Last Wednesday I did something that would probably cause half the people I know to judge me, and half to be jealous of me; I went to see Take That at Wembley stadium.
Having bought the the tickets just two days previously, I didn’t have long to wait to see arguably Britain’s biggest pop act, and stood, with a capacity crowd of 85,000, to see one of the most talked about shows of the year.
The concert started with a set from the multiple Brit and Grammy award winners the Pet Shop Boys who warmed up the crowd nicely. The duo played a selection from their new album and their energetic performance had even those who wouldn’t have been born during the band’s pomp dancing to their big hits.
The ubiquitous Its A Sin and West End Girls were accompanied by a psychedelic light show and four well rehearsed dancers, as well as exciting the audience by turning the cameras and flashing (sometimes literally) them up on the big screen.
It was then not at all long until the main event, and, after a synchronised countdown, Take That emerged.
Progress started with a bit of a Circus reprise with Gary, Howard, Jason and Mark performing a variety of the hits from the circus tour; starting with Rule the World and ending with Shine. The boys took the time to have a little chat with the crowd, thanking them for coming and promising a great show. As it was Wembley, Mark led the crowd with a rendition of God Save The Queen before Shine, with the band disappearing through the big screen, before Robbie Williams leapt out.
Immediately the pace and the temperature rose (literally) with flames leaping out of the stage in front of the seventeen time Brit Award winner.
Williams started with Let Me Entertain You before launching into a collection of his solo hits – including my personal favourite, Come Undone. Williams gave a vertiable tour de force, showcasing all the key assets that a performer should – often appearing more rock star than pop star. Indeed he mimicked one of the best rock stars of all time, copying Freddie Mercury’s famous Live Aid catcalls, as well as paying tribute to Galsto hit Beyonce.
Williams possess great skill with the microphone, not only while singing, but also in conversation with his audience. When he speaks, you often feel like he’s looking directly at you. That said, with no other men within a couple of metres from me, I was head and shoulders taller than those in my immediate vicinity, so you never know, maybe he was looking at me.
His solo set finished with his immortal hit Angels before he was joined onstage with the other four. The five blended some of the songs of their latest album with those from their early years – almost seamlessly switching from a very stripped down performance (the five, a piano and a guitar) to a far grander spectacle.
Once again Take That’s army of backing dancers took to the stage – army is a fitting word here as the dancers paraded across the stage dressed as militarised chess pieces. Captained by Howard and Jason, the two sides squared up to one another before the captains proceeded to have a dance off – to Robbie’s experimental, Rudebox.
Although this all sounds breathtaking, the best was yet to come – the boys released their pet monster (apparently nicknamed Om) into the fray, using him to build up to the grand finale.
Om
The entire experience was extraordinary. Not only was it weird effectively standing on the pitch at Wembley stadium, but I was in the presence of one of the most successful boy bands ever, and all though they are not my usual tipple, they were fantastic. Overall, my third favourite live act – after Macca and Jay-Z, and it is no great shame to come in just behind those two.
Unfortunately the tour has finished now, but should they ever tour again, I implore you to do what ever it takes to go – and take me with you!!