The five-piece Take That were one of the most popular boy bands in the world during the 90s. They had millions of teenage fans across Europe and beyond. Their songs and performances quickly put them at the top of the pop scene, and band member Gary Barlow was known as the main writer of their hits, including memorable singles like "Back for Good".
Yet, although their older colleague George Michael always had an ear for new talent and supported artists who showed authenticity like Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse or Britpop bands like Oasis, he did not share the same enthusiasm for Barlow.
Michael made it clear that, although Take That was a commercial phenomenon, he did not consider Barlow to possess any true musical talent.
"I hate it. Gary Barlow has no talent. I heard someone discovered him in a northern working-class club and called him the new George Michael. Just because he's fat and we both have chubby cheeks doesn't mean we're in the same league. I hate it when people say that my contributions in the early '80s influenced future boy bands," Michael said.
For George Michael, the difference between authentic music and commercial pop was obvious. Take That might have had hits and huge popularity, but Michael was always looking for that something special - what he felt in rock and R&B artists, an authenticity and emotion he rarely found in mainstream pop.
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