In the early 1990s, a new force took the music world by storm – the British boyband. Leading the charge was Take That, five fresh-faced lads who captured the hearts of millions with their catchy tunes, synchronized dance moves, and undeniable charm. But behind the screaming fans and flashy music videos, there was a darker side to the boyband phenomenon, as a gripping new BBC documentary reveals.
The Making of a Phenomenon
Boybands Forever, a three-part series from Louis Theroux’s Mindhouse Productions, takes viewers on a nostalgic yet eye-opening journey through the rise and fall of Take That and their contemporaries. The first episode delves into the origins of the band, masterminded by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who saw an opportunity to create a British answer to the wildly successful American group New Kids on the Block.
Martin-Smith’s secret weapon was a young, unknown songwriter named Gary Barlow. With Barlow’s musical talent and a carefully curated group of good-looking, dance-able young men, Take That was born. But as the documentary reveals, the road to stardom was far from smooth.
Robbie’s Revelations
One of the most fascinating aspects of Boybands Forever is the candid interview with former Take That member Robbie Williams. As the band’s resident “bad boy,” Williams offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the group and his tumultuous relationship with Martin-Smith and Barlow.
“It could easily have been me,” Williams admits, watching a video of East 17’s Brian Harvey smashing his platinum records in a moment of anger and despair.
Williams’ revelations, along with interviews with East 17 members and others in the boyband orbit, paint a picture of an industry that was as ruthless as it was glamorous. The pressure to maintain a squeaky-clean image while navigating the temptations of fame and fortune took a heavy toll on many of these young men.
The Price of Fame
The documentary also delves into the role of the media in fueling the boyband frenzy. Former tabloid journalist Paul McMullan openly admits to targeting East 17, while Take That’s more wholesome image initially shielded them from the worst of the press’s scrutiny. However, as Williams’ struggles with addiction and mental health became public knowledge, no one was immune to the harsh glare of the spotlight.
Tragically, the recent death of One Direction’s Liam Payne serves as a stark reminder of the toll that early fame can take. Like Williams, Payne was catapulted to stardom as a teenager, with little opportunity to experience a normal life outside of the boyband bubble.
Nostalgia and Reflection
While Boybands Forever doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the boyband experience, it also celebrates the enduring legacy of Take That and their peers. The series is a nostalgia-filled treat for fans who grew up singing along to “Back for Good” and “Relight My Fire,” with plenty of never-before-seen footage and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
More than just a trip down memory lane, however, the documentary offers a thoughtful reflection on the nature of fame, the pressure to conform to a manufactured image, and the long-term impact of living life in the public eye. As Martin-Smith, Williams, and others grapple with their own roles in the boyband story, viewers are invited to consider the human cost of our insatiable appetite for celebrity culture.
The Boyband Legacy
In the end, Boybands Forever is a compelling exploration of a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. From the dizzying highs of chart-topping success to the devastating lows of scandal and personal struggle, the series offers an unflinching look at the reality behind the glossy facade of the boyband world.
As we continue to grapple with the fallout of the boyband era, from the #MeToo reckoning to the ongoing mental health struggles of former child stars, Boybands Forever serves as a timely and important contribution to the conversation. It’s a must-watch for anyone who lived through the boyband boom, as well as for a new generation of music fans who are just beginning to understand the complex legacy of this unforgettable era in pop culture history.
