TAKE THAT — MANCHESTER, UK.
Olly Murs at the AO Arena, Manchester, UK.
with support from Olly Murs!
Take That are possibly the most enduring British act of all time. 30 years on (and a couple of lineup changes) they're still putting out new albums and selling out arenas and stadiums up and down the country. Whereas other bands disband and come back for quick reunion shows, Take That have remained a mainstay of British culture. Following their latest studio album ‘This Life’, they've embarked on a massive UK tour with a stop at Manchester's Co-o… Wait, no, a stop at Manchester's AO Arena. ‘This Life On Tour’ is a resplendent, self aware and charmingly cheesy display of bands iconic career.
Opening the show was Olly Murs. A man who has the popularity to sell out arenas himself (he even did so in 2023) and someone I was very excited to see going into the show. Having a support slow and just under an hour to perform meant his set was loaded with hits from his near 15 year career. Bursting onto the stage with ‘Dance With Me Tonight’ the crowd were immediately engaged by the Essex star. ‘Wrapped Up’ is a personal favorite on the set and a tearful Olly dedicating ‘Dear Darling’ to the late Caroline Flack bought a sea of phone lights from the 15k in attendance. As his set neared the end and Olly performed more hits like ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ and ‘Troublemaker’ the crowd were certainly warmed up for the main event.
It wasn't long after that Mark, Howard and Gary took to the stage. The haunting chill of ‘Keep Your Head Up’ being accentuated with confetti, smoke and a whole load of unmistakable charisma. I have to admit early that I've not fully listened to their latest album ‘This Life’ but this didn't stop me being taken in by the show here. A tightly choreographed affair with multiple costume changes and show pieces I couldn't contain them all in one review.
Thankfully it wasn't long before the trio were singing the hits, ‘Giants’ is a late career highlight form the band, full of youthful optimism and we all know how good ‘Shine’ is - especially when dazzling in gold, with Gary and a grand piano and dancing water fountains reaching the rafters of the AO. There's time in the middle of the set for some solo work from each member, ‘Forever Love’ for Gary, ‘Clementine’ for Mark and ‘Speak Without Words’ for Howard.
It was nice to see the now-trio mention both Robbie Williams and Jason Orange - obviously both hugely instrumental for the success of Take That - before playing their 2009 comeback hit ‘Patience’ before the stage was transformed into a music studio for ‘The Flood’. Title track ‘This Life’ was complete with band and crew homage before the trio snuck off stage to change into futuristic outfits as the bridge between the main stage and b stage lowered from the ceiling, eventually marching across to the sound of ‘Greatest Day’.
As the b stage rotated to display the boys to the whole audience, they sang ‘Time and Time Again’ and ‘These Days’ before the instantly iconic ‘Relight My Fire’ completed the penultimate act of the set, with pyro displays as Take That marched back down the catwalk to the mainstage.
As the show began to wind down, the trio still found a way to sneak more hits into the setlist. ‘Back For Good’ bought arm waving and singalongs, ‘Never Forget’ is incredibly potent for a band this late in their career and ‘Rule The World’ bought the show to a magnificent close, everyone up to sing, dance and enjoy the final moments of ‘This Life On Tour’.
It should come as no surprise that a band 30+ years into a career know how to deliver outstanding shows - Take that are renowned for their performances and their absolutely on my must see list for anyone while you can.
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