Take That, the legendary pop group, performed a remarkable concert at the 3Arena in Dublin, securing a rating of four out of five. Having journeyed far and wide throughout an impressive career of over 30 years, this evening marked the inaugural performance of their two-night ‘This Life’ tour’s local leg. The concert transpired to be a heartwarming reminder of their long and rich history, which was revived spectacularly in 2006, following a hiatus that might have very well ended their shared adventure.
A mass of devotees were present at the event, some of whom could recall the times when they would mimic the band’s dance routines during their appearances on Top of the Pops. The audience also consisted of younger fans, those who were not yet born when the band released their initial album, ‘Take That and Party’ in 1992.
Their breath-taking performance kicked off with the band coming out of a huge vintage television, accompanied by a fluttering storm of ticker tape, performing several songs from their recently unveiled ninth studio album. Take That, known for their penchant for grandiose stage designs, stayed true to their reputation, impressing the crowd with another one of their spectacularly flamboyant arrangements.
This time, the band embarked on a nostalgic 1970s theme, featuring glamorous cabaret setups reminiscent of Las Vegas’ glory days, a make-believe TV show which effectively let them walk through their journey, and even a recording studio. All these elements were tied together with elements of playful self-mockery, including a hilarious moment when the trio appeared to collapse on a large staircase – a prop on the stage – out of pretended exhaustion. This humorous act culminated in band member Gary Barlow being playfully chastised by his counterparts for his idea of the stairs.
The tunes would be meaningless without quality, yet they exceed expectations. Remaining distinctive from past personas like casual pop or raunchy lounge acts, their performance now encapsulates their journey via their previous high and low points. The once ‘sex icon’, Gary Barlow, who now resonates to audiences through his ‘friendly uncle’ identity, reminds fans of his exemplary songwriting skills through the gentle rendition of A Million Love Songs. Each of the three members had a chance to perform solo, though Howard Donald and Mark Owen’s performances noticeably lacked the strength of their bandmate’s ballad, Forever Love. Deeper into the show, the atmosphere settles during new song introductions, but the crowd re-engages with Pray, the uplifting Patience and heartfelt ballad The Flood, anthems that follow directly after a bout of nostalgia.
A further wardrobe change brings a vision of futuristic rulers donned in shiny cloaks and eye coverings a la Greatest Day. The trio take the stage amidst 3D graphics that simulate an illusory shared hallucination. Relight My Fire creates awe in every aspect, complete with a staircase set ablaze just before Back for Good is performed, whilst theatrical rain floods down from above. The show’s captivating façade and well-planned progression make it so enjoyable that even the initially hesitant partners and fathers find themselves standing for Never Forget. A line from the song, which delves into the transient nature of fame and the value of humility, carries a reminder for their fans: fame is fleeting and one day, this will all be someone else’s dream. Given the spectacles they produce, that day seems far in the future.