Take That – Back for Good?

Take That, the Manchester boyband that took the world by storm in the 90s and turned a generation of girls into quivering lumps, are back.
It’s been nearly 10 years since Gary uttered the words that broke a million hearts at that fateful press conference in Manchester, but the group (minus Robbie) have now announced details of a UK tour to thank all of those Thatters who have remained loyal to the band all of this time. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday morning, so clear an hour in your diary and make sure the redial button is working on your phone!

Myself being more of an indie chick, I never really understood the state of mourning that came over the girls in my school after the split, and I guess with retrospect I probably was a little insensitive happily wandering into school humming ‘Wonderwall’ while my peers were grieving. But now for them the long wait is over, and in May Take That will return to play 2 dates in their home town of Manchester, where it all began back in 1991.

It's all been a bit exciting recently for dormant Take That fans, with the recent re-emergence of Gary, Howard, Mark and Jason, all looking a little older and rough around the edges, but still the same boys we all know and, erm, love. Their album ‘Take That: Never Forget – The Ultimate Collection' shot straight into the charts at no. 2, and the compelling ITV documentary ‘Take That… For the Record' received a whopping 5.69 million viewers. I have to admit, even I was hooked.

The UK tour comprises 11 dates over April and May next year, with the MEN arena hosting 2 of the dates – the 5th and 6th of May. The band (all now in their 30's) are promising to recreate the excitement of their original live shows, and will be treating fans to all of the hits from back in the day. Let's just hope they decide against the shiny hotpants this time round…

Jayne Robinson

Take That: The Ultimate Tour ‘06
Manchester MEN Arena
5th and 6th May ‘06

Tickets are £35, £30 and £25, and go on sale at 9am on Friday 2nd December
Box office 0870 190 8000