Take That Extravaganza at BST Hyde Park

Take That Extravaganza at BST Hyde Park: A magical night of Pop music

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Published on Sunday, 02 July 2023 08:46

Last Updated on 02 July 2023

Monica Costa

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Last night – 1st July 2023, I had the opportunity to attend the Take That gig at BST Hyde Park. It was the third time for me, recalling their gigs in 2012 with Robbie Williams, 2016 at BST, and now. The anticipation was palpable as the trio, formed by Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald, took the stage, accompanied by a highly skilled band and dancers. Special guests Lulu and Calum Scott also made appearances throughout the evening. With a sold-out crowd of 65,000 eager fans, the atmosphere was electric, and I knew I was in for a night to remember.

Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen of Take That perform on stage during Day 5 of American Express Presents BST Hyde Park on 1 July 1, 2023 in London. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

The familiar opening notes of “The Flood” filled the air, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Take That burst onto the stage, exuding an energy that was infectious. Gary Barlow addressed the crowd, setting the tone for a night of sing-along and dance moves.

The trio delved into their extensive catalogue of hits, and the crowd sang their hearts out with every word. From “These Days” to “Could It Be Magic” and “Shine,” the set-list was packed with one hit after another, taking us on a nostalgic journey through their 33-year career.

A standout moment came when Calum Scott joined Take That on stage for their recent release, a remake of “Greatest Day.” The combination of their voices created a magical harmony that sent chills down my spine. The emotions continued to flow as Calum Scott performed a piano-led rendition of his own track, “Dancing On My Own,” showcasing his raw talent and captivating the audience.

Amidst the high-energy performances, Take That also took the time to strip things back and deliver heartfelt ballads. With just a piano and Musical Director Mike Stevens on the saxophone, they performed “A Million Love Songs” at the end of the walkway, creating an intimate moment with the fans. Tears flowed freely as the lyrics washed over me, evoking memories and emotions tied to those beautiful songs.

The crowd erupted as the band returned to the main stage, ready to unleash a string of fan favourites. “Pray,” complete with its iconic dance moves, brought a surge of nostalgia, followed by the timeless ballad “Back For Good.” Each note was sung with such sincerity that it felt like a personal serenade to every individual in the audience. The night reached its emotional peak with “Said It All,” leaving us all moved and grateful to be a part of such a special performance.

As darkness fell upon Hyde Park, the stage transformed into a spectacle of lights and colours. The 40 dancers who joined Take That on stage showcased their incredible talent during a cover of Sigma’s “Cry,” filling the park with a sense of joy and celebration. Then, right on cue, ’60s pop icon Lulu made her appearance for the iconic sing-your-heart-out moment during the 1993 classic, “Relight My Fire.” The crowd was ecstatic, and Lulu’s energy was infectious.

The grand finale was nothing short of spectacular. With an array of fireworks lighting up the sky, Take That closed the night with “Never Forget” and “Rule The World.” The crowd roared with enthusiasm, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unity and gratitude for the magical performance we had just witnessed.

Throughout the gig, I found myself completely immersed in the music, singing my heart out, dancing alongside the friendly crowd, and shedding a few tears during the emotional moments. Take That’s ability to create such a strong connection with their fans is truly remarkable. Their music transcends time and continues to touch the hearts of people from different generations.

I also want to express my appreciation for the supporting acts. The Script delivered a powerful and heartfelt performance, paying tribute to their late band member, Mark Sheehan. During the performance, lead singer Danny O’Donoghue asked a fan to hand him her mobile phone and called her ex-boyfriend embarassing him by singing a break-up song and making the audience interact. It was really a fun stunt.

It was a night filled with joy, nostalgia, and a profound appreciation for the power of music. As I left the park, I couldn’t help but keep singing ‘Rule the World’ along with thousands of happy fans. Take That’s music will forever hold a special place in my heart, and this gig will remain etched in my memory as a testament to the timeless power of pop music.

If anything, I would have liked the gig to last three hours instead of one hour and a half. Spoilt by Guns ’n’ Roses who played uninterruptedly for three hours the night before, I was hoping for the band to be more generous with their time to the fans. But everyone seemed to be happy nevertheless.