Winning Review: 15th November, Birmingham
Thanks to everyone who posted a review in the forum of Take That's gig in Birmingham on 15th November.
Here's one of our favourites, written by 26dee. Congratulations, a signed copy of the Beautiful World Tour Edition album will be in the post to you soon!
To read more reviews and add your own, click here.
My Take
So, where to begin?
I think everyone will remember that overwhelming feeling of joy last year as the music started and the infamous words ' You Want The Boys' were said, the butterflies in the stomach and then the amazing memories...
As I sat last night listening to SEB from Block 16, I don't mind admitting that I was a liiiitle bit anxious as to whether this would live up to last year's show extravaganza.
But then the lights dimmed, the music started and the crowd responded as only a Take That crowd could do!
I was sure that the stage would look less theatrical this year, however how wrong could I be!!
I won't give you a song by song rundown, I think you all know the setlist by now, I'm gonna give you my highlights and, if I'm correct it's the little things that the four boys do to make each show individual that you really want to know about!
Firstly my fav bits had to be Relight My Fire, this is funny because I never really liked the Devils/Horns thing before (sharp intake of breath as I wait for sharp objects to fly my way!), however I thought that this year's interpretation was pure genius, it was a full on kaleidoscope of music dance, colour, rhythm and fire! I also thought everything on the B stage was absolutely enchanting, the dancers throwing confetti from high above, Back For Good encompassing the audience, dad dancing and the fantastic new single!
I was also blown away with I'd Wait For Life which surprised me as it wasn't a song for which I had much affection for before however the jellyfish/underwater graphics and GB made that a magical, almost haunting experience.
I also loved the take on Give Good Feeling, no backflips or caterpillars but that did not matter, I loved the group dancing, especially the pulsing bit and the knee drop/arm circle.
So, for the individual touches that make each show special? Has to be Wooden Boat for me. An emotional, perhaps teary Jay sang the whole way through with his eyes shut, and, at the end, when he does the intro for GGF he could not for love nor money get a word in edgeways, the crowd made sure of that! After Jay got a fit of giggles, bless him, Mark shot out from underthe stage to tell him to get a flippin move on - the cheek, I'm sure all what 10000? of us could have watched him stand and giggle til Tuesday next week!!!!! After that Jay seemed really up for it, giving it 200%. Whilst I was nowhere near the walkthrough, again it was a special touch that I'm sure everyone who was close enough to appreciate will take away with them. In true Markie fashion, he was of course the last back to the stage, probably had a drink and a chat with you all down there!
I also loved to see Mark pulling the mic from Gary in classic fashion during Pray, just reiterates the camaraderie and affection they clearly feel for each other, it is this sort of magic they created that just draws you in. The crowd also seemed to be on top form last night, it really was a spine tingling show!
All in all, my expectations were far exceeded last night, perhaps as an older more appreciative fan than I was in the nineties, I can now appreciate that Take That really are world class showmen. Not an inch of the show is lacklustre, the enthusiasm they exude is phenomenal, and they engage the audience throughout. Not only did I hear great pop music last night, I was treated to a non stop, electrifying show of dance, music, colour, graphics, lasers, theatrics and everything in-between. As I seem to be the only fan in my circle of friends, I always take with me someone who has never seen TT live before, and last night was no exception. I am always proud when the lights come up and those people always, always say that it is the best thing they have ever seen. Am I surprised? No. Because it is the best show they have ever seen.
Should Take That Be Back For Good? Hell Yeah. And if they ever read this, please, please, please sign me up for next year!


