Take That is a celebrated English pop group that originated in Manchester in 1990, and it has become one of the most successful boy bands in music history. Comprising members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen in its current lineup, the band initially included Jason Orange and Robbie Williams. Known for their catchy melodies and harmonies, Take That gained widespread acclaim with their second album, "Everything Changes," released in 1993, which solidified their place in the pop music landscape.
The group first rose to prominence in the early 1990s, establishing themselves with a string of chart-topping singles and albums. The band's success is underscored by their impressive record, having achieved 28 top-40 singles, 20 top-10, and 17 top-5 singles on the UK Singles Chart, with 12 of those reaching number one. Furthermore, they have secured nine number-one albums on the UK Albums Chart and experienced phenomenal international success, accumulating 56 number-one singles and 42 number-one albums globally. Their contributions to music have earned them eight Brit Awards, including accolades for Best British Group and Best British Live Act.
In 1995, Robbie Williams departed from the band, which prompted the remaining four members to complete their world tour and subsequently disband in 1996. However, the group's legacy did not end there. After a hiatus, a documentary about their journey in 2005 rekindled interest, leading to a reunion in 2006 for The Ultimate Tour. This marked a new chapter for Take That, with the release of their fourth studio album, "Beautiful World," soon followed by "The Circus" in 2008. The band, now a four-piece, experienced a resurgence, selling over 45 million records worldwide and solidifying their status as pop icons.
The reunion culminated in a significant milestone when Williams rejoined Take That in 2010 for the release of "Progress," their sixth studio album. This album marked the first collaboration with the original lineup since 1995 and achieved remarkable success, becoming the fastest-selling album of the 21st century and the second-fastest-selling in British history. The band's 2011 tour, Progress Live, set a record for the fastest-selling tour in UK history, further showcasing their enduring popularity.
In 2014, Take That released their seventh studio album, "III," as a trio following the exit of Williams and Orange. This album included the hit single "These Days," which marked their 12th number one in the UK. Throughout their career, the group has consistently broken records and reached significant milestones, including a performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony. They were also recognized by the Official Charts Company as the most successful boy band in UK chart history, with four of their albums listed among the best-selling of the millennium.
Take That continues to captivate audiences with their music and live performances. Their journey from a pop group in the 1990s to a legendary band with a lasting legacy is a testament to their talent, resilience, and ability to evolve within the music industry. As they remain active in the music scene today, their influence on pop culture and their dedication to their craft ensure that Take That will be remembered as one of the defining musical acts of their time.