(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Robbie Williams says apologising to Gary Barlow lifted “so much” off his shoulders he immediately felt like a new person.
Robbie and Gary joined Take That, alongside Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen, in 1990. They had a string of hit songs, but Robbie left the group in 1995 to pursue a solo career, following tensions within the band. He and Gary fell out, with the band eventually splitting the following year.
In 2005, Gary, Mark, Howard and Jason reunited, and it was recently announced Robbie will be joining them for an album and tour.
Robbie has now opened up about his decision to return to the band again, revealing he and Gary have been working on their relationship for months. “We had a big chat and the most amazing thing happened at the end of it, we both said sorry and we both meant it. That was all it needed,” he said. “It just lifted so much off my shoulders that I didn’t realise was still there. It was the start of a very magical 18 months, writing songs together and getting to know each other. It is nice being able to be grown ups and hear each other and say sorry.”
Gary added he is thrilled Robbie is back in the fold, as the band feels whole again. “We were a manufactured pop band put together in 1990 and I think the big part of the story is that we were together for those five years, we went through a lot and had our lives turned upside down together,” he said in a joint interview with Robbie on BBC Radio 1. “Then we have all separated, four of us came back and then Rob. It’s the beautiful end to the story, it has come all the way back round to where it started. Except this time the music has brought us back together, that has been the reason.”
The group began working on songs together in New York last year. They were in the city for Mark’s bachelor party, and ended up writing 12 tracks in just three days. Shortly afterwards Robbie began promoting his album Reality Killed the Video Star, and found it hard as he was so excited about the reunion he wanted to discuss it but wasn’t allowed to.
The reunited group are planning to tour next year, and are currently working out dates. They haven’t discussed the intricacies of the stage show yet, although Robbie has hinted it might be a greatest hits show after declaring he might not have to learn all the songs Take That have recorded as a foursome.
“Not necessarily,” he replied, when asked if he would have to learn all the band’s new tracks. “That’s all I’m saying. There’s some stuff on the cards but there’s only so much we can talk about. I’d like to tell you everything and so would Gaz, but we can’t. There’s big plan in the works but when, where and what we are not allowed to say. Plus we don’t know.”
The duo added they have not thought beyond next year’s tour, although they refused to rule out working on more material together. They want working together to be fluid and fun, and aren’t putting any constraints on it.
“The door is open to do anything. We’ve got 18 months planned, whatever happens after that we haven’t decided,” Robbie revealed. “I’m 36, there’s nine or ten albums under my belt. This has reignited my passion, I’m really excited to be here. If carries on it carries on, if doesn’t it doesn’t. I’m open to anything in the next 18 months.” (C) Cover Media