Take That performed an intimate gig for charity last night (23.02.15).
The ‘These Days’ trio took to the stage at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire for a show in aid of War Child, which saw them perform a fan-voted setlist which spanned all three decades of their career and even visited their solo careers.
The show opened with 2008 single ‘Greatest Day’, with the packed-out crowd singing along to every word, much to the delight of the band.
Mark Owen said: "It’s a real pleasure to be invited to play here tonight. We haven’t played for a while, so it’s nice to perform in front of a crowd."
The stripped-back show – their first full concert without Jason Orange – saw the threesome appear casual and relaxed, joking easily with one another as they made their way through hits including ‘Shine’, ‘Back For Good’ and ‘Patience’.
Gary Barlow then peered into the audience and asked, "I’m looking out there to see if there’s anyone who can remember the Nineties" with a saxophonist joining them on 1992 single ‘A Million Love Songs’.
Mark and Howard Donald then exited the stage to allow Gary to sing two of his solo tracks, ‘Forever Love’, which he performed seated at a grand piano, and the more up-tempo ‘Let Me Go’, after which his bandmates presented him with a glass of red wine and he declared, "I think I’m in the mood for a bit of dancing" – but not before bending to tie his shoelaces.
Howard and Mark also got their chance to take a solo turn, with the latter quipping: "It feels like we’re auditioning for you" as he shouldered a guitar to sing ‘Four Minute Warning’.
The 80-minute set closed with ‘Never Forget’ and the group urging their loyal fans – many of whom had camped overnight to secure a good spot in front of the stage – to see them on their forthcoming tour.
Gary said: "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for supporting us. We can’t wait to start our tour – please come along."
As well as their dedicated fans, a host of famous faces also turned out for the show, including Luke Evans, ‘Breaking Bad’ star RJ Mitte, Laura Whitmore and Leah Weller.
Take That – who were supported by Ella Henderson – join an illustrious list of acts who have previously played War Child and O2’s show, including Coldplay, Muse, Ed Sheeran, Blur, The Killers, Calvin Harris and Mark Ronson.
The show raised funds for children affected by an unprecedented year of violence in war zones including Iraq, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Uganda and Central African Republic.
Take That’s intimate show
