Take That vs Robbie Williams vs Gary Barlow vs Mark Owen (rated by Total Tracks Played)

Take That's Strategic Split & Reunion

Take That's story is unique among band breakups - they experienced both a dramatic collapse and one of pop music's most successful reunions. The original five-piece disbanded in 1996 following Robbie Williams' acrimonious departure in 1995, which had destabilized the group's dynamic and commercial prospects.

The Original Breakup (1996):

After Robbie Williams left amid creative differences and personal tensions, the remaining four members struggled to maintain their momentum. Gary Barlow's dominance as the primary songwriter had already created internal friction, and Williams' departure exposed these underlying issues. The band officially split, citing exhaustion and desire to pursue individual projects.

Solo Careers:

Robbie Williams became one of the UK's biggest solo stars, achieving massive success with hits like "Angels," "Let Me Entertain You," and "Rock DJ." His solo career allowed him to explore a more mature, rock-influenced sound and showcase his charismatic stage presence without the constraints of the boy band format. He became known for his cocky persona and entertainment value, often outselling his former bandmates.

Gary Barlow had initial solo success but struggled commercially through the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, he later became a successful songwriter and producer for other artists, and found renewed fame as a television talent show judge. His songwriting skills, which had driven Take That's original success, flourished in his behind-the-scenes work.

Mark Owen released solo albums with modest success, exploring a more alternative, indie-influenced sound that differed significantly from Take That's pop approach.

The Reunion Success:

Take That reformed without Robbie in 2005, achieving even greater success than their original incarnation with albums like "Beautiful World." Robbie briefly rejoined for one album ("Progress" in 2010) before leaving again, but the band continued as a trio/quartet, proving their enduring appeal.

The breakup allowed each member to explore their individual artistic identities before finding a more mature, collaborative dynamic in their later reunion years.

Genre breakdown

9.4bn all-time streams (28 May '26)

6.9bn all-time streams (26 May '26)

1.4bn all-time streams (30 May '26)

1.2bn all-time streams (31 May '26)