Is Take That's New Documentary Just Another Familiar Tale?

Take That's latest documentary offers a nostalgic yet sanitized look at the iconic band's journey, contrasting their initial struggles and the challenges faced during their rise to fame with their remarkable resurgence. While the film revisits familiar themes, it lacks the rawness of their 2005 documentary, focusing instead on professional growth and personal dynamics, especially following Robbie Williams' departure and eventual reconciliation. With a new stadium tour on the horizon, the documentary seeks to celebrate their legacy while leaving fans questioning what new insights they can gain.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Take That has launched a new documentary on Netflix, reflecting on their journey as they prepare for a summer stadium tour that will see them perform to a million fans. This film follows their previous documentary, which aired in 2005 during a period of inactivity for the band. The new film, however, presents a more polished narrative, focusing on the band's evolution rather than the unfiltered chaos that characterised their earlier years.

Key takeaways

Take That's new documentary offers a retrospective on their career as they prepare for a major stadium tour.
The film contrasts their early struggles with their current success, highlighting their evolution as a band.
Robbie Williams and Jason Orange's absence from the documentary marks a significant shift in the band's narrative.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey of Take That has been marked by significant milestones:

1990: Take That is formed, initially marketed towards a gay audience.
1995: Robbie Williams leaves the band, leading to their disbandment a year later.
2005: The first documentary airs, reviving interest in the band and prompting their reunion.
2010: The band reconciles with Robbie Williams, releasing the album Progress.
2023: A new Netflix documentary is released as the band prepares for a summer stadium tour.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The new documentary showcases previously unseen footage and offers insights into the band's dynamics, particularly during their reunion and the subsequent years. It highlights how the members evolved in their roles within the band and their personal struggles, notably Barlow's reflections on his past behaviour towards his bandmates.

What was already established

Fans are likely familiar with the band's history of tension, Williams' departure, and the impact of their reunion. Many anecdotes and themes from the original documentary recur, including their struggles with fame and mental health, making some elements feel repetitive.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Take That's resurgence has significant cultural implications, as they remain a beloved band in the UK. Their new tour is expected to stimulate local economies, with fans travelling across the country to attend concerts, boosting hospitality and related sectors.

Businesses and jobs

The band’s tours and new releases generate substantial business for concert promoters, merchandise vendors, and local businesses. The demand for live music continues to grow, creating job opportunities across various sectors, from event management to hospitality.

Policy and regulation

The rise in live events post-pandemic has prompted discussions around safety regulations for large gatherings. As venues prepare for the influx of fans, compliance with health and safety standards remains a priority for the industry.

Numbers that matter

6 million: Viewers of the 2005 documentary, indicating the band's significant fanbase.
1 million: Fans expected to attend Take That's summer stadium tour.
30 arenas: The number of venues that were quickly sold out following their 2005 reunion.

Definitions and jargon buster

Documentary: A film or television programme that provides a factual report on a particular subject.
Reunion: When former members of a band come back together after a period of separation.
Stadium tour: A concert series that takes place in large outdoor venues or stadiums.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

With the documentary's release, fans can expect a surge in discussions about the band's legacy and potential new music. Anticipation will build as they prepare for their upcoming tour, generating excitement across social media.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the tour progresses, Take That may explore new creative directions, potentially releasing new music or collaborating with other artists. Their ongoing presence in the media will keep their legacy alive and may attract a new generation of fans.

Signals to watch

Ticket sales for their stadium tour.
Social media engagement and reactions to the documentary.
Any announcements regarding new music or collaborations.

Practical guidance

Do

Watch the new documentary for fresh insights into the band's journey.
Consider attending their upcoming concerts to experience their music live.
Engage with fellow fans on social media to share memories and excitement.

Don’t

Miss out on early ticket sales for the stadium tour.
Dismiss the band's impact on British pop culture.
Overlook the importance of their previous contributions to music and entertainment.

Checklist

Check your local listings for the documentary on Netflix.
Follow Take That on social media for updates on their tour.
Plan ahead for concert dates and travel arrangements.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the documentary attempts to provide new insights, its reliance on previously covered material raises questions about its depth. The absence of certain key members can also leave a gap in the narrative, limiting the perspectives shared about the band’s journey. As the music industry evolves, the band's future direction remains uncertain, particularly in the context of changing audience preferences and industry trends.

Bottom line

Take That's new documentary serves as a celebration of their journey, encapsulating their highs and lows while preparing for a promising summer tour. While it may lack some of the raw emotion of earlier works, it reinforces their status as an enduring force in UK music. As they continue to evolve, their ability to resonate with fans remains strong, proving that their story isn’t over yet.

FAQs

What is the focus of Take That's new documentary?

The documentary focuses on Take That's evolution as a band, their professional relationships, and the dynamics within the group, particularly following their reunion.

How does the new documentary differ from the 2005 version?

The new documentary is more polished and sanitised, focusing less on the chaotic aspects of their past and more on professional growth and interpersonal relationships.

What can fans expect from Take That's summer stadium tour?

Fans can expect a spectacular live experience with performances of their greatest hits, as well as potentially new music, as the band celebrates their continued success.