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Take That - Now and Then
This book recounts the entire story of the most successful British band since The Beatles. From their humble beginnings to the break-up that shook the pop world, to their explosive and successful come-back tour a decade later, TAKE THAT – NOW AND THEN exposes the intimate details of the band that changed pop history.
Containing hot behind-the-scenes information on the band’s sell-out come-back tour, Take That – Now and Then gives a complete history of the band, with revelations on what's happened over the band's time together and apart, and allows you to relive the tour experience all over again.
Formed in Manchester in the early '90s, everyone had their Take That favourite, from the cheeky Robbie to gorgeous Mark Owen. Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Jason Orange completed the group, and they went from strength to strength with their unique mix of high-energy dance tunes and soulful ballads.
But theirs was not an easy beginning. Gruelling training schedules, tours across the nation in gay clubs that saw their bottoms pinched and empty school halls on a 'Safe Sex tour', all had to be endured before the boys finally 'made it' in the fickle world of pop music. But once they made it, boy did they make it! The only thing more certain than Take Take's next single going straight into the Top Ten was that they would clean up at every award ceremony going, both as a group and as individuals.
But behind the glamour and success, tensions were mounting. Robbie Williams was sliding into the depths of depression, and on the eve of their 1995 tour, he left the band. By 1996, Take That were no more.
Speaking exclusively to those inside the music industry who knew them best, many of whom have never spoken publicly about their experiences, music journalist Martin Roach recounts exactly what went on behind the scenes during those years, as well as providing first-hand accounts of the fickle world of pop from members of some of the UK's most prolific boy-band members.
Containing hot behind-the-scenes information on the band’s sell-out come-back tour, Take That – Now and Then gives a complete history of the band, with revelations on what's happened over the band's time together and apart, and allows you to relive the tour experience all over again.
Formed in Manchester in the early '90s, everyone had their Take That favourite, from the cheeky Robbie to gorgeous Mark Owen. Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Jason Orange completed the group, and they went from strength to strength with their unique mix of high-energy dance tunes and soulful ballads.
But theirs was not an easy beginning. Gruelling training schedules, tours across the nation in gay clubs that saw their bottoms pinched and empty school halls on a 'Safe Sex tour', all had to be endured before the boys finally 'made it' in the fickle world of pop music. But once they made it, boy did they make it! The only thing more certain than Take Take's next single going straight into the Top Ten was that they would clean up at every award ceremony going, both as a group and as individuals.
But behind the glamour and success, tensions were mounting. Robbie Williams was sliding into the depths of depression, and on the eve of their 1995 tour, he left the band. By 1996, Take That were no more.
Speaking exclusively to those inside the music industry who knew them best, many of whom have never spoken publicly about their experiences, music journalist Martin Roach recounts exactly what went on behind the scenes during those years, as well as providing first-hand accounts of the fickle world of pop from members of some of the UK's most prolific boy-band members.
- GenresNonfictionMusicBiography
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 10, 2025
Great in-depth book, enjoyable.
November 13, 2022
I enjoyed learning the thoughts of the people who worked with the group back in the day and reading about the boys’ childhoods and there’s some interesting insights overall but there is also a considerable amount of inaccurate information especially regarding the origins of the group.
January 31, 2020
Nice little read about the Band Take That since it was an Unauthorized Biography, Martin wrote using many articles, interviews and other books about Take That as source materials.
In all it told the story from the formation of the band, their initial struggle, their rise to be the best selling band in UK, Their Hits, Robbie Williams leaving the band, Details of Robbie Williams Solo Career along with other That-ers
Book ended at the point where Take That were preparing for their reunion tour as the book was written in 2006. nice read none the less.
Before this I didn't listen to many Take that song, my only knowledge of them was that Robbie was a former member of the group and that he was the lead singer. Now I know more about the group how it was also listened to many more Take That Songs.
Next in line definitely would be Robbie Williams Memoir - Feel which was also source material for this book.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
In all it told the story from the formation of the band, their initial struggle, their rise to be the best selling band in UK, Their Hits, Robbie Williams leaving the band, Details of Robbie Williams Solo Career along with other That-ers
Book ended at the point where Take That were preparing for their reunion tour as the book was written in 2006. nice read none the less.
Before this I didn't listen to many Take that song, my only knowledge of them was that Robbie was a former member of the group and that he was the lead singer. Now I know more about the group how it was also listened to many more Take That Songs.
Next in line definitely would be Robbie Williams Memoir - Feel which was also source material for this book.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
October 16, 2008
I will happily admit that I am one of those old timer when it comes to Take That, having been a fan since I was 12 (trust me, that's a long time back!). Unfortunately, even the enticing journey of the band failed to make this book interesting.
It's probably more suitable to say that this book is more about Take That's journey from people around Take That than from Take That themselves. Everything is basically a rehash and abridged of most other Take That related literature, no new information from the band members. Plus, Roach seems to can't stop himself from putting forward his opinion of events happening when it's not necessary (bordering on annoying sometimes).
Still, it's a nice read and an amusing down the memory road... another testament to how extraordinary this band is and how amazing their journey has been!
It's probably more suitable to say that this book is more about Take That's journey from people around Take That than from Take That themselves. Everything is basically a rehash and abridged of most other Take That related literature, no new information from the band members. Plus, Roach seems to can't stop himself from putting forward his opinion of events happening when it's not necessary (bordering on annoying sometimes).
Still, it's a nice read and an amusing down the memory road... another testament to how extraordinary this band is and how amazing their journey has been!
August 11, 2011
a fab book. A real insight from the very beginning to Robbie leaving, the aftermath and the effects it had on the whole band, the breakup, the failed solo career of gary and mark, and then the longawaited comeback. Lots of quotes from those who really knew them at the time. Lots of photos - both old and new A must for all true fans. Def recommend this.
March 31, 2013
Not totally 100% correct in all areas but still helped me relive memories of my youth. insightful from many points of view of the best band of the 90's. will always be a huge fan of the Lads- as a 4 or a 5 piece brilliant. :)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews