Take That

Take That
source
Name	Take That
Origin	Manchester
Years active	1990–1996, 2005–present
Genres	Pop music, Dance-pop, Adult contemporary music
Labels	RCA Records, Polydor Records, Universal Music Group
Associated acts	Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Howard Donald, Jason Orange

Take That is an English pop group formed in Manchester in 1990 that achieved multi-platinum success in the 1990s and after a reunion in the 2000s. The ensemble became a major act in British pop music, shaping boy band culture and influencing later groups and artists across Europe and the Commonwealth of Nations. Their career spans chart-topping albums, stadium tours, and collaborations with prominent producers and pop figures.

History

Formed in 1990 in popular music by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, the original lineup performed in venues across Greater Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and London before signing to RCA Records and BMG. Early releases followed the successful model of contemporaries such as New Kids on the Block, East 17, Boyzone, and Take That (band)-era peers, leading to breakthrough singles and albums in the early 1990s. The group achieved major commercial milestones during the tenure of member Robbie Williams, who later departed to pursue a solo career and achieved success associated with Capitol Records, Island Records, and collaborations with producers like Guy Chambers. After an initial split in 1996, members pursued solo projects tied to labels and media outlets such as BBC Radio 2, ITV, and the BRIT Awards. A 2005 reunion resulted in a renewed recording contract with Polydor Records and high-profile performances at venues including Old Trafford, Wembley Stadium, Manchester Arena, and festivals like Glastonbury Festival. Subsequent albums involved collaborations with producers and songwriters connected to Max Martin, Stuart Price, William Orbit, and artists from Sia to Gary Lightbody. The group navigated lineup adjustments influenced by contracts, televised appearances on The X Factor, and member retirements announced during press events and televised specials.

Musical style and influences

Their sound incorporates elements of Pop music, Dance-pop, Adult contemporary music, and occasional orchestral arrangements influenced by producers known from Stock Aitken Waterman-era pop and the work of Brian Eno and Trevor Horn. Vocal arrangements often emphasize harmonies comparable to Bee Gees-era stacking and boy-band traditions seen in Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. Songwriting, primarily led by Gary Barlow, draws on melodic traditions associated with Paul McCartney, Elton John, and contemporary songsmiths connected to Diane Warren and Max Martin. Production choices across albums reflect trends set by Madonna collaborations with William Orbit, electronic textures akin to Pet Shop Boys, and arena-ready dynamics similar to U2 and Coldplay. Lyrical themes range from romantic narratives present in works by Phil Collins to introspective motifs comparable to Sting and Peter Gabriel.

Members and lineup changes

Original members included singer-songwriters and performers with connections to Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Jason Orange, and Robbie Williams. The departure of Robbie Williams in the mid-1990s paralleled solo trajectories like those of George Michael and Bryan Adams, with Williams later collaborating with orchestras and producers in projects akin to releases on Island Records and Columbia Records. The group's 2005 reunion featured a reduced roster before further adjustments when Jason Orange announced his retirement from music and performance, leading to periods as a trio and later configurations involving guest appearances by former members at events such as the BRIT Awards and benefit concerts connected to Help for Heroes. Individual members pursued solo albums under imprints linked to Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and independent labels, and engaged in media ventures on outlets including BBC Television and ITV.

Discography

Studio albums and major releases charted across the UK Albums Chart, Irish Albums Chart, and numerous European national charts. Key albums were released via RCA Records and Polydor Records, entering charts alongside contemporaneous releases by Spice Girls, Oasis, Blur, and Radiohead. Notable singles achieved high positions on the UK Singles Chart and European Hot 100 Singles, frequently competing with tracks by Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Robbie Williams. Compilation albums, live recordings, and special editions were marketed in territories including Japan, Australia, and Canada, and distributed by international branches of Universal Music Group and independent distributors active in markets such as Germany and France.

Tours and live performances

Take That staged arena and stadium tours comparable in scale to those by U2, The Rolling Stones, and Coldplay, performing at venues like Wembley Stadium, Old Trafford, Manchester Arena, and Croke Park. Production teams included technical crews with experience on tours for Madonna, Prince, and Beyoncé, featuring stage designers and choreographers who worked across West End theatre and Broadway productions. Festival appearances placed them alongside acts billed at Glastonbury Festival, V Festival, and international events promoted by organizers such as Live Nation and Aegis. Live releases documented performances at major venues and were issued in formats distributed by DVD Forum standards and digital platforms run by Apple Inc. and Spotify.

Awards and recognition

The group received accolades at ceremonies including the BRIT Awards, Ivor Novello Awards, and various national music prize events in Germany, France, and Australia. Chart certifications included British Phonographic Industry (BPI) multi-platinum awards and certifications from bodies such as IFPI and national chart companies in Ireland and Sweden. Honors and recognition extended to state and civic awards conferred in cities like Manchester and by cultural institutions including The Southbank Centre and philanthropic partnerships with charities such as Comic Relief and UNICEF.

Category:English pop music groups