Take That say "we made it" as Co-op Live gigs finally kick off in Manchester

Take That made their big return to Manchester this week for two final homecoming shows to round out their This Life tour. They have been touring across the UK in recent weeks winning huge acclaim from fans and critics alike with the new show.

And on Tuesday they finally "made it" to the Co-op Live arena in Manchester - after Take That's first five gigs scheduled at the venue had to be moved to the AO Arena last month at the very last minute amid delays to the new venue.

The band's Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen thanked fans for their continuing support over the past 35 years in an emotional show at the venue.

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Gary also hailed the new arena a "beautiful venue" during the show, while Mark Owen said: "I'm glad we made it to the Co-op eventually".

Gary said on stage: "Manchester! Well we made it, we made it and this time we're in the right venue OK? Absolutely great.

"Thank you all for coming out tonight it's an absolute pleasure to be stood here in front of you."

Gary posted pictures from the gig after the show on his official instagram page. He wrote: "Well @thecooplive we made it - and it was worth the wait - thank you thank you."

The show featured a host of their new songs as well as their biggest hits like Never Forget, Back for Good and Pray. And in an emotional moment, Howard Donald paid tribute to fans for their support over the years.

He said: "Sometimes we cannot believe we've been together nearly 35 years and yet we're still selling out stadium, still selling out arenas and it's all thanks to everybody in here. Thank you for being amazing fans, thank you for keeping our dream come true you really don't know how much it means to us.

"Hopefully we can keep entertaining you for at least another five years," he said with a chuckle.

The band have been following a similar setlist on the tour so far, although fans have been hoping to see the return of new fan favourite You and Me after it was debuted at the opening show.

Although that was not to be on the first night at the Co-op Live, which stuck to the same setlist as other shows so far.

Co-op Live's boss had teased that the boys were planning "special things" for their final show in Manchester, so fans will be keeping an eye on what unfolds at the gig taking place tonight, June 12.

This is the setlist performed at the first gig at Co-op Live on June 11, 2024

Keep Your Head Up

Windows

Giants

Days I Hate Myself

Everything Changes

Sure

Shine

A Million Love Songs

I Found Heaven

Pray

Forever Love (Gary Barlow solo)

Clementine (Mark Owen solo)

Speak Without Words (Howard Donald solo)

Patience

The Flood

Get Ready For It

March Of The Hopeful

The Champion

This Life

Greatest Day

These Days

Time & Time Again

Relight My Fire

One More Word

Hold Up A Light

Back For Good

Never Forget

Rule The World