Snowdrops for Ike

On 23rd April 2006, I went to Take That’s concert in Newcastle Metro Radio Arena. Yes, I went alone, because I couldn’t find anyone who fancies Take That enough to go with me. What is so special about this concert, is that i had waited for this to happen exactly ten years ago. I started to listen to Take That’s songs when i was 11. My 2nd sis, Irene, introduced them to me, and since then, we had caught the Take That fever, that was also going on in Europe at the moment. At the end of 1995, Robbie wanted to quit the boyband. On the 5th of April 1996, Take That announced their official split-up to the media. I never cried more. It sounds a bit silly now but it really happened. They mentioned the possibility of getting back together after 10 years but that didn’t mean anything to a broken heart.

     When I was preparing for UPSR, I wrote something on the wall, which I now call it, a magic phrase. ‘We’re waiting here to celebrate your success’ - next to a small picture of Take That that I framed nicely with wrapping paper. It was of red and purple colours. I worked hard for the exams, motivated by their words and their songs, and I achieved what I wanted. I never thought those words I had written would mean anything after that. The split-up of the band means that I could never see them perform live, but ironically, I managed to.

     Who would have thought that they would really keep their words and sing again after a decade? Or that I would be studying in UK so many years later? Having their first opening concert of the Ultimate Tour in Newcastle was a streak of luck for me. Getting a ticket to it when the tickets were all sold-out on the day of sale itself was another.

     The concert was amazing, that’s what i’ve told everyone. But the feeling of being there, seeing the boys with my own eyes, having them perform those songs that had filled my mind so many times before - it was incredible. Everytime they shouted ‘Newcastle!’, my heart swelled. It felt so good, hearing them say that. Every time they danced those familiar routines, the fans screamed on top of their lungs (well, i did, too). They remembered those steps so well, and so did we, having watched their recorded concerts so many times on videos and vcd. They didn’t look any older than before. Mark was just as cute and youthful. He was jumping around and waving excitedly at the screaming girls. Gary, as usual, was calm and composed (and still doesn’t dance very well =P). Howard and Jason, showed off their breakdancing skills just like the way they always did it - nothing’s changed since then. Just that Robbie wasn’t around. =(  They kept saying how touched they were for the fans to stay around for so many years and would still want to listen to them and watch them perform. Away from the stage, some girls had a banner up, saying ‘We Never Forget’. It got quite emotional then. This could be Take That’s final tour, ever.

  Anyway, I got my reward. I bought a T-shirt, poster, programme book, and badge sets as souvenirs from the concert, costing me 40 pound (about 280 ringgit). But more importantly, I have the best memory of all - attending Take That’s concert, seeing them live. The ‘celebration of my success’ for studying for that UPSR. Yes, it is ten years later, but a reward nonetheless.