Mark Owen has admitted that despite more than three decades in the spotlight, he still worries that Take That “could end tomorrow”.
The band – now made up of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen – have weathered dramatic highs and painful departures since forming in Manchester in 1990. And while they remain one of Britain and Ireland’s most successful pop acts, Owen says there is always an awareness that nothing lasts forever.
Mark Owen worries Take That “could end tomorrow”.
@remyh98 Take That o2 arena #takethat #thislife #o2 #o2arena @Take That ♬ original sound - rem !
Despite two members quitting the band, Take That have remained one of the busiest groups in the music business, but this doesn't mean they don't worry about their future.
“I think Rob and Jason made brave decisions,” Mark said, adding: “We still think it could end tomorrow and we go back to the day job.”
The comments reflect the band’s turbulent history. Robbie Williams famously quit the group in 1995 at the height of their fame, just months before they initially split in 1996. At the time, Take That were dominating the charts with hits like Back for Good, Pray, and Relight My Fire, and were selling out arenas across Europe. Robbie’s departure marked the beginning of the end of their first era.
However, one thing the band could never have anticipated was Robbie not returning until 2010. Instead, the band thought that he would make a swift return to the group.
“We thought Robbie was going to be back, we never knew it was for good really,” Howard said, before continuing: “Robbie was a young boy when he left and you didn't think about where his head was at.”
@bbcradio2 “At some point, it’s gonna happen” 👀 The Take That boys reveal all about a potential return for Robbie | Catch up on Breakfast, just head to BBC Sounds! @scottmills #takethat #garybarlow #robbiewilliams ♬ original sound - BBC Radio 2
When Take That reunited in 2005 as a four-piece – without Robbie – many questioned whether they could recapture their former success. Instead, they launched one of the most successful comeback stories in British pop history. Albums like Beautiful World and The Circus topped charts, and stadium tours sold out within minutes. Robbie eventually rejoined for the Progress album in 2010, creating a frenzy among fans, but left again shortly afterwards to resume his solo career.
Another significant blow came in 2014 when Jason Orange announced he was stepping away from the spotlight entirely.
“Losing Jason was a tough time for the three of us... Even though I knew it was coming. I feel like he'd had enough of the fame and being recognised,” Howard admitted.
Since then, the trio have continued to tour and release music, including their most recent projects and large-scale live shows that prove their enduring appeal.
Name a more iconic opening to a show 🎈We can't wait to relive this moment with you all.
And despite their schedules being jam-packed in their heyday, Howard admits he’d love to go back in time – briefly.
“I would love the chance to go back to 1993 for a week, but that's as much as I would want to do. It was just a bit of a blur...
“As much as we enjoyed each other's company we also got on each others nerves. I used to pretend I was going home to see my Mum when, in fact, I was going home to see my girlfriend.”
Their reflections reveal a band that, while grateful for longevity, remains realistic about its fragility. After breakups, reunions, and reinventions, Take That have learned that pop success can be fleeting.
For now, though, the trio are still standing – even if, as Mark says, they know it could all change tomorrow.
