Gary Barlow reflects on his tumultuous career in new Netflix documentary
In a new Netflix documentary about the rise and fall – and rise again – of Take That, Gary Barlow is introspective about the post-boy band kicking he got from the public, reports BritPanorama.
The documentary reveals Barlow’s complex history, where he acknowledges that he could be “thick-skinned and annoying” during Take That’s peak in the 90s. Notably, he describes himself as competitive and conceited, particularly in relation to his dismissal of Robbie Williams’ creative input, despite achieving eight number one hits as a songwriter. This three-part series delves into the history of Britain’s prominent boy band and their dynamics.
As the narrative unfolds in the second episode, which chronicles the band’s acrimonious split and the rivalry between Barlow and Williams, the former becomes a figure of national ridicule. This rediscovery of his career’s downturn is poignantly illustrated through footage documenting his public failure.
While various recent autobiographical works have recounted Take That’s story, this documentary’s portrayal of their decline adds another layer to the narrative. Both Williams and Take That have previously toured and relayed their experiences in different formats, including Williams’ own Netflix documentary and Barlow’s one-man show inspired by his 2018 autobiography. The BBC’s documentary Boybands Forever provides a more in-depth analysis of some aspects, particularly the feud between Williams and their manager, though neither are interviewed in this new documentary.
The scrutiny Barlow faced appears relentless; Williams notably capitalized on the opportunity to mock Barlow during a public appearance, reinforcing the brutal nature of celebrity culture. An interview from 1996 resurfaced, showcasing Barlow’s initial dismissiveness toward Williams’ potential for solo success and highlighting the rivalry that characterized their relationship.
This public spectacle escalated to the point where Barlow’s struggles became fodder for entertainment outlets, with various personalities notably lampooning his failures. The documentary brings to light moments from the 2005 Brit Awards, where prominent comedians harshly impersonated Barlow, delivering stinging commentary that emphasized his misfortunes.
Barlow candidly reflects on his decline, revealing the emotional toll it took on him, including battling bulimia and withdrawing from public life for an extended period. He admits the situation left him feeling isolated and desperate, leading him to a point where he sought to distance himself from his pop star identity.
His creative struggles were profound, as he described feeling blocked and unable to engage with his music, equating the piano to an adversary rather than a tool for expression. This period marked a significant downturn for a once-celebrated songwriter, dragging him into a dismal phase of his career.
When the band reformed in 2005, following a successful documentary that reignited their popularity, Barlow came to a pivotal realization about the importance of his bandmates. He viewed this resurgence as a new beginning, leading him to embrace their collaborative spirit.
The day after their documentary aired, Barlow, disguised to escape public recognition, received news that it had achieved record viewership. This moment signaled a turning point for him, enabling him to reclaim his identity positively.
Take That is streaming on Netflix.
