British pop icons Take That have finally opened up about their long-held ambition to perform at the legendary Glastonbury Festival. This revelation comes as the band launches a deeply personal three-part Netflix documentary series, offering fans an unfiltered look at their remarkable 35-year journey through the music industry.
A Glastonbury Dream Deferred
Despite achieving virtually every conceivable milestone in British pop music, from chart-topping albums to sold-out stadium tours, Glastonbury has remained conspicuously absent from Take That's impressive resume. Band member Mark Owen recently shared his enthusiasm for the festival with Metro, stating, 'I've been to Glastonbury as a fan many times. I know it's not on this year but it would be so nice at some point in our career to play there just because it's exciting.'
Owen elaborated on the unique appeal of the Worthy Farm event, highlighting the opportunity to connect with new audiences and fellow musicians. 'There's a massive audience, you get to meet all the new bands, you get to become part of a weekend experience. I'd love these lads to have this feeling, of being here. I'd like to put them in a tent!' he exclaimed, demonstrating the band's enduring passion for live performance and musical discovery.
Unprecedented Honesty in New Documentary
The Netflix series represents the most comprehensive and candid exploration of Take That's career to date. For the first time, the current lineup of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald addresses their complex history with remarkable transparency, including previously undisclosed conflicts and personal struggles.
Gary Barlow, in particular, demonstrates extraordinary accountability for past mistakes. He openly discusses his role in undermining former member Robbie Williams' confidence, admitting to giving him a weight complex and dismissing his songwriting aspirations. 'I called him Blobbie instead of Robbie one day, which I hold my hands up, I shouldn't have done,' Barlow confesses in the documentary.
Behind the Scenes Revelations
The series features an extensive collection of never-before-seen footage from Take That's early years, their initial breakup, and their triumphant comeback. Viewers will witness intimate moments that reveal the band's evolution from teenage pop sensations to mature artists navigating personal and professional challenges.
Mark Owen reflects on the emotional impact of revisiting their history, noting how ordinary moments like arguing about cauliflower cheese in a dressing room highlighted their personal growth. 'Seeing that bit for the first time, I thought "we're old! But what a journey and they were still here moaning about cauliflower cheese", he shared, illustrating how the documentary captures both monumental career moments and everyday human experiences.
Maintaining Creative Momentum
Despite their decades-long career, Take That remain focused on future creative endeavors. Howard Donald emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, stating, 'The main thing is about creating excitement as a band I think that's making new music, which is exciting, and then creating a new tour and new show. That keeps us hungry to carry on.'
This forward-looking attitude has sustained the band through numerous lineup changes and industry shifts, allowing them to maintain relevance and commercial success long after many of their contemporaries have faded from prominence.
A Documentary of Substance
Executive producer Gabe Turner emphasizes that the series prioritizes authentic storytelling over promotional content. 'It's really important,' he explains. 'We got really lucky because we've got a long-standing relationship with them, so they trusted us.'
Turner credits the band's willingness to share their complete story without restrictions as crucial to the documentary's depth and impact. 'They just completely handed us the keys, and they didn't really push back on anything at all,' he reveals, highlighting the unprecedented access granted to the production team.
A Legacy of Resilience
Beyond the music and milestones, the documentary ultimately portrays Take That's story as one of remarkable resilience, forgiveness, and enduring friendship. The band's ability to overcome internal conflicts, lineup changes, and industry pressures to achieve even greater success in their second act serves as a testament to their collective strength and artistic vision.
As Take That continue to eye future opportunities like Glastonbury while reflecting on their substantial legacy through this groundbreaking documentary, they demonstrate that even after 35 years, their story continues to evolve and inspire. The Netflix series is now available for streaming, offering both longtime fans and new audiences an intimate portrait of one of Britain's most enduring musical institutions.
