of rival show Strictly Come Dancing.

He will join his bandmates in Take That for a performance on the show next month as they launch a promotional blitz for their new album III.

The group made their debut as a trio at Global Radio’s Make Some Noise Night last week and then gave their first TV appearance of new single These Days on last night’s results show for ITV’s X Factor.

They have now lined up to add Strictly to their list of appearances with a performance due to be recorded on December 7 and screened on December 20.

Barlow was a judge on The X Factor for three years, bowing out after the 2013 contest ended.

Take That are due to release their new album next Monday and will also be performing a Radio 2 concert and have a slot on BBC1’s Graham Norton Show in the coming days.

Last year there were complaints about Barlow’s over-exposure on the BBC as he launched his solo album, which led to some of the coverage being scaled back.

source: http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk

Travelling life: Gary Barlow

Gary Barlow is one of the United Kingdom’s most accomplished musicians. As a member of the British boy band Take That and a successful solo artist, he has composed 13 number-one singles in addition to more than a dozen other hits. As a performer, he has taken the stage in many of Europe’s biggest arenas and stadiums and has recorded music in various locations from England to Los Angeles. He spoke to us from The Fairmont The Palm last month – just before his near-sell-out solo show at The Dubai Media City Amphitheatre – about life on the road and his penchant for luxury hotels.

Where are you right now?

I am in Dubai at The Palm and I am just loving it to be honest. I have been here nearly 20 times and the atmosphere of the city is always amazing and I always enjoy coming here. I have young children, so it is never a problem because it is a short flight from the UK and there is no jet lag. The weather is always beautiful and there is such a vast array of great hotels to stay at and restaurants to eat in. So for me, it is always an obvious choice to come to Dubai on holiday.

Since you regularly holiday in Dubai, where do you often stay?

I often stay down at Jumeirah Beach and the One&Only [Royal Mirage] resort. This is the first time I am staying at The Palm. What’s interesting to me is that when I first came to Dubai, The Palm wasn’t built. So to come back and see this place constantly change is interesting.

How often do you go on holidays?

About twice a year. I work differently to most others in that I normally work for four to five months in one big block and that includes weekends. My projects run in big chunks and once I do them, I would normally take the summer off.

Where do you call home?

I call London home. I have a house there and I live there full time.

Where do you plan to go to next?

I haven’t booked anything yet and that’s pretty unusual for me. By now, I would have booked a Christmas holiday. This probably means I will be staying at home. I am a legend for planning things for up to 12 months in advance. People would always tell me I am the most organised when it comes to holidays. So it’s unusual for me to sit here with nothing planned. That said, I just started a new chapter with Take That, so we are just planning what we are going to do in terms of touring and we are releasing an album soon.

Does constant touring rob you of the magic of travel?

If you asked me that question in the 1990s, I would have said yes, because I would sometimes not go home for five months. Nowadays, even if I am playing in Berlin in the evening, I would try to get back home to London that night. I go home much more than I used to and that’s just because I have a family. The family thing changed everything for me.

What do you hate about travelling?

I hate any kind of delays, from planes to transport. I always think that journey from JFK [airport] to New York City a complete pain because you are always stuck in these huge queues of traffic.

Do you prefer simplicity or luxury?

I like luxury and I will tell you why: quite often I would land and would go to work straight away. For example, I would go to Los Angeles to record and, as soon as I land, I am working straight away, and that’s despite me needing a week to get over jet lag. Generally, when I travel I work hard, so when I come back to a bed I want it to be luxury. I like the feeling of being looked after.

What has been your favourite trip?

I spent a few months recently in Boston working on a musical and it has been an absolute revelation. If you are looking for somewhere beautiful to go to in either spring or the fall, then just go to Boston.

What is your favourite city for a weekend?

For a weekend I would go to New York. It’s such an exciting city and I have been there many times. I hit the ground running whenever I am there. I know where I want to eat, stay, what I want to do and who I want to meet. I have a lot of friends in New York and the people really make the place for me.

What do you never travel without?

My laptop. I have my life in that thing. I have all my music in there as well as my diary and emails. That scares the life out of me and I could never travel without it.

What is your idea for a perfect weekend?

It is a mixture of all sorts of things; a little bit of sightseeing and I do like to add in a little bit of work in there, such as a couple of meetings. As you can see, that’s why I like New York. I am also a big fan of eating out and having somewhere nice to stay. My advice is that when you travel, if you are going to spend money on anything then it should be the hotel. That’s because you should feel special on a holiday and you can get that staying in a nice hotel.

What is your ideal romantic destination?

I love Paris and recently I went to Venice – both are great places. They are romantic because they have such beautiful buildings and they are all incredibly well-lit at night. When it goes dark the place looks like a circus or something. It is just beautiful.

As a touring artist, what is your favourite music city?

It’s Los Angeles. There are so many songwriters in that city and so many songs produced there. It is definitely the place that I love to record. I remember recording in Malibu and I would sing while looking at the ocean – it is just beautiful.

TAKE THAT Radio 2 In Concert

Take That

On Sunday 30th November, Radio 2 welcomes Take That to the BBC Radio Theatre.

Usually Take That perform to thousands of fans in arenas and stadia all over the world. This is a rare chance to see them performing close-up to an audience of just a few hundred people.

The concert will be broadcast on Radio 2, online and on the BBC Red Button on Monday 22nd December. Find out how to listen, watch and join in with this intimate concert from one of the UK's biggest acts.
Ticket Giveaway
We have 140 pairs of tickets to give away for this intimate concert.

** Enter the ticket giveaway **

This ticket giveaway closes on Thursday 20 November at 8.30pm
Tickets are free and will be allocated at random.
You can apply for a maximum of one pair of tickets per household and you must make your own way to and from the event.
Minimum age: 16
Read the full FAQs for BBC ticketed events
How to Watch and Listen
Radio 2 In Concert with Take That airs from 2000-2200 on Monday 22nd December.

Gary, Mark and Howard will be talking to Jo Whiley and performing a mixture of songs from the new album III along with classic hits from throughout their career.

Watch live online at bbc.co.uk/radio2 and on BBC Red Button television. Just press red from any BBC channel, and follow the on-screen instructions to the live show.

And of course you can hear the whole show on Radio 2 on FM and Digital Radio.

Watch it all again!

After the gig you can watch video highlights on the BBC Red Button, on iPlayer, YouTube and here on the Radio 2 website.

source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5cPP4CS67xwR1rklLDmX4tj/take-that

Take That switch on Regent Street's Christmas lights VIDEOS

Nineties nostalgia: Spice Girl Emma Bunton helps Gary Barlow and his Take That bandmates switch on the Regent Street Christmas lights

They were both in two of the biggest pop bands of the Nineties.
And Spice Girls singer Emma Bunton and Gary Barlow enjoyed a catch up as his group Take That turned on the Christmas lights in London's Regent Street on Sunday.
Following Jason Orange's shock departure from the band earlier this year, Take That have become a trio with just Gary, Howard Donald and Mark Owen but Emma Bunton and her Heart FM co-host Jamie Theakston were on hand to bolster the group at the festive event.

Gary was grateful for the throngs of fans who had gathered to see him as he tweeted:
'Thank you to our lovely fans for supporting us tonight ! #RegentStreetLights'.It was Take That who got the privilege of turning on the Christmas Lights, with the event themed round A Night At The Museum 2: Secret of the Tomb , and was hosted by Heart FM.

Emma had wrapped up warmly for the occasion, in a mottled black and white coat and black stetson hat.
The 38-year-old mother of two took to Twitter to thank her fans for visiting the light turn on, and inform them where she purchased her apparel:
‘Thanks for all your lovely message about tonight #RegentStreetLights I was wearing @REISS coat and hat!!’

Although it seemed newly married Jessie Ware was admiring a little more than the lights, as she captioned a shot of the group together on Instagram:
'Yep that's me behind Howard and Gary, next to the dishy Mark Wright. Turning on the Regents Street lights. Thanks for having me!!! X'.
Boyband Union J were on hand to perform at the event, posting two Instagram videos of the band warming up.

Band member JJ tweeted in anticipation of their performance:
'Excited to Perform our brand new single "You got it all" at the Regents street Xmas Light Switch on tonight!! Who's going? #YouGotItAll'.
JJ said at the event: 'It was a massive thrill for us to perform in front of thousands of our fans on Regent Street. Being part of one of the world’s biggest Christmas lights events has got all the boys in the festive spirit. Now it’s time to get on with the shopping!'

source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Take That reunited on stage for first time in four years as they turn on Regent Street's Christmas Lights

Screaming crowds watched Take That switch on the Regent Street Christmas lights in central London.

Singers Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald flicked the switch to help mark the countdown to Christmas and also pointed out that it was a special day for the band.

Owen said: "This is the first time we have been on stage together for four years. It is good to be here."

Barlow said his best Christmas present was a BMX bike when he was a boy, Owen said it had been a karate suit while Donald said a track by Nat King Cole had been his best festive gift.

This year's lights were themed around the film Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb.

It comes as Take That recently announced a brand new UK tour, which is set to visit Manchester in May and June.

They'll be performing nine dates between May 21 and June 29 - with some of those added as demand for tickets grew.

The three lads will release the new Take That album III, on December 1.

The news of the 24-date tour comes four years since the band's last record-breaking tour Progress Live which saw the original five-man band back together on stage.

The band said: "We've always been very proud of our live shows and are very excited to be touring again next year. Playing live is something we love the most about what we do and we're looking forward to putting on the most amazing show we can.

It will have been four years since our last tour so we're really keen to get back out on the road to play some of our biggest songs from the last twenty years alongside our new ones. We hope to see you there!'

A wealth of entertainment, including performances by Jessie J, Jessie Ware and the Jersey Boys, were part of the event on Sunday hosted by London's Heart breakfast presenters Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton.

Children got the chance to meet some of their favourite movie characters including Skipper, Rico, Private and Kowalski from the upcoming DreamWorks animation Penguins Of Madagascar as well as Po from Kung Fu Panda and Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon 2.

Living statues from Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb also came to life at sites across Regent Street, including Robin Williams's character Teddy Roosevelt, Steve Coogan's character Octavius, Dan Stevens' character Sir Lancelot, Owen Wilson's character Jedediah and Rami Malek's character, the Egyptian Pharaoh Ahkmenrah.

source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Take That switch on festive lights

Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Gary Barlow of Take That switch on the Regent Street Christmas lights

16 NOVEMBER 2014

Screaming crowds have watched Take That switch on the Regent Street Christmas lights in central London.

Singers Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald flicked the switch to help mark the countdown to Christmas and also pointed out that it was a special day for the band.

Mark said: "This is the first time we have been on stage together for four years. It is good to be here."

Gary said his best Christmas present was a BMX bike when he was a boy, Mark said it had been a karate suit, while Howard said a track by Nat King Cole had been his best festive gift.

This year's lights were themed around the film Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb.

A wealth of entertainment, including performances by Union J, Jessie Ware and the Jersey Boys, were part of the event hosted by London's Heart breakfast presenters Jamie Theakston and Emma Bunton.

Children got the chance to meet some of their favourite movie characters including Skipper, Rico, Private and Kowalski from the upcoming DreamWorks animation Penguins Of Madagascar as well as Po from Kung Fu Panda and Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon 2.

Living statues from Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb also came to life at sites across Regent Street, including Robin Williams's character Teddy Roosevelt, Steve Coogan's character Octavius, Dan Stevens' character Sir Lancelot, Owen Wilson's character Jedediah and Rami Malek's character, the Egyptian Pharaoh Ahkmenrah.

EXCLUSIVE: Take That Promise A "Really Special" Show On New UK Tour

Take That have vowed to put on the show of their LIVES next year on their new tour… as well as explaining why they opted to take things inside for an arena tour.

The 'These Days' trio, who are used to performing stadium tours from the past several years, say they wanted to take things more "intimate" with the new jaunt… as well as giving their fans a break from standing in fields to see them!

At some point we had to make a decision and it just seems like to us, our poor audience have stood in fields for years now, seven years we've been doing shows outside," Take That's Gary Barlow exclusively told Capital's showbiz reporter Kevin Hughes. "And it just felt right to come indoors do something a little bit more intimate but still with the wow factor.

"I think people, when they buy a Take That ticket, they expect a big show, big spectacle, lots of people on stage, and that's what we're going to give them," he explained. "It'll be a nice long period we'll be on the road, so it's going to be good. It's going to be a good touring year for us next year.

"I think for us as a band, we do care about what we do," Mark Owen added. "And we'll put together the best show that we can. We won't walk on that stage until we know that it's good enough. We want to do something really special."

Take That kick off their brand new UK arena tour on 27th April 2015 with a first show in Glasgow, before the tour heads across cities like Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield and London right up to July.

Take That: Gary Barlow promises “awesome” O2 gig after getting “a kick up the bum!”

Take That recently announced the details of their new tour – which kicks off next year – and revealed that former X Factor finalist Ella Henderson would be their support act for what’s sure to be the extravaganza of live gigs…

And of course, this is the first time that Take That have toured as a trio, featuring remaining singers Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald.

When the tour was first announced, a statement from Take That read, “We’ve always been very proud of our live shows, and are very excited to be touring again next year.

“Playing live is something we love the most about what we do, and we’re looking forward to putting on the most amazing show we can.”

However, it is possibly a daunting prospect to carry off the tour with just three singers where once there was five, but according to Gary, Jason Orange’s decision to quit – Robbie Williams had of course already left the group by the time Jason revealed he was offski too – was the “kick up the bum” that he and his band mates needed.

Speaking on Capital FM’s Breakfast Show this week, the former X Factor judge explained, “It feels like a new chapter. I think it’s made us more hungry for what we’re doing.”

He added, “We are still full of creativity, we want to make records that people enjoy, we want to blow people away with our tours.

“It’s given us a bit of a kick up the bum really this whole thing!”

Gary went on to say, “We’re really looking forward to this night at the O2. It’s a great venue and it’s one go my favourites. It’s going to be an awesome night.”

We have no doubt that all of the Take That gigs next year will be awesome, and we’re hoping to go to at least one of them!

source: http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk

ROBBIE WILLIAMS - 2014 ARTICLE - 'I played Robbie this song I'd been working on. It was called Angels'

Songwriter Ray Heffernan on spending Christmas 1996 with Robbie Williams

'I played Robbie this song I'd been working on. It was called Angels'

That's Robbie Williams with my mum Doris. This picture was taken in my mum's house on Griffith Avenue in Dublin 15 years ago.

One of the biggest thrills my two sisters, Mary and Vivienne, ever got was waking up to find Robbie Williams in their house.

"Hi, I'm Robbie," he said, introducing himself at breakfast.

"We know who you are," they screamed, before shooting back upstairs to put their make-up on.

It was one night during Christmas 1996 that I met Robbie Williams in The Globe Pub on George's Street in Dublin.

Myself and my friend were dressed the same with bleached blonde hair, and I assume Robbie thought we were in a boyband. He'd just left Take That and his solo career had stalled.

To be honest, I didn't really know who he was, as I'd just come back from working in Paris, but we clicked talking about music.

After more drinks, and me telling Robbie I was a songwriter, we decided to write some songs together.

We didn't waste any time, starting that night. I got the guitar out in my mum's house and played him this song I had been working on called 'Angels'. I had the first verse, some of the chorus and some of the second verse.

This picture was taken the next night, when we played this new song 'Angels' to my family. We didn't know we had a hit on our hands -- we were too busy partying.

In 1996, Dublin was about the coolest place in Europe, and here I was hanging around with Robbie Williams and, being 23, basking in the glory.

He was instantly recognisable, but hanging out with Robbie took some getting used to. First of all, he had all this cash in his pockets. He carried more cash than I had ever seen, so all sorts of things were possible.

I remember walking into a big sci-fi shop in Dublin which had life-size characters from 'Star Wars'. Out comes the wallet and Robbie bought the original Yoda and two stormtroopers.

Another day, we were walking down Dawson Street, and Robbie noticed a poor old guy begging. Out comes the wallet with 200 quid.

Generally, Robbie was a decent guy. He brought my sisters to a Boyzone gig and was touchingly protective about them.

Later in the week, we ended up going into a studio in Temple Bar and doing a demo of 'Angels'.

It was a success, and Robbie's people later offered me £7,500 if I signed a waiver which renounced any rights I had to the song. I took advice and ended up signing.

That was in April. I thought it would be an album track, but by the next Christmas it was all over the radio, going on to sell millions.

For a long time, I was angry about this, but as you get older you see things differently, especially through my work as an occupational and musical therapist, helping adults and children with autism.

I've always done music on the side and the 'Angels' connection has opened doors to publishing companies and earned me a few quid.

It makes a good story, too, especially when I get to the end. The night after I met Robbie in The Globe, I walked into the same pub and who was there? Morrissey.

Ray's group, The Grand Canal Band, release an album 'New Dress Woven' through Universal Italy next year

In conversation with Ken Sweeney

Weekend Magazine

Hollywood actor Colin Firth set to 'replace' Jason Orange in Take That video

He's a star who can definitely stick to a tune, so who better to help out the trio...

When Jason Orange quit Take That last month, we knew it wouldn't take the trio long to recruit a new member.

According to Gary Barlow, actor Colin Firth has been lined up to replace Jason... well, sort of...

"He's the new fourth man," the former X Factor judge told the Daily Mail.

Colin Firth will be performing with the band on the video of their new song – Get Ready For It – which the bandmates recorded for the forthcoming action spy thriller Kingsman: The Secret Service.

The film stars Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong and Sofia Boutella. The track will play over the movie's closing credits.

"We're getting Colin in the video, and we're all going to be dressed up in the tailored suits he wears in the film. It's a smart look!"

"He can fill in for Jason", Gary added. "We know he can sing a bit."

With Firth's smash hit performance in the movie-version of Mamma Mia, we can't wait to catch a glimpse of the new Take That!

source: http://www.bestdaily.co.uk

Back for Good? Take That add more dates to 2015 tour after huge surge in sales

Take That have added extra dates to their 2015 tour because you guys love them SO much.

And yes OK, we do too.

The boys announced they would be adding two more London dates, and another in Birmingham, by retweeting the news from Ticketmaster today.

The band - minus Jason Orange who recently quit - will perform at London's O2 Arena on June 11 and 12, plus another gig at the LG Arena in Birmingham on May 11.          

They have also added two more in Manchester, on 28 and 29 May.

This is on top of their dates already confirmed, from April 28 in Glasgow, through Belfast, Dublin, Newcastle, Manchester and Sheffield, ending in London on June 9.

Tickets are on general sale from 9am on Thursday morning.

Click on a date below to book your tickets now:

Glasgow The SSE Hydro, Tuesday 28 April

Glasgow The SSE Hydro, Thursday 30 April

Glasgow The SSE Hydro, Friday 1 May 2015

Belfast Odyssey Arena, Monday 04 May 2015

Belfast Odyssey Arena, Tuesday 05 May 2015

Dublin 3Arena, Friday 08 May 2015

Dublin 3Arena, Saturday 09 May 2015

Birmingham Genting Arena, Thursday 14 May 2015

Birmingham Genting Arena, Friday 15 May 2015

Birmingham Genting Arena, Saturday 16 May 2015

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Monday 18 2015

Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, Tuesday 19 May 2015

Manchester Arena, Thursday 21 May  2015

Manchester Arena, Friday 22 May 2015

Manchester Arena, Saturday 23 May 2015

Manchester Arena, Monday 25 May 2015

Manchester Arena, Tuesday 26 May 2015

Sheffield Motorpoint Arena, Monday 1 June 2015

Sheffield Motorpoint Arena, Tuesday 2 June 2015

London The O2, Thursday 4 June 2015

London The O2,  Friday 5 June 2015

London The O2, Saturday 6 June 2015

London The O2, Monday 8 June 2015

London The O2, Tuesday 9 June 2015

source: http://www.mirror.co.uk/

The show must go on... to arenas: Take That reveal they're ditching stadiums for more 'intimate' gigs as they prepare to tour as a trio

They may be down to three members, but the show must go on for Take That. 

The man band - newly trimmed down from a four piece after the exit of Jason Orange - have announced a series of shows next year with tickets due to go on sale on Thursday morning.

And Take That's Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen have told how they are looking forward to swapping stadiums for arenas to make it a slightly more intimate affair.

Chief songwriter Gary, 43, said he was looking forward to playing the indoor shows, which begin in Glasgow at the end of April, as the audience would be closer.

He said: 'It's more intimate, our audience have stood in fields for seven years now watching us on a stage that's miles away, its time to give them a better view.'

And bandmate Howard, 46, explained: 'It will be much the same without the worry that it's going to rain on us. It'll be more intimate than stadiums and that's a good thing.'

Gary said discussions are already under way on how to approach this new set of dates to promote their forthcoming album III - their first tour since they launched their Progress Live shows three and half years ago.

He said: 'We're involved in every bit of the tour, and yes we've been talking already about what we can do to blow our audience away but I'm not going to give anything away, you'll have to wait and see.

'I think we all want a big show, our dream is to always make people go "wow". That's the goal so that's all I'll be hoping for.'

And Howard added: 'We normally start talking about a tour from when the songs for the album first start getting written, so over a year for sure. We are 100% involved in which direction the tour goes. It's one of my favourite parts of the job coming up with the ideas for it.'

Gary described a new generation of Take That fans on Twitter last week, retweeting a fan who said their daughters had been trained well to love the band.

So, aiming to impress a wide age range of fans, themes are a big topic of conversation for the three piece at present when they play gigs including Glasgow’s SSE Hydro. Birmingham’s LG Arena, Sheffield’s Motorpoint Arena and the London O2.

'The last time we were out in LA writing, Mark, Gary and I would be in a hotel room together and we'd talk about videos, songs and tour ideas, between us we've come up with about three to four tour ideas already.

'People love our records but the tour has always been the one thing everyone wants to come and see and we know it needs to be something new, exciting and have something that no-one's seen before. We've had conversations about the stage already - it's going to be great.'

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

Take That add new dates to 2015 arena tour

Take That have added extra dates to their 2015 arena tour.

The trio will now play a total of nine shows at The O2 after adding shows on June 13 and 15.

Meanwhile, they will also play extra shows at Birmingham's LG Arena on May 12 and June 22, Manchester Arena on May 30 and June 29, and Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena on July 2.

They will perform in eight cities starting in April, and will be supported by X Factor star Ella Henderson.

Following huge demand for tickets, the group had already added extra dates in Birmingham, Manchester and London yesterday (November 12).

Take That will release their seventh album III on December 1, with the first single 'These Days' due for release on November 23.

This will mark the first time that the band have recorded as a three-piece, as Jason Orange left Take That earlier this year.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald will also perform at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball on December 6.

Take That on the band post-Jason Orange: 'It feels like a new chapter'

Take That's Gary Barlow has said that the band are entering a "new chapter" after Jason Orange's departure.

Orange announced his exit from the band in September, with Take That continuing as a trio comprising Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen.

Speaking to Capital FM, Barlow said that Orange's exit has spearheaded them into working harder than ever.

"It feels like a new chapter," he said. "I think what it's done for us is it's made us more hungry for what we're doing. We're still full of creativity, we want to make records that people enjoy, we want to blow people away with our tours.

"It's given us a bit of a kick up the bum really this whole thing! We're actually really looking forward to it."

Take That will perform for the first time as a trio at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena on December 6.

Speaking about the gig, Barlow added: "This night at the O2, it's a great venue, we've played it before, and it's one of my favourites. It's gonna be an awesome night."

Howard Donald said: "With three of us, it's a new dynamic, and since we recorded the album, we're always coming up with new ideas.

"Straight away you come up with an idea for a tour. So you're pretty much one year in preparation before the tour. Once we get into rehearsals and we start seeing dress rehearsals, and we start seeing the stage come together, and we start seeing the lights come together, and the effects, that's when it starts getting exciting."

Mark Owen added: "We like to do big shows, big productions, and this is going to be the same. I'm just looking forward to getting up there and performing, and singing the songs again.

"It has been quite a while for me doing a lot of the Take That songs, and I like going, 'Oh can we have a 60 foot robot?' and somebody goes, 'Yeah, no problem'. And, 'Can we have an elephant?', 'Yeah, yeah we'll get you an elephant'."

Take That have added several extra dates to their 2015 tour to meet demand for tickets.

They will release their seventh album III on December 1, with the first single 'These Days' due for release on November 23.

source: Digitalspy

Tickets for Take That Live 2015 are on sale now!

Tickets for Take That Live 2015 are on sale now!

Dates and ticket links at takethat.com.

JASON ORANGE - Take That star Jason Orange to become a psychologist? It’ll take Patience but he could Shine

When Take That star Jason Orange announced that he was quitting the band last month, it was claimed that he’d taken the decision after suffering from what was described as “crippling” stage-fright and an overwhelming sense that he was being “violated” by all that Take That’s fame brought in terms of media attention.

But while sad that Jason had quit the group, remaining Take That members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen vowed to carry on as a trio, and have not only released an awesome new single – and have an album on the way – they’re also set tour the UK next year.

But what’s next for Jason?

Well, according to The Sun, he’s going back to university to finish off his psychology studies with a view to later training as a psychologist.

Ahead of quitting Take That, Jason said, “When I finally decide to get out, my main focus will be developing my interest in psychology.”

A source close to the gorgeous singer said of Jason, “He’s a great listener and is known as a bit of a sensitive soul who likes to think about the big picture.”

Apparently, Jason first studied psychology in 2001 at South Trafford College in Manchester after becoming “fascinated by the mind.”

Here’s wishing Jason well in his studies, but back to Take That’s upcoming tour, and Gary has promised fans that it’s going to be the best yet, perhaps in a bid to prove that as a trio, the group can be as impressive, if not more so, than when the band consisted of all five original members.

He recently said, “We all want a big show. Our dream is to always make people go ‘Wow’!”

The former X Factor judge added, “We’ve been talking about what we can do to blow our audiences away, but I’m not going to give anything away. You’ll have to wait and see.”

However he did concede that the venues for the tour are “more intimate”, and that being the case, Gary feels that fans will be able to better connect with the group during their performances.

Source: unrealitytv.co.uk

TAKE THAT 2015 TOUR !

from digitalspy:

The band will perform in eight cities starting in April, and will be supported by X Factor star Ella Henderson.

The tour will begin in Glasgow before travelling to other cities in Britain and Ireland, and will finish with five nights at the O2 Arena in London on June 4 through June 9, with one day off on June 7.

Tickets for the tour will go on sale from Thursday, November 13 at 9am.

The band said: "We've always been very proud of our live shows and are very excited to be touring again next year. Playing live is something we love the most about what we do and we're looking forward to putting on the most amazing show we can.

"It will have been four years since our last tour, so we're really keen to get back out on the road to play some of our biggest songs from the last 20 years alongside our new ones. We hope to see you there!"

Take That will release their seventh album III on December 1, with the first single 'These Days' due for release on November 23.

This will mark the first time that the band have recorded as a three-piece, as Jason Orange left Take That earlier this year.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald will also perform at Capital FM's Jingle Bell Ball on December 6.

From ITV.com:

The three remaining members of pop band Take That have announced they will tour next year as a trio.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald will perform 24 concerts across eight arenas, kicking off at the Hydro in Glasgow on April 28.
The shows will come four years after the group's last record-breaking stadium tour, Progress, and marks their first without Jason Orange, who said he had quit the band in September.

Robbie Williams has also said he will not be taking part in the tour.
The remaining trio; Barlow, Owen and Donald hit the headlines earlier this year after a judge ruled they had avoided paying the correct amount of taxes on their fortunes. In his ruling, the judge said:
The Icebreaker scheme is, and was known and understood by all concerned to be, a tax avoidance scheme

– JUDGE COLIN BISHOPP
Former X Factor contestant Ella Henderson will be a special guest on the tour.

Tickets are due to go on sale on November 13.

From unrealitytv:

Just weeks after announcing their brand new album as a three-piece band, Take That have revealed that they will be going back on the road next year with a brand new arena tour.

Not only that, the absolutely fantastic Ella Henderson will be joining the guys on tour next year as their support act.

Take That have definitely made the tour extra special by adding Ella Henderson as their support act, as she’s so talented, and it’ll be great to have such a high profile artist on tour with the guys as well, especially since her debut album topped the charts a few weeks back.

But, enough of that and down to business. Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald will be embarking on a 25-date UK tour next year.

The tour is set to kick off on Tuesday April 28 in Glasgow, before ending at the o2 Arena in London on June 9.

The guys are in huge demand, as they’ve announced a few dates per stop, with Take That stopping in London and Manchester for a whopping five nights each.

Tickets for the tour will go on sale at 9am sharp on Thursday, November 13, but if you’re a massive fan, you’ll be pleased to know that there will be an exclusive ticket pre-sale beginning on Wednesday, November 12.

To gain access to the fan pre-sale, you will have to pre-order Take That’s brand new studio album, ‘III’ on Amazon by midnight on Monday, November 10. You will then be emailed a unique code to use on the pre-sale website, and you’ll only be able to gain access to tickets if you have the special code.

But be warned, the pre-sale is only open for FIVE HOURS and it’s expected tickets will sell out within minutes, but fear not, as there will be more chances when tickets go on general sale on November 13.

Of course, it was announced a few weeks back that Jason Orange has quit the band.

In a statement at the time, Jason said he was immensely “proud” of what he’s achieved with Take That over the years, but at a band meeting recently he decided that he didn’t want to commit to recording and promoting another album.

As a reminder of those dates, the pre-sale kicks off on November 12, with general sale opening on November 13.


From manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Take That's new trio line up will embark on a UK tour to include five Manchester gigs in 2015.

Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen will head out on tour next year, after recording their first album together as a trio following the departure of Jason Orange and Robbie Williams from the manband.

The tour news was announced during the ad breaks of Saturday night's X Factor ITV talent show.

The band will star the tour in Glasgow on April 28, before it calls at Manchester Arena on May 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 next year, and tickets are to go on sale on Thursday at 9am.

Gary Barlow tweeted: "We can't wait to get back on the road and see you all, by far our favourite thing to do! #TakeThatLive2014".

Phone lines are set to be jammed by fans - if previous tour announcements are anything to go by.

Their previous stadium tours sold out in record time, and more dates had to be added to cope with fan demand.

The three lads will release the new Take That album III, on December 1.

The news of the 24-date tour comes four years since the band's last record-breaking tour Progress Live which saw the original five-man band back together on stage.

Take That are defined by some of the most memorable and spectacular live productions in UK music history, with previous tours including everything from aerialists, circus performers, a wall of water, holograms, a giant elephant and on the last tour a 60ft robot.

The band said in a statement on Saturday night: "We've always been very proud of our live shows and are very excited to be touring again next year. Playing live is something we love the most about what we do and we're looking forward to putting on the most amazing show we can.

It will have been four years since our last tour so we're really keen to get back out on the road to play some of our biggest songs from the last twenty years alongside our new ones. We hope to see you there!'

Special Guest for the duration of the tour will be rising star and former X Factor contestant Ella Henderson who recently celebrated both her debut single, Ghost and first album, Chapter One reaching the No.1 spot in the UK Charts.

Take That about their favourite tracks from III album

Amazon Front Row team asked the band what their favorite tracks from III were and here is what they said:

Gary - “Get Ready For It”

One of my favourites tracks on III is “Get Ready for It‎.” We wrote this track with Steve Robson. It's always a pleasure to work with him. “Shine”, “Said It All” and many others‎. He always starts the day with an instrumental so we can sing our melodies on top. From the outset it just sounded enormous! I always have a list of song titles in my lyric book and spotted “Get Ready For It”, the music and the sentiment were perfect.
We all then went about putting it together. It really didn't take long, like all the best songs. It's going to be amazing live, maybe even a show opener!

Mark - “If You Want It”

The full line is “If you want it, come and get it” and that's really what the song is all about. In my eyes it's about saying don’t wait for stuff to happen; have you lived your stories? Similar to the bucket lists people create.
I love what Stuart Price brought to this song, especially the accordion that’s on there being played in the background, I always get a picture of us stood on a street corner in Paris belting this one out. It's a fun song and the atmosphere behind it is supposed to be uplifting but at the same time just asking you the question…because you never know do you.

Howard - “Flaws”

“Flaws” is probably my favourite track on the album. Definitely in my top three. It's such a powerful song both lyrically and musically. The lyrics are so beautiful and vulnerable, “If you take me you take all my flaws”, it's so raw. It would would be easy to think the track just stays on one level with the piano part but suddenly this massive middle eight comes in, this huge chant that just knocks you out.

Take That Vow To Play “All The Hits” As They Complete Line-Up For Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball Saturday Show

The now three-piece band will take to the stage at the O2 arena this December.

Take That are officially the latest band to be confirmed to perform at the Capital Jingle Bell Ball 2014 with Morrisons in their new incarnation as a three piece!

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald will bring the latest version of Take That to wow the crowds at the only gig to be at in December.

“We’ve never played Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball before so we are really excited,” Gary Barlow told us alongside the announcement. “You are going to have to guide us through it as we don’t know the ropes!

“We are bringing all our band with us, we will have a stage full of people, we’re going to play all the hits and all the songs that everybody loves, and we may even throw the new single in there!” he added.

Take That will be on the same bill as previously announced acts like OneRepublic , The Vamps and Olly Murs for the biggest ever Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday 6th December.

The Script , Ella Henderson , Union J and Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne will ALSO be there on night one!

Tickets go on sale Friday 7th November at 8am, and you can buy here online at capitalfm.com or via the Capital ticket line on 0330 33 33 958.

Source: capitalfm.com

TAKE THAT - THESE DAYS GALLERY

WATCH NOW TAKE THAT - THESE DAYS MUSIC VIDEO

TAKE THAT - THESE DAYS MUSIC VIDEO COMING TONIGHT ?

From Take That's Official Twitter:

"Tonight, we'll remember These Days..." #TheseDaysVideo #TTIII pic.twitter.com/hixHQm2OIX

— Take That (@takethat) 30 Ottobre 2014

"Tonight, we're gonna live for These Days..." #TheseDaysVideo #TTIII pic.twitter.com/7JU0h0fHYu
— Take That (@takethat) 30 Ottobre 2014

ROBBIE WILLIAMS - LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU 2015 TOUR

Robbie announced today that he will be embarking on a brand new tour next year and tickets go on sale next week!

The Let Me Entertain You Tour kicks off in March 2015 and will see Robbie return to countries he hasn’t visited for a while as well as head to others he’ll be entertaining for the very first time. Take a look at the full list of dates and venues below.

Date\ Country City                     Venue
25 Mar Spain Madrid         Barclaycard Center
27 Mar Spain Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi
30 Mar France Paris         Zénith
5 Apr Lithuania Kaunas         Žalgirio Arena
6 Apr Latvia Riga          Arena Riga
9 Apr Russia St. Petersburg SKK Peterburgsky
12 Apr Russia Moscow         SC Olimpiyski
15 Apr Belarus Minsk         Minsk Arena
17 Apr Poland Kraków         Kraków Arena
18 Apr Slovakia Bratislava Slovnaft Aréna
21 Apr Austria Linz                 TipsArena
26 Apr UAE Abu Dhabi du Arena
2 May Israel Tel Aviv    Hayarkon Park

Read more at http://www.robbiewilliams.com/news-blogs/let-me-entertain-you-tour-2015-dates-announced#agpQaBfoJw3tZc42.99

ARTICLES - TAKE THAT Gary Barlow reveals Take That WILL perform this year! Howard Donald & Mark Owen tease details!

Gary Barlow has revealed that Take That’s new, smaller, lineup could make their first live debut as early as this year.

It was confirmed earlier this month that when the band release their new album III it will feature only vocals and songs from Gary, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, after Jason Orange announced his decision to retire from the band.

The original member wrestled with his decision for the past two years and even after he gave his bandmates blessing to go and make a record without him, they still held his place open until the very last minute. However, when Take That return with their new material, it will be as a three piece for the first time.

Barlow left thousands of his fans in a state of excitement earlier today, when he hinted that he, Howard and Mark could hit the road with their new tunes within months and when a fan asked if they would be visiting Holland in 2015, he replied: “*this year*.”

Donald has promised fans a ‘treat’ from the new album and single These Days and tweeted fans last week saying:

“Thankyou to everyone that has pre ordered the single and album.
Your in for a treat,if I may say so myself.”

Mark also revealed the album’s official tracklist and told fans:

“Look what arrived for final checks this morning…… At this stage we listen to the silence in between the songs also. Does Higher than Higher come in too quick after Portrait?????
M.O
X”

Robbie Williams recently wished his former bandmates the best of luck with their new venture, having turned down the chance to join them again.

Are you excited about TT3? Leave your comment below…

Source: http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk

ARTICLES - GARY BARLOW 18 OCTOBER 2014 With his debut Dubai gig, Gary Barlow was back for good

To fully appreciate one of life’s hard truths – that you can’t have it all – you need look no further than Gary Barlow.

The 43-year-old Brit is a hugely successful singer-songwriter and for the most part solely responsible for turning the British boy-band Take That into stadium-fillers.

But for all his melodic genius, he never really had the onstage personality to carry the songs off live. Hence the reason why Take That were so integral to Barlow’s career.

In the studio, he is the boss and comes up with the hits time after time. In concert, however, Barlow’s lack of showmanship is compensated for by the other lads – in particular the former member and solo star Robbie Williams – who keep selling the tickets.

Perhaps this was on Barlow’s mind when he was preparing for his first solo tour in 14 years, a United Kingdom and Ireland-dominated jaunt that ended up a little farther afield at a packed Media City ­Amphitheater yesterday.

It tuned out to be a slick and energised set, with Barlow holding the fans’ attention seemingly through sheer force of will. Each song had its own visuals and there was a cracking nine-piece band, including a three-piece horn section – not to mention a set list that was split into swing, acoustic and solo sets. He even threw in a choir, courtesy of a fine guest slot from the Dubai College Chamber Choir, in the stirring Sing.

But despite all of that welcome effort, what really made Barlow’s performance an overall success was his new-found ease on stage.

There was an old-school Vegas charm about him as he delivered those big solo and Take That hits with aplomb.

Greatest Day was an early highlight, its towering chorus eliciting the first of many crowd singalongs.

Confirming that the rivalry with Williams is a friendly one, Barlow cheekily performed Robbie’s 2012 hit Candy. After all, that Motown-ish number was co-written by ­Barlow.

Tracks from last year’s Since I Saw You Last, were sprinkled throughout the set. The best of them was the dramatic ­Requiem, which moved from a Beach Boys-inspired choral opening before steadying into piano-led pop recalling Paul McCartney’s Wings era.

That said, Barlow knew exactly what the fans really wanted: it was all about those Take That hits. While the full-band treatment of Back For Good, Relight My Fire and Rule the World were effective, it was in the lovely six-song solo set that Barlow’s magic could best be ­appreciated.

Listening to Love Ain’t Here Anymore, Said It All and Forever Love accompanied just by a piano, you realised why Take That are still the boy band it’s OK to like. Unlike many of their peers, there is an honesty and craftsmanship to the songs.

Barlow may never have been the fan favourite, but he is perhaps the most respected. With 9,000 people in attendance in Dubai, that is a pretty good deal.

ARTICLES - GARY BARLOW 14 OCTOBER 2014 - Take That star Gary Barlow will give Dubai his all

Ahead of his first solo UAE performance on Friday, Gary Barlow talks about how much he loves the UAE and the possibility of Take That coming back with him some time.

When the tour was announced, a lot of us were surprised that this was your debut UAE performance. What took you so long?

I know! I always wanted to play in the UAE because I have a few friends who came and performed here and they always said how much fun they had. I also came to Dubai nearly 20 times with my family for holidays, so to come back and perform this time is great. Also, my band are so excited to come over that they can’t do enough for me because they are so pleased to finally go somewhere nice and sunny.

You are finishing your tour in Dubai. What are your thoughts on the whole jaunt?

I have been on tour, on and off, for nearly two years now and the shows have been great. My repertoire now has become so big that it becomes a great problem to have to fit all these songs into one evening.

What about that other old problem of singing songs such as Back for Good for the 1,000th time?

I don’t have that problem. I must have sung Back for Good about 10,000 times and I still love to sing that song. Maybe I love it because I got a second chance in my career after Take That. Whenever I go on tour, it just becomes the icing on the cake for me because I just love performing these songs.

How is the experience of touring solo and without the onstage backup of the rest of the Take That boys?

It is more challenging because all eyes are on you for two hours. It does feel like a workout. It also takes me back to when I was 17 years old and performing in the clubs. I had to ask myself what was I doing back then and where was my mind when I was on stage. When I am performing with Take That, it is a very symmetrical look and if you are choreographed to walk forward on the second chorus that’s just what you do. You are a spoke in a big wheel.

You are touring with your latest album Since I Saw You Last, your first solo release in 14 years. Is it fair to say that, considering your last solo release didn’t do so well, a lot was riding on the success of this album?

Relief is the word. It took me 14 years to have the courage to put out an album with my name on it. I have been hidden in Take That for a long time so I really needed to do this record. I am gobsmacked by the reception. The songs are well received and loved and I still hear [the hit single] Let Me Go on the radio all time. I was honestly pleased and that’s the reason why I have been out playing so many live shows – I wanted to look people in the eye and say thank you.

The album is interesting in that, behind some of the pretty melodies, you are discussing some really dark, personal stuff. Were you aware of that?

I wanted it to be this way. When I am writing for Take That, I am doing a song for four or five people. When you put your face on an album, your audience wants to know what is going on in your life. Like everyone, I had some bumps in my life. I realised that, when that happens and then it’s the time to write about it, dig deep and open your heart. People love that because they can translate it into their own lives.

Back to Take That – was the media right to say that there was a big rivalry between yourself and former band member Robbie Williams?

Oh, yes, there is a lot of rivalry between me and Rob. It always has been and it would even go to what shoes we were wearing. It is a fun rivalry. When I play Rob my new single, I know he would say “that’s great and wow, I wish I wrote that”. And it’s the same when he releases a song. I listen to it very closely and it makes me go back to the studio and get better. That’s what it is all about, to look at your peers and say: “Right, I need to get better.”

Finally, any chance of you coming back to the UAE with Take That?

Do you know what? Honestly, I am going to take plenty of photos and document everything and bring it back to the boys to have the whole group back here next year.

• Gary Barlow performs at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on Friday, October 17. Tickets start at Dh295 and are on sale now at Virgin megastores, Time Out Tickets Dubai and Platinum List. Visit www.garybarlowdubai.com for more information.

ARTICLES - GARY BARLOW 18 OCTOBER 2014 Gary Barlow gives Dubai fans nostalgic high

It’s not every day that a girl gets to live out a teenage fantasy. But that’s exactly what happened on Friday night as Gary Barlow chose one lucky lady from an audience of screaming fans and brought her on to the stage at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for a special serenade. And when he broke into A Million Love Songs, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
It was a high point of Barlow’s debut concert in Dubai — a night of nostalgia for many as the Take That member played favourite tunes from the boy band’s glory days in the 1990s. He sang songs such as Shine, Rule the World and, of course, Back For Good.
There were smiles all round and memories of days gone by as the lad from Cheshire, England, made us all feel like we were teenagers again — if only for a night.
He also played some tracks from his latest album as a solo artist, Since I Saw You Last. And while his new music is decent, it just didn’t get the crowd pumped up as much as the old favourites, which is to be expected, I guess. When you’ve created gold, it’s hard to top it.

It was a hot and sticky night, uncomfortable for many, but Barlow made us forget we were in the desert and cooled us with his soothing voice — followed by an energising version of Relight My Fire and Never Forget. At one point Barlow even sang a duet with Elton John as Elton’s pre-recorded video was playing in the background — it was a nice touch from the legendary singer, who’s a close friend of Barlow’s, apparently.
All in all, although the heat was fierce, so were the fan feelings of adoration for a singer/songwriter who has shown that he’s made of sturdier stuff and actually, for a member of a boy band, is a very talented artist.
And for those of you pining for the rest of the Take That members to make a jaunt to the UAE, Barlow has promised to bring them here very soon. Now that’s a promise we hope he keeps.