Take That and Gary Barlow gave an emotional rendition of ‘Rule The World’ at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony but Robbie Williams wasn’t there! (VIDEO)
Take That were the last act to take to the stage during tonight’s Olympics Closing Ceremony.
The man band took so long to perform that we were genuinely worried all the rumours had been wrong and they wouldn’t be making an appearance, especially after Gary Barlow’s family tragedy last week.
Twitter was buzzing with fans wanting to know where Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen and Gary were, so the sigh of relief could almost be heard all over the country as the handsome singers finally emerged.
However, we were one singer short because while Jason, Gary, Howard and Mark all belted their hearts out as they delivered a fine rendition of their hit song ‘Rule The World’, Robbie was nowhere to be seen.
It seems that when he left Take That – again – last year, he didn’t intend to come back…not for a while and not even for the Olympics.
With or without Rob, the lads always put on a great performance and we were elated to see them bringing the games to a close. We loved Orange’s light hearted dancing, their military attire although we did get a little tearful as Gary’s voice cracked during one of the more emotional lines.
When we thought about the lyrics Barlow was singing, they seemed very poignant after the loss of his baby daughter just one week ago. He sang:
You light, the skies up above me
A star, so bright you blind me
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t fade away
Don’t fade away
It was very, very moving and we were so touched that the X Factor judge turned up to perform, despite his private heartbreak.
The lads delivered their track well and did their country proud. It was an inspirational moment and a fitting end to the evening’s proceedings.
Did you enjoy Take That’s performance tonight? Did you miss Robbie Williams? Leave your comments below…
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That was so heartbreaking .
Absolute respect for Gary Barlow. Heartbreaking
Dear Gary Barlow, he sang from his soul tonight. What a brave and professional man he is, to perform despite his terrible grief.
Robbie Williams? His gesturing and posturing was not missed one bit.
oh for god sakes get over robbie williams. he’s not a part of take that anymore – that was made very clear from the get go that he was only back for one album and the tour. and he wasn’t missed at all tonight. take that are a 4 piece, and robbie is about to release a solo album. why is that so hard to grasp??!!
i can’t belive that how brave and strong gary has been. outstanding! to stand up there and sing THOSE lyrics….what an inspiration!
It was albsolutely great, heartbreaking and emotional: I did miss Robbie. We should have gone no matter what
TT Amazing as always. Gary is a legend! Rule the world was sang by TT when they were a 4piece anyway & yep I thought RW was a 1yr deal also. I wish him all the luck with his imminent baby arrival tho after Gary’s tragic news last week! Here’s to the next TT album!
Hugs to you Gary Barlow! Praying for you and your family. I love Take That and I love and missed Robbie!! You ALL are amazingly talented…thank you ALL for your great great music!! xoxo
it must have been soo hard for him to sing those words after this week glad his friends were there for him really! It really was moving
NEVER HEARD OF THEM BEFORE TONITE. WHAT A TREAT!!!
GOING TO BUT THEIR CD TOMORROW!!!
Love seeing Take That perform my favorite song. It was heartbreaking to see Gary sing those lyrics but absolutely admire him for carrying on. They are still the best!
Such a brave performance by Gary as soon as I heard the music start I my heart went out to him once again. Such a lovely song made so much more poigniant following their tragedy. I have so much respect for Gary being able to do what he did it was a beautiful and emotional performance it can’t have been easy for him to do that!
Take That as per normal so professional they dont need to mime as they can sing. I was so proud of Gary. The bands work ethic is second to non. If you havnt seen them live i recommend you do.
I didnt expect to see Rob.
Robbie pulled out, he apparently was to have a major part, due to his wife being due to give birth. He may have messed Take That about before but surely the birth of his first child being imminent is a good reason for pulling out?
im sooooooo sorry for Gary but i do love take that and they were awsome last night!!!!!! xx
Gary your so brave, your so fantastic your family and band members must be so proud of you.
Same happened to me seven years ago it’s so hard even now
Love to you all xxxx
Robbie has deep dark secrets. Deeper and darker than anyone knows.
Ever since my son and daughter-in-law danced their first dance as man and wife at their wedding O’ve loved that song – even have it as a ring tone on my mobile. I always end up in tears when I hear Rule the World.
Very very proud of Gary for going through with it! I cried the whole song through.
I have to say though, that Robbie announced very early on, that he would not be performing with them, as Ayda is due to give birth at any moment, and he obviously doesn’t wanna miss that! He was meant to perform with them, but totally understandable why he chose not to! And yes, he is working on a new solo-album at the moment, but has not left TT for good…! They’re just having a little break. I’m sure they will be making more music together.
no the next TT album has been confirmed as TT4. robbie won’t be on it, because officially he is solo and no longer a member of the group.
I read that Robbie didnt attend to be with his wife for the birth of their child on august. If that is the case, i understand. He chose to be a father over being a performer. And that’s not a bad thing. Considering this will be his first child, and considering Gary just lost his 4th. Sorry for his loss.