Last night, Sheffield City Hall was transformed into a nostalgic haven as Gary Barlow delivered an electrifying performance on his Songbook Tour 2025. The intimate venue buzzed with fans spanning generations, from 90s Take That devotees to newer admirers of Barlow’s solo work, all united by a shared love for his four-decade songwriting legacy. With a setlist packed with Take That classics, solo gems, and a few surprises, Barlow proved why he’s one of Britain’s most cherished songwriters, even if an unexpected confetti explosion added a chaotic twist to the evening.
Kicking off with the soulful Open Road, Gary Barlow set the tone with his warm, commanding presence, his voice as crisp and emotive as ever. The crowd erupted as he launched into Greatest Day, a Take That anthem that had everyone on their feet—though the moment was briefly upstaged by an unplanned confetti cannon blast. With his trademark charm, Barlow laughed it off, rallying the audience to scoop up handfuls of confetti and toss them skyward as a “practice” for the finale. This spontaneous interaction turned a technical glitch into a joyful, communal moment, showcasing his ability to connect effortlessly with fans.
The setlist was a masterclass in balancing nostalgia and freshness. Take That hits like These Days and Patience had the crowd singing word-for-word, their infectious energy filling the room. Barlow’s solo tracks, like Let Me Go and Incredible (complete with band introductions), highlighted his versatility, with the latter’s brass-infused arrangement adding a playful, jazzy vibe. A medley of Sure, Everything Changes, and the lesser-known Whatever You Do to Me—a nod to Take That’s 1993 album—delighted longtime fans, its jazzy reworking breathing new life into the 90s classics.
A standout moment came with A Million Love Songs, performed alongside support act Brad Kella on piano. The 22-year-old, self-taught pianist and The Piano season 2 winner added a tender touch, and the crowd’s singalong was spine-chilling. Barlow’s storytelling shone in The Flood / Since I Saw You Last / Reach Out medley, weaving together anthemic highs and introspective lows. His solo track Forever Love was a heart-wrenching highlight, its raw emotion a reminder of Barlow’s vocal purity.
The latter half ramped up with Love Ain’t Here Anymore and Said It All, both delivered with poignant intensity, while a shortened The Garden offered a reflective breather. Shine and Relight My Fire (a Dan Hartman cover) brought the energy back up, with the latter’s funky groove igniting dance moves across the aisles. Back for Good, a song that topped charts in 31 countries, was a universal singalong, its iconic lyrics hitting as hard as they did in 1995. Rule the World saw phone lights illuminate the venue, creating a sea of twinkling stars, before Never Forget closed the night with its anthemic clap-along chorus, the crowd perfectly executing the confetti toss they’d “rehearsed” earlier.
Barlow’s performance was near-flawless, his vocals soaring and his stage presence magnetic. The band, led by musical director Mike Stevens, was tight, though the brass section occasionally overpowered Barlow’s voice. The intimate setting of Sheffield City Hall amplified the connection between artist and audience, a stark contrast to the stadiums Gary Barlow typically commands with Take That. However, some fans might have wished for more solo tracks, as the setlist leaned heavily on Take That’s catalogue, with only a handful of songs like 6th Avenue and If There’s Not a Song About It showcasing his individual artistry.
The confetti mishap, while unplanned, became a defining moment, highlighting Barlow’s quick wit and ability to turn a glitch into a celebration. Fans left buzzing, their teenage selves reawakened by a night of timeless hits and genuine warmth. As Barlow continues his 41-date UK tour, Sheffield’s show will be remembered as a testament to his enduring talent and knack for making every moment feel personal.
Photo Copyright © Jo Forrest
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