Gary Barlow feared Take That would never tour again.
The Patience group returned this year touring their latest album, This Life, on This Life On Tour, which took them to the UK, Ireland, Europe and Australia, but at one point the 53-year-old songwriter said he feared they would never return to the stage.
He told Heat magazine: “We're all relieved. [to be back on tour]There was definitely a moment about three or four years ago when I wondered, “Will I ever get back on stage again?”
“So it's a real relief to be back on the road. We've been really ambitious and I'm really proud that we've been able to play this many shows. It's been amazing so far.”
Bandmate Mark Owen added that they were all incredibly proud of how their live show has evolved over the years.
He told the magazine, “Touring brings us all together… The creative process of being on the road is something we really enjoy and something we take great pride in…
“As time went on, we started to see ourselves as a brand. We started looking for new ways to express ourselves because we can't turn our heads anymore. We're too old! The great thing about being in Take That for 35 years is how much we've grown as a band in that time.”
Gary had previously admitted he was keen to incorporate virtual reality into his concerts after seeing U2's groundbreaking show at the Sphere in Las Vegas, which features 160,000 square feet of LED screens around the perimeter of the venue.
Gary told the Sunday Mirror of seeing U2: “18,000 people gasped when the screens lit up. Things like the sphere, headsets and VR will take our music further.”
“Imagine coming to one of our shows and everyone's wearing goggles… I think that's where the improvement will come from.”
“We've been listening to music for a long time, and we've had videos made to go with the music. What's next? I think the experience is going to get bigger.”