Event

How a Single Nightclub Performance Revived Take That's Career

Published November 28, 2023

In a surprising revelation, Gary Barlow, member of the iconic pop band Take That, detailed how an unexpected gig at a nightclub in Hull became the turning point for the group's career. Back in 1991, following the lackluster performance of their initial singles on music charts, the future of Take That hung in the balance.

The Fateful Gig

During an interview with BBC Radio Humberside, Barlow recounted the pivotal moment that occurred at Lexington Avenue, a club in Hull. Their manager, Nigel Martin-Smith, received a suggestion from the club's owner to have the band perform at an event catering to an under-18 audience, a time slot that was earlier than their scheduled performance. The decision to take the stage at this unusual event turned out to be a stroke of luck.

A Serendipitous Appeal to Youth

This impromptu performance at the club was not only well-received but it also marked the beginning of their burgeoning popularity among a younger demographic. The gig's success signaled a new direction for Take That, ultimately contributing to the band's revival and subsequent rise to fame.

TakeThat, GaryBarlow, comeback