I meant to write this blog long ago but as usual, life got in the way and it never happened. Better late than never, here’s my blog on Jason Orange leaving Take That.
24 September 2014:
It was to become another day of immense sadness for Thatters worldwide, an addition to the previous dark days on which Robbie Williams announced his departure in 1995 and Take That announced their disbandment in 1996. Jason Orange dropped the unforeseen bombshell that he was leaving Take That.
The response was quite astonishing considering we are now twenty-five years into Take That’s career and there are arguably fresher-faced more ‘current’ bands around. Take That’s relevance was reinforced once again. It became front page news, splashed all over tabloid newspapers and was a hot topic on the internet for days. Deluded Twitter trolls, convinced they are comedians were quick to provide much ‘banter’ and opinion over the situation, “Take That will never sound the same again” is just one noteworthy example. Other posts were critical of Orange’s role in the band whilst some suggested the band give up altogether. Of course, as the last few months have proved, the continuation of Take That as a three-piece has been wonderfully successful with many records broken and a killer album released. Yet, even throughout their many wonderful performances, Orange’s absence has been more noticeable than anyone could ever think possible.
Upon Take That’s formation, Jason Orange was selected by manager Nigel Martin Smith for his dance ability and he was bloody brilliant at it. Even the harshest critic would not be able to undermine Jason Orange’s dance ability. He was able to choreograph fantastic routines, glide across the floor effortlessly and he continued this well into Take That’s second life as a band. Even as a 41 year old, he youthfully breakdanced on 2011’s ‘Progress Live’ tour, which was to become his final tour with the band.
Part of Take That’s appeal back in the ’90’s was the range of talent and personalities in the band. Jason and Howard were incredible dancers, Mark was the boy next door, Robbie was the cheeky lad and Gary had the genuine vocal talent. Of course, all talents crossed over – Take That’s success was built upon every member’s ability to be an individual, to sing and to dance. It was five guys from Manchester, all of which had wonderful individual talents which, when put together, made Britain’s best loved boyband. When Take That re-formed as a four piece in 2005, the focus became more on the music and the public was shown that Take That were able to function well as not just a generic boyband but as a band. Harmonies became cleaner, instruments were bought out on stage more and Jason was finally given lead vocal duties, breaking him in gently with the stunning folk ballad ‘Wooden Boat’, the final track to 2006’s ‘Beautiful World’ album.
Jason Orange proved he could sing. ‘Wooden Boat’ was a sweet, gorgeous folk-ballad which closed the ‘Beautiful World’ perfectly. ‘How Did it Come to This’, his next lead vocal from 2008’s ‘The Circus’ was a rock foot-stamper, highlighting his ability to sing across multiple genres. His final lead vocal was to be the gorgeous ambient ‘Flowerbed’, an underrated hidden track on 2010’s ‘Progress’. In fact, it is Jason who sang lead vocals on some of Take That’s best-loved material. He was also bloody brave! On 2007’s ‘Beautiful World’ tour, his bandmates left him alone on-stage with an acoustic guitar to sing ‘Wooden Boat’, accompanied only fellow guitarist Milton McDonald and a small string section which was warmly received by fans and critics alike.
It was Jay’s fantastic stage presence which became an integral part of Take That’s strong, visionary performances. This was often centred around his sense of humour – he would often move in comedic fashion, particularly when sprinting to the B-Stage in Take That shows. He also has a wonderful element of charm about him which came through not only in interviews but also during performances. He famously drew attention to himself during the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony which some suggested may have been to take attention away from Gary Barlow whose baby daughter had been delivered stillborn just days earlier. It’s this charm and cheek that’s now missed dearly in Take That. Performances are still fun but there is certainly something missing. And that something is definitely anything associated with Mr Jason Orange.
And it’s not just the singing and dancing. It’s also the personality. The humour, the charm, the wisdom. Jay clearly spent a lot of his ten years off thinking about everything and this really showed in any interviews he was a part of, particularly ‘For The Record’ and ‘Look Back Don’t Stare’ in which he thoughtfully discussed his time in Take That.
Whilst obviously very grateful for the privileges he had earned, Jason always appeared to be uncomfortable with fame and his celebrity image. Any downtime away from the band was spent in anonymity, only being photographed very occasionally in everyday places doing mundane activities (he was once photographed sitting casually on a bench) and most often unshaven with
scraggly hair. His avoidance of Twitter or any social networking sites only facilitated in making him a more endearing character. His perception of fame and modest attitude could only be admired. Upon being asked by Piers Morgan, ‘If you could go back to the anonymity you enjoyed before Take That ever began, would you take it?’ He responded unhesitatingly with ‘I would. Fame corrupts people’s lives.’ It was this lack of egocentrism and profound outlook that made Jason Orange so well loved as a band member. Despite being remarkably grounded for a man in his position, he had a jokey alter-ego as a full-of-himself cheeky-chappy, once announcing in an interview “Mate, I was famous before I was famous”. He could also be rather filthy. Who can forget his steamy shower scenes with a mystery female in the music video for ‘Relight My Fire’?! In another interview laden with innuendo, he advised “If you sit down on your left arm for long enough, it feels like someone else!” His fantastic sense of humour really bought Take That interviews alive.
Take That have done a sterling job at adapting to their many line-up changes and continuing their success as a band. Their determination and continued success is certainly to be admired and I am so very grateful they still exist as both a brand and a band. Performances are still spectacular and lively but it’s clear that a presence is missing. That presence is Jason Orange. It’s just a shame that seemingly, his only way of proving his worth to critics was through leaving.
It’s the little things I miss. Him losing himself in every performance – the Donage bromance with Howard Donald, his comical running to the b-stage, the on-stage flirting with dancers, his wit and profound outlook in interviews, his sweet vocals and the breakdancing. Maybe one day he will return, even for the smallest of moments but until then, I hope he’s happy and comfortable with the life he’s living.
We all miss you very much, Jay!
We all know the story, Gary’s debut solo effort ‘Open Road’, whilst not perhaps the album he initially intended it to be due to record label input, flew straight into Number One in the UK album charts. Three top 10 singles later (including two Number Ones) and it was decided Gary was well and truly on the right track. Fast forward two years and the dance track ‘Stronger’ was released which reached Number 16. Whilst a respectable chart position, it was the beginning of rocky time. ‘For All that You Want’ charted at a disappointing #24 and Gary’s follow up album ‘Twelve Months Eleven Days’ limped in at an unfair #35. A range of factors have been attributed to the lack of commercial success of Gary’s sophomore solo album; the press, promotional decisions, Robbie Williams. Whatever it was, there’s no denying that such a great album should have fared far better in the charts.
the-music-box.co.uk 