Take That’s mini two-day residency at the national stadium had them overcome with World Cup fever.
For the band launched into a ‘No Scotland, No Party’ chant at Hampden Park minutes into their two-hour show on Friday night – much to the delight of their Scottish fans.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
Heartthrob Mark Owen smiled from ear to ear with a hint of his famous dimples as the 54-year-old then asked the crowd, “Are you excited about the World Cup?”
And the deafening screams proved the band couldn’t be anywhere else but Glasgow.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
The weird and wonderful performers of the circus used a bouquet of balloons to enchant fans before revealing the band – including Howard Donald and Gary Barlow – for Greatest Day.
This tour wasn’t the only thing coming back from Take That’s archives, however, as they then delved into that famous nineties choreography for Could It Be Magic and Pray – and the boys proved they still have the moves.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
Fake rain – not that it was needed – soaked the stage for Back For Good as Take That mirrored the mood of the original music video for their live performance of the song.
Seventeen years ago, Take That first brought The Circus Live to Hampden Park.
Back then, they were much younger and had the support of former member Jason Orange.
I saw that show and was blown away by the originality.
Why? I saw the unexpected. Pop bands always had a format when it came to putting on a concert, but Take That reinvented the wheel by fusing the magic of the circus into their performance, creating a live experience like no other.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
Tightrope walkers, fire eaters, clowns and a mechanical elephant left the audience in awe. It’s theatrical, entertaining and a bonus because, let’s face it, Take That’s music is strong enough to merit the boys standing on stage singing without the razzmatazz. But they go the extra mile for the fans because they love to push boundaries and put on a good show.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
The magic continued when the trio transformed into clowns during What Is Love, before taking their comical roles seriously for a medley of the songs that kicked off their careers, including Do What U Like and It Only Takes A Minute. The moment proved to be hilarious as Donald showed off his prowess by riding a unicycle from the main stage to B-stage while Owen failed miserably.
Their stamina, despite the passage of time, is impressive given they still attempt these stunts.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
A marching band then brought a new beat to Never Forget as the drummers banged in sync with Donald’s vocals before Patience had fans singing in unison.
Relight My Fire was the moment to remember, with a mechanical gothic ringmaster opening the way for the incredible Zoe Birkett to sing the female vocals on the track, which originally featured Scottish star Lulu.
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 29: (L-R) Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald of Take That perform live on stage during the (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Take That)
Hold Up a Light and Rule the World finished the set in style with a spectacular fireworks display before Donald addressed fans, saying, “Always the best crowd,” and Barlow added, “We had the best night.”
