Has Ashton Gate ever looked this majestic? Bathed in the glow of thousands of phone torches, with fireworks painting the night sky, and one of Britain’s most seminal pop bands of the last half-century delivering their final notes, the scene was nothing short of spectacular.
Four hours earlier, the streets around Ashton Gate Stadium were alive with anticipation. Street traders hawking Take That merchandise were doing brisk business, while artists adorned revelers with bespoke glitter face paintings. Groups of fans lounged on every available patch of ground, basking in the late afternoon sun. By 6 PM, the stadium was teeming with life both inside and out, as bars and food vendors in the fans’ village thrived in the vibrant atmosphere. Ashton Gate Stadium clearly knows how to host a celebration.
Inside the stadium, the sense of occasion only intensified. The monumental stage loomed over the expanse that usually serves as the pitch, a testament to the scale of the event. The sellout crowd, predominantly female, was a clear sign that Take That was in town. Faces brimming with anticipation and adorned with makeshift flags and homemade placards, fans added final touches to their declarations of undying love for the idols of their youth.
As the anticipation peaked, a cascade of confetti erupted from the stage, parting to reveal three silhouettes. The deafening roar that greeted Gary, Mark, and Howard as they stepped into the light signaled the start of an epic evening of Take That nostalgia. Charting the band’s history from its inception to the present day, the show reminded us that they have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Supporting their 2023 album “This Life,” the trio ignited the stage from the outset. Despite joking about their less nimble legs, Gary’s playful admission endeared him to the audience as he bounded around the stage and up the towering staircase that served as the centerpiece. The trio’s showmanship and genuine connection with the crowd were undeniable, as they delivered a set spanning nine albums and showcased solo moments with tracks like “Clementine” from Mark and “Speak Without Words” from Howard.
“This Life” naturally dominated the setlist with eight tracks, but the night was a comprehensive Take That anthology. Timeless hits like “Everything Changes,” “Shine,” and “Pray” were performed with undiminished enthusiasm, mirrored by the 25,000-strong crowd who sang every word, including those husbands, boyfriends and brothers that will claim to have been there under duress.
The evening was packed with standout moments, each more dazzling than the last. The trio’s performance, complete with streamers, pyrotechnics, and an impressive light show, rivaled that of any contemporary superstar. Yet, it was the spine-tingling finale that etched itself into memory. The entire stadium, arms raised, belting out “Never Forget” with smiles all around, was a scene that could bottle pure joy. The crowd-owned light display for the final song, “Rule The World,” was equally breathtaking.
A special night from a band that has firmly cemented its place in the annals of British cultural history.
Words & Images : Adie White (www.instagram.com/bristolnomad_gigphotography)
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
