Ross King: Everything changes for Take That – 30 years on they’re bigger, better and more spectacular

What a night! Last week I got the chance to see my old pals Take That in action on their 30th Anniversary tour.

It was called Odyssey, and it arrived at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Thursday for three nights.

Can you believe it’s been three decades since the guys burst on to the scene?

I was there when they appeared, looking like the bunch of fresh-faced lads they were.

“That means the first time round I must have been about nine,” joked Gary Barlow when I spoke to him last week ahead of the historic gigs.

I think that would make Mark a foetus!

“I have to say that this is special, Ross. It isn’t just another tour for us, it’s a celebration.

“And it’s not just a celebration for us, it’s a celebration for everyone who’s here.

“This is like, the record is done, here’s the live show.”

And what a show it is – it’s a proper spectacle.

No one really does shows like this anymore, except maybe The Rolling Stones.

Which is good because I think the Take That lads are older than the Stones these days!

“I actually don’t get it,” said Gary. “To be doing the amount of shows and playing the size of places we’ve been playing is amazing.

“Howard says this is our way of giving back to the audience.”

“They might not turn up,” quipped Mark.

He was wrong, though – I can exclusively reveal that the crowds did indeed appear!

Since Take That returned from their split, Mark revealed the group have enjoyed being creative and helping develop the live shows.

“It’s important for us to get involved with the crowd,” he said. “Since we came back for the second time we’ve got more involved with the creative aspects of shows.

“You grow with the show, and the show grows with you.

“We’re playing 27 songs on the show – it’s the longest one we’ve done.”

It’s like a Ken Dodd gig. I’m surprised they didn’t turn the lights on to get the lads to leave!

“If you look under every seat, there’s a sleeping bag,” said Howard.

Gary told me there are 84 trucks for the tour – more than enough to carry all the equipment needed for the spectacular concert.

“Rather than just walking on and singing songs, it’s like a workout.

“There are six costume changes, we’ve got dancers, the Take That band are up there. It keeps you on your toes.

“You’ve got to look after yourself on the road.”

It’s amazing to think that Take That once split up, seemingly for good.

But wouldn’t it have been better for them to just announce a break?

“If I could change so many things, I would,” said Gary.

“But we’re here now. We’re happy and healthy.

“Whether we got anything right or wrong…we’re here now.

“Listen and learn, Ross King!”

I’ll bear that in mind, Gary!

Join me next week when I’ll be speaking to my favourite Take That collaborator – and Duke’s Street’s favourite daughter – Lulu!

She’ll be talking about her experience of being with Take That on their current tour.