Posted May 6, 20214 yr As well as his 'Big Reunion' style show for ITV, Gary now has this coming up as well for BBC One! Take That singer Gary Barlow and Penny Lane Entertainment are set to co-produce a new music and entertainment show for BBC One. The one-hour primetime format is going by the working title I’m With The Band and will bring together a top group of artists and musicians to perform classic songs from past and present, as well as discussing their careers and musical heroes. Deadline first exclusively reported on the project in March. The show’s band will be led by Barlow on keys and vocals, and also includes Jamie Cullum (piano and vocals), James Bay (guitar and vocals), Mica Paris (vocals), Guy Chambers (keyboards and musical director), Tom Fletcher (guitar and vocals), Danya Fisher (bass) and Donavan Hepburn (drums). Barlow will welcome special guests to the show including Anne-Marie, DJ and producer Nathan Dawe, rapper MoStack and Craig David. They will collaborate with the band and take part in what’s billed as “some laid-back chat.” This is a sort of extension of Barlow’s lockdown Crooner Sessions which saw him perform online duets with big names including Elton John, Robbie Williams and Boy George. Barlow said, “A key reason for me doing this show for BBC One was that I just wanted to get in a room with a load of people I love and respect and play music. We’re aiming to give artists a platform and place where they can perform and have fun. It’s simply a musical treat for everyone who loves watching the best musicians performing great songs from any genre and any decade.” I’m With The Band is being made by Spun Gold-backed Penny Lane Entertainment, which is run by former ITV Studios creative director Lee Connolly. The company was behind NBC’s Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical! last year. Noted Connolly, “Artists and musicians love to perform, and I’m With The Band creates a platform for them to do just that. Gary continues to show, with his Crooner Sessions, how much fun it is to collaborate with fellow musicians and I’m With The Band takes this concept further by creating a bespoke environment where artists can relax and do what they do best.” I’m With The Band is a Penny Lane Entertainment and Gary Barlow production. The Director is Chris Howe and Executive Producers are Mark Sidaway (The X Factor) and Connolly. It was commissioned by Owen Courtney for BBC Music.
May 6, 20214 yr This is his follow on from the Crooner sessions, looks like he has a lot of prime tv coming up which is great for him and something to look forward, the downside means its obviously going to be a long time before Take That start on a new album.
May 7, 20214 yr This is a concept (franchise) which is already vey successful in NL and Germany. I think Gary will be great doing this also with these people involved.
May 7, 20214 yr The concept is interesting but the list of guest stars is boring af Anne-Marie, DJ and producer Nathan Dawe, rapper MoStack and Craig David yawn, yawn, yawn, hmm Craig David possibly interesting but the other three don't appeal to me.
May 21, 20214 yr Author It was possibly an iPlayer commission? Or given it's just a one-off for now, a pilot.
May 22, 20214 yr With the existing time slot it will lose out on potentially higher ratings. It's timeslot may indicate a lack of belief on the part of the BBC.
May 24, 20214 yr I hope not, they should at least give it a better time slot to test the audience reaction.
June 4, 20214 yr Excited for this tonight! Saw a great clip of them singing the Weekend’s blinding lights
June 5, 20214 yr I enjoyed the show, good format , beautiful setting , shame they did not give it an earlier time slot .. I thought it had potential for a series .
June 5, 20214 yr Big respect to Gary for this show! Rather interesting format and it's all about good music and musicians. Well done. My fave is Post Malone's cover. Will be there another series of the show or it has been just an one-off?
June 5, 20214 yr Think the plan is to have it become a 6 part series or a set of specials, if they get the backing from bbc. Love post Malone too! And James Bay is just superb
