World-conquering Manchester boy band Take That will be performing an intimate gig in front of a small audience of Radio 2 listeners and speaking in depth to Dermot O’Leary for BBC Two’s Reel Stories, both to be broadcast in November.
The band said in a statement: “We can’t wait for Radio 2 In Concert. It’s such an honour to be asked to play such a prestigious show. At the heart of things, it’s a special and intimate show, but to also know how many fans will be tuning in from home – it takes the experience to another level. We are so excited to play songs from our new album live for the first time ever and of course revisit old favourites from the past. And the cherry on top is getting to see the wonderful Jo Whiley. We love watching Reel Stories and of course couldn’t say no to our old friend Dermot. Reliving the last 30 years we’ve spent together really was a journey. A lot of laughs, remembering times we thought we’d forgotten, possibly purposefully! It never ceases to humble us how fortunate we are to have had such an accomplished career as a band.”
Jo Whiley revealed on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show this morning (Monday 30 October) that the concert will be recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House, London. It will be broadcast on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds on Thursday, November 23, and soon after on BBC Two. Tickets will be allocated via ballot, and registration is open now and closes at 9pm on Monday, November 6.
Radio 2 In Concert host Whiley said: “Take That’s Gary, Howard and Mark are quite simply national treasures. Their music is the soundtrack to so many of our lives and their live performances never disappoint, so I can’t wait to see them perform in this exclusive Radio 2 concert.”
The three remaining members of the one-time five piece will also be talking to Dermot O’Leary in a brand new episode of Reel Stories for BBC Two. The band join O’Leary at a cinema to look back at their remarkable career and discuss how they became the biggest pop band in the world not once, but twice. Across an hour of reflection, nostalgia and surprises, the stars watch back key performances, events and moments from the last 30 years, re-living their highs and lows in intimate detail.
O’Leary said: “I’ve interviewed Take That many times before, and am glad to call them my friends, but we’ve never properly sat down for an extensive chat. They were honest, funny, wise and frank. It was a joy to spend time with them and I hope not only Take That fans, but anyone who loves music enjoys it.”
Jonathan Rothery, Head of Popular Music for BBC Music, says: “Take That watching back unseen footage, along with a deep dive by Dermot into the band’s quite extraordinary career, in Reel Stories on BBC Two is pure joy for a dark November evening.”
Home video footage shows them performing in school assemblies and forgotten TV performances as they grafted for two years before their breakthrough hit, It Only Takes A Minute. The band reflect on what followed after their meteoric rise, the chaotic success of the 1990s, from the epic highs and adulation of their initial fame to the darker side of success – the constant press attention and intrusion, and the toll of relentless pressure. They discuss Robbie’s departure in 1995 and the band’s break up the following year, discussing their feelings at the time and their feelings now, with more than 25 years of hindsight.
O’Leary talks in depth about the emotional reunion with their fans on their 2006 comeback tour, recording their first album back together, the 2009 reunion with Robbie, and their status as British music icons, headlining King Charles III’s Coronation Concert. Gary, Mark and Howard watch these moments back and discuss their rise back to the very top, revealing the secrets of how it happened, why they did it and where they found the belief to do what no one thought possible.
Reel Stories will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in November. Previous Reel Stories interviewees include Pet Shop Boys, Noel Gallagher, Dave Grohl, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Sting and Robbie Williams.
Reel Stories: Take That was commissioned for BBC Two by Jonathan Rothery, head of popular music TV. Commissioning editor is Rachel Davies, BBC Music TV. It is produced by Craft Films and Ora Et Labora.
Radio 2 In Concert with Take That follows on from Radio 2 In Concert with Blur in July and September’s Radio 2 in the Park – the network’s first flagship event since Radio 2 Live in Hyde Park in 2019 featuring Tears for Fears and Kylie headlining, alongside Bananarama, Texas, James Blunt, Deacon Blue, Beverley Knight, Busted, Soft Cell, The Pretenders, Shalamar, Rick Astley, Jessie Ware, Lemar, Sam Ryder and Simply Red performing across the weekend.
