I was there last night for the first Wembley night of Take That’s comeback tour where they played to 79,999 loyal fans who knew all the words and when exactly to throw both hands in the air – and me. They’re playing at Wembley for four nights which (now that MJ doesn’t count) makes them officially bigger than Oasis, Coldplay and U2.
I went with my girlfriend who had taken me to see Robbie Williams for my 40th birthday present. I have to admit that I am a Robbie fan rather than a Take That fan (can you be both?) and was secretly hoping that he would make an surprise appearance, as per the rumours a few months ago. But the general consensus seems to be that they are better off as two separate entities. Their performance last night got them a 5 star rating in the Evening Standard, so ignore anything I’ve got to say if you are a fan.
This sellout tour entered the record books for being the fastest selling tour to date. The “Circus” tour is named after their new album (which came first – their idea or Britney’s recent circus tour?) and has acrobats, clowns, tightrope walkers, hot air balloons, a water spray and a huge silver elephant. All of which are most impressive and must have cost a fortune (rumoured to have cost £10m), but from where I was sitting, it all looked a little bit small. No doubt it all worked brilliantly in some of the smaller venues but I’m not so sure it worked at Wembley. I couldn’t see one of the video screens from where I was sitting and the trapeze artists looked like mosquitos in the distance. Still. I didn’t see anybody else complaining. Maybe I just need glasses. I’m not sure there was anybody else there thinking…”well, the Pet Shop Boys did a similar sort of show over 20 years ago”.
They all looked great. Fit and lean. They have to be for – it’s a pretty energetic set. They do a huge amount of dancing – some a little too camp for my liking – especially when wearing shiny red shoes and bacofoil outfits. Gary Barlow is turning into the Elton John of the new millenium (which is not a criticism) and they all looked like they were immensely enjoying their rise from the dead. They do seem to have gone from strength to strength, having released two highly successful new albums and being the faces for a huge Marks and Spencers advertising campaign.
So, in conclusion, if you’re a fan, you are going to love it – and if you’re like me, make sure you take your glasses and don’t be disappointed when Robbie fails to make an appearance.
Here are some photos – actually they’re better than I thought – I thought we were too far away:-
To be honest I would MUCH rather see a band in a smaller venue – I like to be able to see their facial expressions. Wembley is too big for me.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 am
I was dragged to a Take That gig 3 years ago by a friend who is a rabid fan…but it was at Milton Keynes and was surprisingly fantastic. I hate seeing bands at Wembley – I think with any huge stadium it almost seems that you could get more out of it by watching it in close up on the tele at home!
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:40 am
Oh you lucky thing, getting to be near my beloved Jason Orange. I went a few weeks back to Croke Park which was also 80,000 and HUGE! I actually had good seats but had paid a fortune for them. I do agree that there is so much going on in the show that it's hard to concentrate on it all, but I'm sure the DVD will be great. But then again I absolutely loved it all anyway being a massive fan and all that.
But don't you just think that Jason is getting better with age
drool…….
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
If you go to a stadium you're never gonna see the whites of their eyes unless you're at the front. It's the nature of the beast unfortunately.
BUT, that saying the screens helped a lot and I thought it was really tight and polished set (even if Mark wore slightly too many sparkly suits!!).
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I really don't want to know..as I am jealous. Wasnt interested in them the first time around as they are ten years younger than I. Now they are men and I love them to bits.In a good way.
July 4th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Just got back from Wembley, and thought the show was amazing! Lady Ga Ga was excellent too! Thanks boys x
July 5th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I also went to see Take That last night, I must admit to not being a 'die hard' fan, but the 'show' was wow.
We managed to get some really good 'unrestricted seats', admittedly we did arrive early and joined the queueing throng of very excited, seriously die hard fans, but the seats we got, were well worth the wait. Overall a very impressive concert and one I will be purchasing on DVD when it comes out, if only to watch the bits i missed, as at times, there was so much going on you didn't know where to look first.
May 9th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Elton John is a true entertainer…he is flamboyent and talented. I love his concerts and his music!
June 30th, 2010 at 5:28 am
Elton John is a very good musician and has been my idol ever since.`;”
July 11th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
Most helpful site and information
July 20th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Elton John is actually a living legend, what a great musical artist he is.,”.
August 31st, 2010 at 7:42 am
elton john is already a living legend with his great musics~”`
October 11th, 2010 at 8:30 am
the music of elton john has this unique beat and the lyrics are very sentimental*;~
October 22nd, 2010 at 10:33 pm
sir Elton John is one of the best singers that i know of, great voice and great compositions,`~