Take That

Take That is a highly successful English pop group formed in Manchester in 1990.

The group is celebrated for its musical talent and high-energy stage performances. They are recognized as the most successful boy band in the history of the UK music charts. While many pop groups rely on outside writers, Take That is noted for creating much of its own material. This ability to write original songs helped them stand out from other groups of their era. Their career has spanned several decades, involving different lineups and massive global popularity.

Performing in a group like Take That requires several distinct musical and physical roles. Gary Barlow serves as the lead singer and the primary songwriter for the band. He provides the melodic and sensitive ballads that helped attract adult audiences. Mark Owen and Robbie Williams initially provided backing vocals to support the lead.

Howard Donald and Jason Orange focused primarily on dancing and choreography. This combination of singing and complex dance routines became a hallmark of their live shows. Their performances were known for being immaculate and having a very high work ethic.

The group's formation began with a specific vision by Nigel Martin-Smith in 1989. He wanted to create a British male vocal group that could appeal to many different types of fans. He first discovered Gary Barlow and decided to build the band around Barlow's songwriting abilities. A large audition campaign followed in Manchester and surrounding cities during 1990.

Howard Donald, a vehicle painter, was one of the oldest auditionees. Mark Owen was an 18-year-old bank employee, while Robbie Williams was just 16. Jason Orange joined the group after appearing as a breakdancer on television.

Take That's rise to superstardom involved a steady climb through the music industry. They began by performing in small clubs, schools, and various events to build a fanbase. They moved from singing R&B and soul toward Hi-NRG dance music and adult contemporary ballads. Their breakthrough came in 1992 with a cover of the song "It Only Takes a Minute." This success led to their first album, *Take That & Party*. By 1993, their second album, *Everything Changes*, reached number one in the UK. This album produced four consecutive number-one singles, including "Pray" and "Babe."

The group experienced significant challenges during the mid-1990s. In 1995, Robbie Williams left the band following disagreements regarding his responsibilities.

Despite his departure, the remaining four members continued to find success. They released the album *Nobody Else*, which included their massive hit "Back for Good." This single reached number one in 13 different countries. However, the group eventually decided to disband in February 1996. The breakup caused intense emotional reactions among their millions of dedicated fans.

After a ten-year hiatus, Take That officially reunited in 2006. They began with a four-piece lineup for a major UK tour called The Ultimate Tour.

In 2010, Robbie Williams rejoined the group for the sixth studio album, *Progress*. This album was a historic success, becoming the fastest-selling album of the 21st century. It was also the second-fastest-selling album in British history. In 2014, the group continued as a trio consisting of Barlow, Donald, and Owen. Their seventh studio album, *III*, also reached number one on the charts.

The group's commercial impact is supported by massive sales figures and awards. In the UK alone, they have sold 14.4 million albums and 14.6 million singles.

Globally, they have achieved 56 number-one singles and 42 number-one albums. They have won eight Brit Awards, including Best British Group and Best British Live Act. In 2011, their *Progress Live* tour set a record as the fastest-selling tour in UK history. Their cultural significance was further highlighted when they performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony.