Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Better Man!
Better Man intricately delves into Robbie Williams’ tenure with the iconic British boy band, Take That. While Robbie Williams has carved a significant solo career, his musical journey commenced as a member of Take That, part of the quintet for several years. The film illustrates his exit from the band, yet Take That’s saga encompasses much more than what is depicted in Better Man.
This unique musical biopic unfolds the largely true narrative of Williams’ life, presenting a distinctive twist: the protagonist is portrayed by a CGI monkey. While this anthropomorphic representation is entirely thematic, it cleverly mirrors the narrative without direct reference from other characters. Even as a monkey, Williams’ character does not miss a beat in achieving success, with his foundational triumphs stemming from his involvement with Take That. Following his departure, however, the band’s journey continued in unexpected ways.
Take That Disbanded Within a Year After Robbie Williams’ Exit
An Abrupt End to a Legacy
Better Man captures the essence of Take That leading up to Robbie Williams’ departure, portraying his choice in a fairly realistic light. The film highlights his escalating struggle with substance abuse, which culminated in a near-fatal overdose prior to a 1994 performance. As a result, by June 1995, the remaining members of Take That confronted Williams with a crucial ultimatum: either seek help and embrace responsibility, or forfeit his place in the band. Ultimately, Williams chose the latter just before the launch of their world tour and following their third album, Nobody Else.
Following his exit, Take That continued as a four-member ensemble, pushing forward with performances and completing the Nobody Else Tour later that same year. However, this venture marked the beginning of the end for the group, as they soon recognized that the time had come to disband.
In February 1996, the band officially announced their breakup. While they had additional songs ready for release, along with a greatest hits compilation, the news sent shockwaves through their fanbase. The film illustrates the extent of fan devastation, with reports of threats of suicide following the announcement. Despite this emotional fallout, the band remained apart for almost a decade.
Take That Made a Comeback in 2005 Without Robbie Williams
The Surprising Reunion
In 2005, nearly a decade post-breakup, Take That made headlines once again. The release of Never Forget – The Ultimate Collection served as a catalyst, sparking renewed interest in the band. This surge led to a documentary, Take That: For the Record, broadcast on ITV1 in November, welcoming back the remaining four members for their first reunion.
In November 2005, they announced a concert tour for the following year, dubbed The Ultimate Tour, running from April to June 2006. This reunion ignited a resurgence in their popularity, with several renowned artists joining them throughout the tour. By May 2006, the newly formed group signed a deal with Polydor Records, setting the stage for new music releases. Their comeback album, Beautiful World, dropped in 2006 — their first release in 11 years after Nobody Else.
The reformed Take That made strides with Beautiful World, allowing each member to take the lead on vocals and contributing to songwriting. They followed up with a welcoming response during tours, appearances on shows like The X Factor, and the release of their fifth studio album, The Circus, in 2008. Their success was unparalleled through the subsequent years, but the momentum shifted in 2010.
Robbie Williams Rejoined Take That in 2010
The Unexpected Return
In a surprising turn of events in 2010, Robbie Williams announced he would be rejoining Take That. Following his exit in 1995, many fans were taken aback by this reunion. Williams collaborated with the band on new material, leading to the release of their sixth studio album, Progress, which achieved remarkable success, selling 235, 000 copies within the first day — the fastest-selling album of the century at that time. This was followed by the Progress Live tour, solidifying their resurgent status as a supergroup.
Take That then performed at prominent events, including the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Summer Olympics, marking their last performance as a five-member unit at the Music Industry Trust Awards in November 2012, where they performed “Never Forget.” Shortly after, with the birth of his second child, Williams stepped back, making no further contributions to the band’s subsequent albums. Nevertheless, he has collaborated sporadically with former bandmates since his second departure.
Take That Remains Active Today, Operating with a Three-Person Lineup
A New Chapter for the Band
Currently, as of October 2023, Take That continues to be an active entity within the music industry, albeit with a reduced lineup. The dynamics shifted further when Jason Orange departed from the group in September 2014, leaving the remaining members to function as a trio.
The first single released as a three-piece, “These Days, ” marked a new chapter for the band, which has since continued to produce music and maintain a robust performing schedule. Despite the absence of Williams and Orange, Take That’s popularity and influence persist. Recent announcements, such as Netflix’s undertaking of a behind-the-scenes documentary about the band, indicate that stories about Take That’s legacy, including those featured in Better Man, will continue to resonate with audiences.
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