I dont think it would affect Marks confidence, his solo album havnt done well in the past so realistically i am sure he is not expecting too much, if it does well it would be a pleasant surprise for him.

Mark doesnt appear to be chasing solo success, he appears to be more doing what he loves and whatever comes from that comes, what doesnt doesnt style approach. Financially he is extremely lucky as been a member of Take That provides huge financial security.

I'm still no sure how great it will do though, you only have to look at the likes of tulisa and Kimberley Walsh to know that a top 10 album, even with a hit single doesn't guarantee anything. That's why I'd think TT would want to write the album before his release in case it flops and his confidence is hit as a result

 

Oh, if majority of people are right and Gary writes 99% of Take That stuff nowadays too, we really shouldn't be worry about Mark's confidence . And some TT fans probably will be very pleased if on the next TT album Mark doesn't have as many lead vocals as on last three albums. Mark could be perfect backing singer (like in the 90s) - and in live shows just adding backing vocals and looking cute and pretty...that would be cool. :teresa:

In fact the only bad scenario could be that Mark would get pissed off and leave the band - but I doubt it, he is too nice and he won't do that to his mates from TT. But again, even this doesn't have to be the end for Take That.

 

But seriously, I think Mark isn't naive and knows how big (or rather small) fan-base he really has. But at least his fans from solo years seem to be pretty devoted, and unfortunately I don't think he's gained a sizeable fanbase thanks to TT successful reunion. Most of TT fans IMO are Gary Barlow fans (his voice, his music).

Oh, enough speculations... most important his new album has to be good- I'll be pleased if his new material is good, and I don't care that much about commercial success - although I really wish Mark all the best.

Edited February 8, 201312 yr by FireWoman

You know, I thought a little about Mark's chances with his solo album and I came to the conclusion that if he has some remains of integrity in him and self-respect I think he should leave Take That if his solo album will be a total flop (and what worse no critical acclaim for his new album) . I'm very serious guys. And I don't think in a way that because he'll tarnish a good name of the band, it's just if I was him I wouldn't want to be in the band where I'm liked only for my looks and and overall cuteness- this isn't 90s any more and if he really wants to be taken seriously by people, if he wants to be a true artist and not only a pop star, a celebrity it''s the only way. I think this album will be a great proof what profit (I'm not talking about financial profit) all these years in a band after reunion has given him.

Because I have a fear that TT reunion has given him as much as his CBB participation- which means for his musical credibility - nothing.

I would disagree completely, why should he quit. Many people do a full time job and have a side job too so it is the same for Mark. Take That are mainstream where his solo work is not, while i would see the link in the work mark does with take that and his solo material i can also see he allows himself to make music that is not as mainstream as take that. Solo gives him the chance to write about his feelings or what he is thinking etc where he cant do that with take that music. Hi solo work are more like personal projects to him where take that is his job.

I wouldnt say he should quit either, they are completly different sets of work and mark has a darker side in his solo work, just because it doesnt sell doesnt mean he doesnt deserve his place in Take That, he works just as hard as anyone else in the band and offer alot to the band as well.

But Mark is a very reach person, he doesn't need two jobs. ;-) I know he can do both, but why be in the band if your role is downplay constantly?-for money, fame , to please his mates?

I'm not surprised you have a different opinion. I'm probably too naive, I've just not used to put things in right perspective when it comes to pop world.

I'm keep forgetting that business is the most important part of it. I forgot it is primary their job- there's not much place for artistic freedom or fulfilment. You see I come from a different musical background where the priorities are 180 grades reverse.

And maybe I overestimate Mark's motives of being in TT, I thought that one of them was to show that he is capable of writing good songs because TT became a great platform to do it and reportedly very democratic band. But maybe I'm wrong and Mark just want to have a constant inflow of cabbage - and it isn't important for what reasons people like him (if it's only for a lovely smile and good sense of humour- so be it). Maybe it's enough for him, maybe at heart he is more of a celebrity than artist. I dunno, several years ago I read some of his interviews from solo years and it was clear to me that music (and also his music) is the most important thing for him - more important than fame. But who knows after several years in TT he could've changed - fame and money are addictive.

I just really can't figure it out, for what reason most of TT fans admire/like Mark? For what? Not for a singing voice- that's for sure ;-). How many people actually hear his input as a songwriter in TT, and on what scale is his song-writing role in TT (not knowing his solo music it is IMO pretty difficult) ? Is he responsible for a minor changes in Gary's compositions or maybe many songs are actually his? How many TT fans can answer those questions? I have a feeling that most people actually like Mark just because he is Mark (the original member of a much beloved boyband), and want him in TT just because he is Mark (no mater his talent, or input in TT) and without the brand TT their interest in Mark Owen will vanish.

 

Pippa, I think that Mark is quite introspective writer but he is still a pop artist (with slightly alternative/indie touch) - IMO this is still a mainstream genre. His second album "In Your Own Time" was very commercial- just people didn't want to give him a chance, wouldn't bother to listen.

 

I don't think the lack of sales of solo album will shake his confidence but it may disheartened him to future work in TT.

 

 

I wouldnt say he should quit either, they are completly different sets of work and mark has a darker side in his solo work, just because it doesnt sell doesnt mean he doesnt deserve his place in Take That, he works just as hard as anyone else in the band and offer alot to the band as well.

 

I didn't mean he doesn't deserve a place in Take That, I know he offer a lot to the band.

I just said that if I was in his place I wouldn't be sure if I WANTED to be in Take That any more.

Of course he wants to be in the band but even looking at it from a financial situation he wouldnt leave, he has a family now and im sure he is well aware take that is how he an more more than provide for his family and give his kids a life of no financial worries at any stage of their lives. But finance aside i think he enjoys been in take that, if he doesnt he is a great actor.

Gary is in the US this week and is there 'to work' according to his twitter. He is very close to electric lady studios where progress was mixed and written so it looks to me like the TT project is moving along nicely. Maybe the album is already written and that's why Mark is now starting to film his own video while Gary programmes it and works with a producer...

Some confirmation would be great, however, i do believe we will not reciece any confirmations about new Take That material until at least June.

News today that TT will headline Glastonbury in 2014

Ya, i just seen that on digitalspy, i wonder will it happen, im in 2 minds as i think take that may be better suited doing their own tours but maybe thats a bit of a naive thing to say, as i said im no overly sure.

Yeah but I think it'll be pretty cool! They've done everything but this and a TT5 would be a massive ratings and ticket draw. I think they could quite easily pull off a great show and they'll be in the tour mood by then as well

This would be great and would sell out and sell with a huge buzz, it is a must in my opinion.

Any more news on Mark's album yet? I don't care whether he goes down the electro-pop or guitar route, I just know I'll love the album cos I've always enjoyed his solo stuff more than any Take That stuff. In Your Own Time is one of my all-time favourite albums. And as for the argument about chart positions, I know for a fact he doesn't care cos he told me that in person when I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago. He basically said something along the lines of making (solo) music is his hobby and that's what he likes to spend his money on, just like how other people like to spend their money on cars or other hobbies. He doesn't care much about chart positions, he just enjoys making the albums and pleasing his fanbase, no matter how big or small that is. So come Mark hurry the f*** up and get that album out there! :D

 

EDIT: Sorry, I've only just looked at the other thread about his album, probably should have looked at that before posting this but oh well :P

Edited March 11, 201312 yr by mango

Mark has often said chart positions and sales are not what he concentrates on with his solo album. I would like him to have a successful album though as he puts everything into his solo music, its not a cash in project.

A successful album would be great and great to get his solo name out there, but as i said before this comes as a bonus to mark as its not what he is out for, this is more of a hobby where take that is his job.

You've got to look at the big picture Iris. Take That is a huge thing (especially with Gary Barlow's name attached to it). I think Mark will only be allowed to do something solo if it is 'up there' with Take That's stuff - perhaps with Gary writing stuff for Mark.

 

Personally - I'd hope Take That (as a group) would call it a day now that Gary has got his solo career up and running. And that Mark would go ahead and do his solo stuff (I also think that Jason has some mileage as a dramatist, and obviously Howard has his DJ stuff going strong).

 

Sadly ... they all know which way their bread is buttered and how to please their financial advisers ... and Take That will plod on and on for a few more years safe in the knowledge that the fans will buy anything. I think personal creativity will NOT come into the equation at all.

 

Why on Earth would you want them to split? What kind of fan are you?

I certainly dont want them to split and i genuinely dont think a split is on the cards.