Gary Barlow gives fans a night they’ll ‘never forget’

Granted, those in the audience who were original Take That fans may now be edging into their 30s and 40s, but that didn’t stop them from letting their inner teenager out in the presence of the Take That star.

Complete with all the hits from the band, as well as the X Factor judge’s solo career, and a few surprises for good measure, the star went down a storm as he performed solo in Belfast for the first time in 14 years.

Fans were on their feet as Barlow arrived on stage, looking suave in a sharp suit and opening the show - which sold out in mere minutes - with Take That hit Greatest Day.

Promising fans that “Tonight is going to be a good night,” Barlow ensured that it was with an almost two hour show.

“Do we have any original Take That fans in tonight?” he asked, receiving a roar in answer from the crowd.

“Any of you call the helplines when we broke up?” he continued, to more cheers.

“You should be ashamed of yourself,” he laughed.

And that was the theme for night as the humble star held an easy rapport with the audience, drawing laughs and making it a night to remember. He also took time to thank people for going to the expense of buying tickets and paying for parking etc to get there, which sets him apart from so many artists out there.

Launching into Open Road, the title track from his debut solo album, the night continued with Take That classics A Million Love Songs and Pray, before he performed ‘Like I Never Loved You At All’, a track from Take That’s Beautiful World album, where he duetted with his support act Nell Bryden, a New York native who is a wonderful talent.

No Gary Barlow show would be complete without seeing him behind the piano, and a fantastic medley didn’t disappoint as he performed I’d Wait For Life, Love Ain’t Here Anymore - complete with crowd singalong and a special performance from the males in the audience - Lie To Me, Why Can’t I Wake Up With You and Barlow’s fabulous solo hit, the beautiful Forever Love.

A big band medley of I’ve Got You Under My Skin and Moondance followed, before the first part of the set was wrapped up with Sing, Barlow’s number one song written especially for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee last year.

The twenty minute break went by in the blink of an eye as the excited crowd chattered, and they were delighted to welcome Barlow back as he launched into old Take That album tracks, Sunday to Saturday and Wasting My Time, before bringing things more up to date with The Flood, Patience and fan favourite, Back For Good.

The crowd were on their feet as the show came toward an end, as Barlow turned up with heat with Relight My Fire and Shine, as well as throwing in a surprise performance of band mate Robbie Williams’ recent hit Candy, which was co written by Barlow.

Welcoming the Halleluia Gospel Choir to the stage, Barlow announced he was wrapping up the night, much to the disappointment of fans, who were pleased to hear that if they cheered loudly enough, he had rehearsed another song. There was never any danger of the Belfast crowd not cheering loudly as Barlow launched into the huge Take That hit Rule The World, before he duly returned to the stage for a grand finale of Never Forget, to complete a night fans certainly will never forget.

[email protected]