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Robbie 'ready to get back' with Take That
By Georgina Littlejohn, London Lite 07.12.07
Reunion hint: Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams is poised for a dramatic return to Take That, according to his mother, who called it "something he wanted".
Williams, 33, left the group in 1995 blaming frayed relationships with bandmates Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, Jason Orange and Howard Donald. He then snubbed the group last year when they reformed.
But Williams's mother, Jan, believes a full Take That reunion will happen. She said: "On the question of him doing something with them, I feel that will happen. It would be something he wanted to do.
"I'm thrilled that out of all the negative stuff that happened, there's now something great happening. Take That were excellent when they were all together and they are excellent now."
Take That have had two No1 singles and a No1 album since they reunited, while Williams's last album, Rudebox, flopped. This week Williams apologised to the group's ex- manager and agreed to pay undisclosed damages over an allegation he made about him in a song on Rudebox.
Last month, Take That's Jason Orange also hinted at a reunion with Robbie, saying: "It's inevitable."
Reader views (11)
I really hope this doesn't happen. Take That have reformed, performed brilliantly and released some fabulous new songs - all wihout the 'help' of the immature, bitter Robbie Williams. In my opinion, he now realises that his fame is rapidly heading downhill and needs a bandwagon to jump on. I hope Take That don't even entertain the idea. He doesn't deserve the chance and they certainly do not need him.
- Pandora, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
Robbie is a talentless gimmic novelty act. Without his songwriter he's doomed.
He didn't crack the US. Who says Americans have no taste!
- Al Stuart, Ealing
This has been repeatedly denied by Mr William's spokesmen and Take That, that Mr Williams has any intention of re-joining this group. Mr Williams is a very successful solo artist all over the world. He is actually, at the moment in the process of creating a new album with Mr Mark Ronson, and Lesley Garrett among others. Over the last year or so (about the time Take That reformed) the press in England have been repeatedly trying to paint the picture that Mr Williams is a failure. In 2006, he completed a very successful 9-month world tour, where he performed to over 3.5 million people; and he has sold roughly 10 million album in that year (approx 3 times as many as Take That); and the list of achievements go on. I am not trying to take any credit away from Take That, they also have had a successful year, but please let's put this all into perpective. On a personal level, I agree Mr Williams has not been so successful, he has had problems with his health in the last year, but does appear to be trying hard to correct this.
At the moment, it appears to be the trend/ fashion for the public to crave negative stories about successful individuals.
- Joan E, London
The genius behind Robbie Williams' solo career was in fact Guy Chambers. Since the split I'm struggling to think of a 'memorable' Robbie track. Sad but true.
- Marianne, SW France
He is half-witted.
- Denise, Toronto, Canada
I think Robbie should stay a solo artist. Take That are great and I too think it would be spoilt having him return. Maybe for the odd occasion but nothing else
- Stephanie, London
David/Jonathan, I couldn't agree more. The other 4 members of Take That were the ones who took the risk to come back to the music industry, and it paid off for them. For Robbie to rejoin them now would take away some of that magic, and too much attention would be focused on him instead of the other 4 lads who thoroughly deserve their success the 2nd time round.
- Ak, Fulham, London
Would Robbie like to be on stage playing second fiddle to Gary Barlow, in effect being part of his backing band.
Dancing away and humming some melodies. And to be honest I can't see Gary being happy with Robbie doing his own thing with the audiences as he does now days.
If he does re-join it won't last. Maybe they should just do a one-off
- Frank Ryan, Woodford, Essex
Though I do feel sorry for Robbie (it must be very lonely being such a famous person without the support of true friends) I hope Robbie doesn't re-join Take That for anything more than the odd concert: his ego is just too big and he would throw what TT now have off-kilter. They don't need him, he needs them. I get the impression he thought their reformation would be a flop and now he's the flop he wants to jump on the band wagon.
Also, someone needs to tell Robbie that he needs to show his teeth when he smiles, otherwise he looks rather half-witted.
- Angela, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK
Is he trying to revive his flagging career now that take that have made an impressive return. I think it would be a bad idea to let him rejoin them though as it would be billed more as a Robbie Williams concert.
- David Kitemaker-Hall, London, UK
Why would the other four members of Take That want him to rejoin the band? They are doing very nicely without Robbie Williams - they don't need him. It seems that he needs them, but why should they care? Robbie Williams isn't their problem anymore.
- Jonathan, Osaka, Japan
