Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow shared an emotional embrace on stage last night during their first live performance together in 15 years. The duo performed to 60,000 fans at Twickenham Stadium in south-west London as part of a charity concert for Help For Heroes, which supports military personnel and their families.
Williams, who headlined the event, introduced Barlow by saying: 'It has been 15 years in the making. My wife calls him my boyfriend, I call him my captain, you call him Gary Barlow.' The crowd erupted as Barlow walked on stage, with Williams bowing down to his former bandmate.
The pair performed their new single 'Shame', which was written about their relationship. During the chorus, they hugged, signalling an end to years of animosity. Williams also performed his solo hit 'Let Me Entertain You' to open the show.
The concert featured performances from Enrique Iglesias, James Blunt, Alexandra Burke and Pixie Lott. Among the audience were 150 injured servicemen and women who attended free of charge. Williams paid tribute to UK troops in Afghanistan, saying: 'Their dedication to our country is phenomenal and we are all so proud of them.'
Take That, who sold over 25 million records between 1991 and 1996, have recorded a new album due for release in November. The video for 'Shame', which shows the pair gazing at each other and stripping to the waist in the California desert, has been described as 'Brokeback Mountain but without that bit in the tent'.
