Life After Robbie: The Journey of Take That

Hitting the High Notes: A Journey Beyond "Better Man"

Spoilers Ahead: Robbie Unveiled

Warning: This article delves into spoilers for "Better Man." Buckle up as we explore the wild ride from boy band beginnings to solo stardom. Robbie Williams, the unmistakable symbol of British pop royalty, kickstarted his journey in the iconic five-member ensemble, Take That. Audiences of "Better Man" get a peek into the band’s exhilarating early days and Robbie’s eventual departure. But what happened to Take That when their star walked away?

A Cinematic Twist

"Better Man" isn’t your typical biopic. This tale of Robbie Williams comes with an unexpected twist—Robbie portrayed by a CGI monkey. It’s an odd choice, yet fitting, painting a thematic picture of his career. Robbie Williams, the anthropomorphic marvel, steals the spotlight, triumphing over the odds. The boy band Take That laid the foundation for his towering career. However, many fans are left wondering—what became of the band after Robbie made his exit?

They Didn’t Last Long

In a dramatic turn of events, Take That folded less than a year after Robbie’s departure. "Better Man" paints a gripping picture of Robbie’s struggles. The pressures mounted, leading to an ultimatum from the band in June 1995. Robbie, grappling with substance issues, faced a pivotal decision: shape up or ship out. Choosing the latter, Robbie parted ways with Take That just as they were gearing up for a global tour.

Their third studio album, "Nobody Else," dropped in 1995, just before the storm hit. They soldiered on as a quartet, releasing tracks and completing the Nobody Else Tour. But the finish line loomed, announcing their breakup in February 1996. The disbanding wasn’t without drama—devastated fans reportedly threatened drastic actions. Yet, the band remained out of the limelight for almost a decade.

Resurgence Without Robbie

Nearly a decade later, Take That emerged from the shadows. When they released a compilation album in 2005, interest skyrocketed. This renewed vigour culminated in the ITV1 documentary "Take That: For the Record." Robbie remained absent but the remaining members regrouped. Take That announced a tour that rolled out the hits from April to June 2006. This reconnection led them to sign with Polydor Records in May 2006. Their comeback album "Beautiful World" revitalized their legacy, breaking an 11-year album drought.

During this period, Take That went through an artistic transformation. Each member got a chance to shine, contributing lead vocals and co-writing credits. Momentum built as their fifth studio album, "The Circus," arrived in 2008. Performances at The X Factor and numerous tours sustained their rejuvenated success.

After Over A Decade Gone

A stunning revelation hit in 2010. Robbie rejoined Take That after over a decade away. Their reunion breathed life into the album "Progress," setting records as the fastest-selling album of the century. The tour, Progress Live, swept the world, catapulting the band’s fame anew. They performed at London’s 2012 Olympics, marking a triumphant chapter in music history.

"Never Forget," their farewell as a quintet, echoed at the Music Industry Trust Awards. Robbie shifted focus back to family and solo projects after the event. Yet, the mark he’d left on band and fans alike remains indelible.

Only Three Original Members Remain

Flashing forward to our present day, Take That still stands, albeit with a smaller ensemble. After Robbie bowed out again, the remaining quartet carried on. However, Jason Orange exited in 2014. Despite whittling down to a trio, the essence of Take That roared on. They dropped "These Days" as a testament to resilience. Songs flowed, albums blossomed, and their appeal as a trio endured.

The band’s journey continues, evolving yet retaining the heartbeat of its origin. Although neither Robbie nor Jason has returned, whispers of their saga resonate. In August 2024, Netflix teased us with a behind-the-scenes documentary, diving deep into Take That’s captivating story. Thankfully, Robbie Williams’ "Better Man" is just the start of retelling this legendary narrative.

The spirit of Take That proves that while the lineup may shift, true talent never fades.