Nothing lasts forever
(why Robbie had to leave TT...)
Robbie joined Take That when he was just 16. When it all ended he was only 21, and though
the youngest member of the band, in many ways he was the most grown-up. Robbie saw how free
and easy the lifestyle of rock star mates like Oasis were, and he envied them.
Take That were always bound by strict rules about partying, about dating, about
everyting important to any red-blooded young man with a mind of his own.
It was an artificial existence and in the end Robbie just could not take it anymore.
He couldn't live a lie. He was no goody-two-shoes.
But people who slagged Robbie off
after he was no longer a member of the band, saying he didn't care about the fans, were
absolutely wrong. His mum will confirm he cried his eyes out afterwards because
he was so upset at the way things had turned out: for the fans, for the band, and for
himself. For months he was numb with shock. And yes, he also felt a bit bitter.
If we're going to be honest, we've got to accept that Take That were really the
Gary Barlow band. Gary was the kingpin, he wrote the songs, decided musical policy, and
was always targeted for an eventual solo career.
Now nobody denies Gary is a good songwriter.
He is a talented bloke, disciplined and ambitious, who works hard and deserves all his solo
success. But Robbie just got fed-up living in his shadow. Is that so very awful?
Robbie is a very honest guy. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He's sometimes outspoken,
sometimes emotional, but always sincere. Now that all the fuss has died down he admits
he could have handled things better, but still insists he didn't leave, he was sacked.
For Robbie that era of his life is over. He prefers to remember the happy times
being in Britain's top band, particularly the love and affection showered on him
by the fans. And now he has the precious gift fo freedom he says he's going to use it
to show what he can really fo musically, to "prove that I can be successful on my
own." Industry insiders who've heard some of the songs he's written for his debut album
are raving about them. They predict a huge career for him as a solo artist. They
will tell you that with Robbie, the best is yet to come!
November 1996...
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