Take That back for good with new album

Last updated at 08:40 10 May 2006


Reunited boy band Take That will record a new album after their successful comeback tour.

The studio record will be their first for more than 10 years and should reach the music store shelves this autumn.

It comes as the group continue a 32-date tour that will eventually see them play to more than 500,000 fans.

The new material is expected to be snapped up by thousands of fans familiar with hits including Relight My Fire, Back For Good and Could It Be Magic.

Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen are sharing songwriting duties on the album, which will be the group's fourth.

But it will not feature former member Robbie Williams who has gone on to become one of the biggest solo stars in music.

Owen said: "We've been completely amazed by the reaction to the tour, the audiences have been incredible.

"It's great for us all to be writing together for the first time. We really want to make a great record, the best record we've ever made."

The news is the latest episode in a remarkable story that saw the group sell 25million records after forming in 1991.

Eight number ones

They became the most commercially successful group since The Beatles and notched up eight number one singles, says Polydor.

When they split in 1996, following a rift between Williams and his other bandmates, The Samaritans set up a helpline to console distraught fans.

Many in the music business could hardly believe their ears last November when the foursome announced they would reform for a comeback tour.

But the group's gamble has paid off as the tour was extended twice because of demand, while dates in Manchester, London, and Birmingham quickly sold out.

Lucian Grainge, of Universal Music Group, said: "I like hit songs performed by real artists. From what the band have played me, there's no way anyone will be disappointed with what the future holds for them."

Polydor co-president David Joseph said: "Now Take That are back it's clear how far ahead they have always been in terms of the quality of their songs, performance and sheer charisma.

"When we met them it quickly became clear their best songs and albums are yet to come."

The group have also signed a deal with Polydor Records to record a live documentary DVD that charts their current tour.

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