Yzabelle Bostyn
Exclusive by Yzabelle Bostyn and Jon Clarke
BRITISH boy band Take That have sparked controversy after they donned Spanish flags during their Marbella concert to congratulate Spain for their Euros win.
Take That performed at Marbella’s Starlite Festival in the aftermath of England’s Euros defeat on Monday, July 15.
After taking to the stage during Sunday’s match, they sparked controversy in their post-Euros concert, donning Spanish flags and congratulating De la Fuente’s side.
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Photo: The Olive Press
“We had to play a show during the game last night to a mix of Spanish and English,” said frontman Gary Barlow.
“That was tough.”
The band then brought out a picnic basket containing flags, scarves, sunglasses and hats emblazoned with the Spanish flag.
Barlow congratulated La Roja, saying: “It’s only a game of football, well done Spain.”
Mark Owen even draped himself in an Andalucian flag, sipping fresh sangria under a parasol.
Refreshed, the band sang ‘This Life’, the title track of their new album.
Photo: The Olive Press
In the face of England’s loss the song aptly encouraged fans to move on, saying: “This life ain’t no bed of roses. This life will take everything that you’ve got.
“In this life, there’s no second chances. Make this life yours.”
As for the searing balmy evening with temperatures hardly dropping below 30 degrees, the trio fought through sweat to serenade the sell out crowd.
“It’s going to get even worse: we’re playing in Sevilla tomorrow (Tuesday, July 16). That’s even hotter,” Barlow told the 1,500 fans.
The band played a 90 minute show full of hits from their 34 year career.
As they left the stage, Owen whipped out a water gun, squirting at the crowd.
Was he helping fans combat the heat? Or was it a cheeky reference to Barcelona anti-tourism protestors drenching visitors?
Although missing two former members, Robbie Williams and Jason Orange, they delivered a thoroughly entertaining performance.
The crowd was a mix of English, Spanish and Northern Europeans of all ages, singing along and enjoying the show.
READ MORE: Pop legends Take That are coming to Andalucia as part of Jerez’s Tio Pepe festival
Take That’s concert last night in Sevilla was outstanding. The professionalism, enthusiasm and staying power is a tribute to this great band. Performing in front of some 10 thousand adoring fans at the beautiful Place d’Espagne this was a night not to be missed. And you know something? They are spot on when saying that football is only a game, as well as congratulating Spain on their well deserved victory.