Geraldine

Thanks to TTTV Official forum via RWAP http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Robsessed/bigissuecover.jpg Large sections of the female population have dreams not dissimilar to this. Mark Owen and Jason Orange are sat on the sofa, Gary Barlow has made tea for everyone and Howard Donald is stripped to his underwear and oiled up for a massage. Welcome to take that's dressing room. Tonight they play London's 02 arena (obviously an old interview, lol), the fifth date in an eight-night run. Next week, in the build up the Christmas, they conclude the Beautiful World Tour with 11 hometown appearances at the Manchester Evening News Arena. It's the climax of a remarkable comeback that began in 2006. Ten years after they split up, Take That re-united (without Robbie Williams) for an 11-date tour. The demand was so high they added a further 19 dates. The following November they released Patience, their first single since how deep is your love in 1996. It went to Number 1 and stayed there for 4 weeks, securing the ultimate boy band prize in the process, Christmas number 1. The band's 4th album, Beatiful World, also topped the charts, and two years later it is the third best selling album of 2007, shifting nearly a million copies in the UK in the last 12 months alone. "It's been a pretty shocking couple of years, really" says Barlow. All 4 members appreciate the second bite of the cherry, as only those who've experienced lacklustre post-boy band solo careers can. It's also the reason they are, in Donald's words "down earth" - as you'd need to be to conduct an interview in your pants. As they prepare to go on stage, they ponder success, Robbie Williams and the perfect ending. Did you have any idea how successful Beautiful World would be? Gary Barlow: I don't know if anyone's that wise to know whether an album is going to be big. Mark Owen: What we haven't done, which I'm pleased about, is that there hasn't been a long-term plan for what we're doing. It's all been kind of a happy accident. We've almost been a bit afraid to take our foot off the gas. At the end of this tour and after New Year I guess we will step off the gas, and get out of the car for a bit and see where we are. At what point did you realise you were back for good? GB: Last Christmas, when we did so well with Patience and it was Number 1 at Christmas. We just thought 'Well that's it then.' Jason Orange: Job's a good 'un. GB: We're properly back. It's one thing doing a tour - a bit of nostalgia and all the rest of it - but to be able to compete again in a really difficult market...It's hard to get people into shops buying music now, but we did it. Not only that, but we sold more albums this time than we did with any of the old albums. Were you nervous about the new songs flopping? MO: We wanted to do Patience well, because it would have been a bit of a bummer us putting all the effort in and it going in at number 103. We had a clause in our album contract saying that if we didn't like it we could give the money back to the record company and never release it. What have been the highlights of the last 2 years? GB: It hasn't been things like winning at the Brits (Patience won Best British Single at the 2007 event). It's been things like being on a plane with just the 4 of us sat at the back talking about silly things. Then there was the day we drove from Glasgow to Newcastle in Howard's car. It was like the old days, just the 4 of us. Total freedom. No one watching us. No one listening in. There are 2 moments in the show that I love and look forward to. The 1st 1 is Rule the World when walk from the back of the stage to the front and we walk as a unit, the 4 of us. I dunno, I just love it. It feels so strong for me, that bit. Then there's another bit on Back For Good where we all turn in and look at each other. It's lovely because I'm looking in the eyes of the other 3 and then out of focus is just this chaos. It's like, wow, look at us in the middle of all this. And the low point? MO: Howard puncturing a lung was a crazy moment. [Donald collapsed a lung while performing the splits on stage in Milan in October 2007.] He was out for 10 shows. Howard Donald: It spoilt the tour a bit, for me personally. I was a bit worried that they were going to get used to it being a 3-piece. GB: (laughs) We did. It was good having the extra space on stage. It was good having the extra spotlight on us aswell. I felt the burn a bit more. You're appearing on ITV's New Year's Eve show, Countdown to Midnight at the 02 Arena. How did that come about? MO: New Year's Eve is always a difficult night to plan. It's always a bit of a let-down, isn't it? You always build it up so much that it's got to be this massive night. We thought the best way for us to get over that would be to do our own gig. It saves us having to worry about what we're going to do. What are your plans for next year? GB: Frist of all, some time off. Then some more time off. Then start thinking about some more music. MO: We still feel there's another record inside us. There's still things we're learning and want to improve on and things we could still make better. So I think we'd like to make another record. And tour again. But when that'll be, who knows. Do you think Robbie will ever rejoin the band? MO: When we first agreed we were going to go on tour again, we asked him, but he had other commitments; he had to walk his dog that day. GB: I don't think about it that much. I don't think it's even a possibility, him joining the band again. I think we've all got to hope that one day we'll do a one-off or something where we'll perform together. But I think when it comes down to it, he's just not going to be in the band again. I just don't think there's a place for him now here. I think to Rob, there never was a place for him. I've spent a bit of time with Robbie over the last year. I think he's made to be who he is. I don't think he's meant to be in a band, our Robbie. So i've never seen it as an option, really. I could be wrong, but I just don't see it happening. MO: For me, it would be the perfect end. If i was writing the Take that film script and we'd come back ten years on and done a successful album and a couple of successful tours, if you wanted to put the perfect end to the story... Well, there's two; either we all die in a plane crash, which would be a good one; or Rob appears on stage and does something with us. HD: But Mark saying that, that's Mark's perfect end. I don't think that's our fans perfect end. I think they see us as a four-piece now. MO: I think they accept it but I really think they'd still like to see it. There was a time when Rob first left the band that if you saw a picture of us, it looked like somebody was missing. I think now, if you see a picture of the band, you don't think that. The 20,000-strong audience at The 02 certainly don't. As might be expected, the reformed Take That's fans are predominantly women who were teenagers the first time round (with a smattering of boyfriends that have been strong-armed into accompanying them). A number of groups are wearing pink cowboy hats and the event has the feel of a giant hen party. When the band take the stage the treble-y shriek is ear splitting. "Tuesday night audiences are always the best," sparkles Barlow. The two hours that follow are just as heavy handed with the cheese, but Take That know their business and they are never less than entertaining; even the boyfriends join in the dance moves, albeit sheepishly, during the big hits such as Back For Good. The lasr word goes to Barlow. "Two years ago I'd have said this could never have happened," he says. "Who knows what will happen next." He looks like the happiest man in the country. Take that will host Countdown to Midnight at London's 02 Arena on New Years Eve live on ITV with guests such as the Sugababes. For more information go to www.takethattv.com http://bb01.sov.uk.vvhp.net/takethattv/php...asc&start=0

Another report of the same thing from the Lancashire Evening Post - I like the bit about Relight my Fire Take That in backstage fire scare It certainly got hot on stage for Take That. Picture courtesy of Manchester Evening News A fire broke out backstage at Take That's sell-out gig at the Manchester Evening News Arena. The Take That band were over an hour late on stage after the blaze, which could be seen by some of the 14,000 fans sitting to the side of the stage. The fire broke out on Wednesday night after support act Sophie Ellis Bextor had left the stage and minutes before Gary Barlow, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Howard Donald were due to come on. Backstage crew managed to put out the blaze, but firefighters were called to make the area safe. Fans waited patiently after being informed there was a 'technical fault'. But when the boys finally made it on the stage Gary Barlow told the screaming crowd about the fire and thanked them. MEN arena bosses chose not to evacuate after the fire was put out promptly. The Lancashire Evening Post's Deputy News Editor Nicola Adam was at the gig. She said: "I was in a side view seat and could see something flickering backstage to the side of the stage. Then we realised we could smell smoke and we could see crew members with torches putting out the fire. "A couple of minutes later it flared up again and a crew member put it out quickly. Firefighters then arrived backstage and could be seen checking out the problem for about half an hour. "I admit I had my eye on the fire exit, but most of the crowd were oblivious to the cause of the problem. "But the concert was incredible with hit song 'Relight my fire' having added resonance for fans!"

Take That's fire drama Dean Kirby 20/12/2007 Manchester News A FIRE broke out seconds before Take That were about to take to the stage at the M.E.N. Arena last night. The audience of 15,000 fans had an hour-long wait to see their idols after the drama back stage. The band, who are in the middle of a record-breaking 11 show run, were just about to start their set when the main stage suddenly lost power. It is understood a faulty electrical circuit in a cable caused the fire. Firefighters were called to the arena to make sure the cable was safe. The audience was told about the problem in an announcement. No-one was injured and fans did not need to be evacuated. One firefighter said: "The band came over to thank us afterwards and they were striking up the music just as we were leaving." A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said the flames were out when crews arrived. They were called out at 8.40pm. The delay was expected to cause problems for many fans who had booked taxis and arranged lifts home after the show. Take That's 11 nights at the M.E.N. Arena brings their total there, since 1995, to 27 shows for 400,000 people. Fans have been packing in to the venue to see Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald since the run began on December 10. The band two days ago ruled out a reunion with Robbie Williams, saying there was "no place" for the Angels star anymore. The group re-formed after a 10-year split, but Williams shunned the reunion tour and subsequent new album.

That's quite ironic really, Robbie used to always win the best haircut award at the Smash Hits Poll Winners parties back in the day Well done to Gaz, he is looking great at the moment :yahoo:

LOL I admit to agreeing with nearly all of them, especially the one about pop music all sounding the same :yahoo:

I could have sworn that there was a thread for the live cinema viewings, but I couldn't find it :mellow: I had a great night at Vue in Bristol on Friday night - We had some sound problems for the pre stage bit and about the first 3 songs, but it was great once they got the sound problems sorted out as it was so frustrating not being able to hear what they said backstage. At least we got a free cinema ticket for an "interrupted performance", and the atmosphere picked up after that too - obviously not the same as actually being there, but it was great to be able to see them so close up for a change I found the experience a bit bizarre at first, and was glad when a big group in the middle (I think they were from the Official forum) stood up - I felt a bit out on a limb as noone around me was on their feet at first. Even my daughter was up dancing in the end, although she really really enjoyed it - her comment was you must have been a lot of fun to go out with when you were young Mummy :rolleyes: I would definitely go to a cinema show again, and next time I'll be up on my feet a lot sooner next time - I thought Relight my fire looked amazing on the big screen even without the lit hats :dance: and irt was amazing to see everyone in the cinema clapping along to Never Forget . Another highlight for me was Jason's solo song - bless, I didn't appreciate how nervous he was when I was actually at the 02 last week, but he did brilliantly - I also hadn't realised that he sung it barefoot. There was a flyer on the seats to tell us that there would be a dvd release, and I would throughly recommend it - the show looked fantastic, and I loved every minute of it. _________________

The 02 capacity is 20,000. Some of the seats are very high up though - Level 4 were we were is almost vertical - I wasn't totally happy standing up and probably wouldn't have if there hadn't been a barrier in front of us The sound quality is great though, and you do get a great view of the stage from no matter where you are.

here's the review I posted on RWAP - I wish I was going again = anyone else going to the 02 shows? I had the most amazing time on Friday night, they were brilliant, better even than on the last tour, and I would go as far as to say that Robbie at Knebworth aside, that was probably the best concert I've ever been at. Seriously, it was that good. I was also very impressed with the 02 - once I got past the idea of having an arena in a shopping mall I thought, what a great idea, to have restaurants, bars cinemas etc etc all in one place, and it actually made it a totally stress free experience in both getting in and getting out. I missed the merchandise though as I thought it was just one of the shops Inside it is a much better venue than Wembley Arena or Wembley Stadium imo and although we were in the nosebleed seats we still had a fabulous view of the show. I'd certainly pay more for seats nearer the stage. Oh and it was great not having to queue for 12 hours as well, I'm so never doing that again No not even for Robbie The atmosphere was a lot more relaxed than a Robbie concert - I didn't experience any pushing or shoving or having drinks spilt over me, it was great. Most of the crowd were ladies of a certain age, and it was a bit like being at a huge Hen Party, as it was definitely spot the man - I did see one in an RW football shirt though Anyway, on to the concert - I loved every single song, even I'd wait for life was brilliant live, and the "old style" arrangement of Could it be magic was real goosebump stuff. My favorites were Patience, Shine, Rule the World (that was fabulous) Relight my fire (those flames were hot, we could feel them from the nosebleed seats ) Pray, and they had the audience right in their hands with Never Forget - it just looked amazing from where we were sitting. And a special word for Jason, bless him, he did really well singing Wooden Boat, even though he was clearly very nervous, but I'm a convert, I love him Awww bless when he said at the end .. you can all come back from the bar now :dance: I also loved them going back through the crowd from the B stage and when they lost little Markie in the crowd I had a great night, and now I can't wait until I see the show live from the 02 via my local Vue cinema next Friday PS And yes, we did sing "wash it up" and "contemplated foreplay" during Back for good, we just couldn't help ourselves :yahoo:

Nigel Martin Smith is an obnoxious little **** but as Norma says, without him there wouldn't be a Take That, and arguably there wouldn't be a Robbie Williams... no definitely there wouldn't be a Robbie Williams, as it was Nigel who called him Robbie in the first place - He would never have called himself Robbie. Who knows whether Robert would have made it without Take That or Nigel - my guess is he wouldn't. I'm no fan of NMS, but a lot of fans of both Take That and Robbie really need to let go of their irrational hatred of him, and I actually think he was right to sue Robbie on this occasion - he was the one that wrote the song, and he shouldn't have accused anyone of fraud without some concrete evidence to back it up.

I am really looking forward to this - I normally hate New Years Eve And I haven't been here for a while and I'm a tad confused. Norma _Snockers..... have you really???? :lol:

Beautiful World for me, but closely followed by Everything Changes

I think McFly are just jealous that Gary mentioned Westlife. :lol: ... I can't see him adapting to McFly's style somehow (although he would still be the best dancer :dance: )

Yeah I don't like the Farewell and final bits much, but I suppose it will have to happen sometime. It's nice to see that they are showcasing new talent as their support though - I don't think there will be many boybands who will have inspired other artists as much as Take That have

Howard has a collapsed lung according to the Sun, and may be out of action for 2 weeks I hope he is better in time for 30 November..... I found it difficult enough getting used to just 4 of them.... Apparently Gary, Mark and Jay did brilliantly without him though, but it just wouldn't be the same I hope he makes a speedy recovery

At least if RTW is beaten to number 1 it will be by a good song - I'm not keen on Leona's style of singing but she has a great voice, and the song sticks in your brain :lol: I don't think the boys will be too upset if they come in at number 2. It's just unlucky that they released in one of the toughest weeks of the year so far.

And here's Rule the world..... http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sohuW8hgT0I&NR=1

Thanks to the Take That Offocial forum, heres a link to the interview for anyone who hasn't seen it http://www.dailymotion.com/oldmotherhen/vi...than-ross_music I think that was the best Jonathan Ross show I've seen for a long time - loved the way the 4 poofs and a piano played Take That songs to introduce all the other guests

For your Arses only :lol:

I'm glad that you enjoyed the gig Kathy, and also that you had a fab time in my home town Belfast - it's a very different place now to when I was growing up, and the nightlife now is fab - I haven't been to the Odessey, but I've heard that it is a fab venue. I can't wait now til I see the boys in the O2 on the 30 November/1 December :cheer:

WOW... from what I've seen so far it all looks fantastic... and very very raunchy :yahoo: I can't wait to hear Kathy's report :cheer: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Robsessed/tt-1.jpg

Give good feeling in my pants :yahoo:

I can't believe that they are doing Give good feeling...... from what I've seen so far the show looks amazing - can't wait to hear Kathy's report from last night, and see it for myself in December :cheer:

Arms around me in my pants

http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/node/n/4...p;mnSBrand=core Take That are featuring in Marks and Spencers Autograph menswear collection from today. I think they had better watch their window displays :lol: If anyone can look good in a Marksies suit, they can http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Robsessed/MSpic1.jpg

Never want to let you go in my pants