With "Greatest Days", a musical film featuring the hits of Take That is coming to cinemas. The band spoke to blue News about their breakthrough, their friendship and their relationship with former member Robbie Williams.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- "Greatest Days" is a musical movie with the songs of Take That.
- Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald from the band were involved in the production.
- In the interview, they also talk about Robbie Williams, who only appears sparingly with his old band.
"Greatest Days" is a movie about friendship. You've been friends since Take That formed in 1989. How did you manage that?
Gary Barlow: Our friendship actually started quite strangely. The first time we were on stage together, we were five strangers. Now I would call us family. I've known these guys longer than my wife. We've had a lot of highlights, and admittedly some tough times too. We had to fight for our friendship, but it was worth it.
While you didn't even really know each other yet, you became superstars in the early 90s. Do you sometimes miss that time?
Howard Donald: If someone asked me what time I would like to relive, it would definitely be the 90s. Back then, everything had to be fast, everything had to be wild, it was like a whirlwind. But to be honest: I think I'd be sick of it again after a month. Back then, my life consisted of work, work, work. Today, we've only just learned to enjoy it.
In the meantime, the 90s are back in fashion. Do you still have old clothes in your closet?
Howard Donald: Well, the outfits we wore on stage back then are certainly not back in fashion. They're better left in the 90s.
Gary Barlow: The 90s comeback is not only reflected in the clothes, but also in the music. That's why it's probably exactly the right time for our musical film. But of course, the fashion is actually the same as we wore on the street back then. Personally, though, we prefer to take our fashion cues from the 80s these days.
What message do you want "Greatest Days" to send out to the audience?
Gary Barlow: It's a bit like music. You never know what it will trigger in other people. What I can say is that we really wanted the story to be about the fans and not about us. We wanted to show what we've seen over the last 30 years - and that's our audience. "Greatest Days" is meant to be a tribute to everyone who has supported Take That.
The movie is called "Greatest Days". What is your "Greatest Day"?
Gary Barlow: My favorite day of the year is Christmas Day. It's the best day there is. You eat too much, spend time with your family, get a little bit drunk... It doesn't get any better than that.
Howard Donald: My "Greatest Day" was the birth of my child, but you go ahead. (laughs)
Gary Barlow: I mean my perfect day looks like this. Not what my perfect day was. But sure, there's no better day than when kids come into your life. Do you have a favorite day, Marc?
Howard Donald: When he gets to spend it with us.
Marc Owen (laughs): Every day with these guys is my "Greatest Day".
Speaking of children: You are all fathers. Are your children as obsessed with something as your fans are with Take That?
Marc Owen: Definitely. All our kids are big music lovers. And we're very useful now when they want to watch a band. Then it's always: "Daddy, I love you." And I think to myself: That's nice. And then they say: "Can you buy me tickets for Harry Styles?"
The three of you are sitting here today. Will we see Take That together with Robbie Williams again one day?
Marc Owen: That's a good question. But I don't know myself. When we made the "Progress" record with the old line-up, it was something very special. But we hope it will happen again. We would love to be on stage with Robbie again.
"Greatest Days" is currently showing in the blue Cinemas.
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