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Take That and Robbie Williams embark on epic tour Take That and Robbie Williams start tour
(about 2 hours later)
Take That and Robbie Williams have embarked on a record-breaking tour of the UK and Ireland. Take That and Robbie Williams have started a record-breaking tour of 29 stadium dates in the UK and Ireland.
Some 1.67 million tickets have been sold for 29 stadium dates, with the first one in Sunderland. The first gig was in front of 55,000 ecstatic fans at the Stadium of Light football ground in Sunderland.
Fans overwhelmed ticket agencies in October when it was announced that Williams would tour with his bandmates for the first time in 16 years. The performance featured two different line-ups of Take That as well as a solo set in the middle from Williams.
He is expected to play a selection of solo hits, as well as joining in with the pop group's back catalogue. A total of 1.76 million tickets were sold after it was announced Williams would tour with his bandmates for the first time in 16 years.
Take That will initially perform five tracks, without Williams, who will then perform five solo tracks - with no backing - before the two come together for a selection of hits. 'Special moment'
The reformed five-piece will play four dates at Sunderland's Stadium of Light before eight shows at the City of Manchester Stadium. The show opened with the group's number two hit Rule The World, the first of five songs performed without Williams.
Williams was lowered 40ft to the stage for his part of the concert, which began with the massive single Let Me Entertain You.
The band was reunited for real to launch into The Flood, and performed a 90s medley including the hits Babe and Back For Good.
Moments earlier Jason Orange highlighted the reunion, telling the crowd: "Check this out - one, two, three, four, five."
Mark Owen added: "It's a special moment, ladies and gentlemen."
As the group held arms, Williams said: "Group hug."
Tight security
The reformed five-piece will play four dates in Sunderland before eight shows at the City of Manchester Stadium.
They then move on to Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow and Birmingham before a record eight nights at Wembley Stadium.They then move on to Cardiff, Dublin, Glasgow and Birmingham before a record eight nights at Wembley Stadium.
Michael Jackson, who played seven consecutive shows there in 1988, held the previous record.Michael Jackson, who played seven consecutive shows there in 1988, held the previous record.
The Progress Live tour has seen Take That break their own record for total ticket sales.The Progress Live tour has seen Take That break their own record for total ticket sales.
Their last tour, which took place in 2009 without Williams, sold 1.08 million tickets.Their last tour, which took place in 2009 without Williams, sold 1.08 million tickets.
The set has been built on an air base in Bedfordshire, where rehearsals have been taking place amid tight security. The set for this tour was built on an air base in Bedfordshire, where rehearsals took place amid tight security.
Singer Mark Owen has admitted to feeling some pressure.
"A few weeks ago I had a pre-tour panic, which I went through for a couple of days," he recently told Music Week magazine.
"Not much sleep, but I came through the other end. We're confident with it now and I think the show will be brilliant."