Take That singer Gary Barlow can’t wait to perform in concert at his beloved Anfield next June, joking: 'we’ll have won the league by then!'
Gary, a Liverpool FC supporter, is hoping the Reds will be Premier League champions when the band perform at the football stadium, on Thursday, June 6.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, October 5.
A decision to allow major events to be hosted at Anfield was only agreed upon last month which made 'perfect timing' for Gary as the Echo Arena where they performed on their last tour was unavailable to them next year.
As of 2019 the club has a two-year licence to hold 50,000 capacity events, including music concerts, boxing matches and other stadium events.
Take That is the first major act to confirm they will play there.
"It’s going to be an amazing night," said Gary talking ahead of last night’s sold out Question and Answer session on the Wirral to promote his new autobiography ‘A Better Me’.
"As always with these tours we’re relying on the availability of the venues which was why we couldn’t get the ECHO Arena.
"We were disappointed we weren’t putting on shows in Liverpool, but then when this announcement came that they (Liverpool FC) had been passed for concerts, it just felt perfect. Perfect timing.
"And we’ll have won the league by then!"
The 47-year-old, who grew up in Frodsham, near Chester, Cheshire, added: "I first went to Anfield for Emlyn Hughes’ testimonial in March 1979, so 40 years later on from that we will be playing a show there. It’s going to be amazing."
Gary joked that Take That band-mate Howard Donald, a passionate Manchester United supporter, might not have the stomach to perform in front of the Kop if Jurgen Klopp’s men are crowned league champions.
"Howard’s not coming to the show. It’s just me and Mark. We're down to a two" laughed Gary. "Remember Wham? We’re the new Wham for that night only.
"I must say that, Howard does support Man United but he’s a little bit like me, he just likes good football. He doesn’t get all hot and bothered when his team lose, he just likes football."
But one thing for certain is Jason Orange will not be reuniting with the trio for next year’s tour.
"He’s a long way from it right now.
"But if you’d have asked us in 2004 would we ever be back as a band I’d have probably said no and then all that happened so you never know."
Around 1,000 people from across the UK - as well as Germany, The Netherlands and Northern Ireland - attended last night’s sold out talk with Ross King at Thornton Manor, hosted by Linghams book shop in Heswall, Wirral.
Fans queued from as early as 4am eager to get a seat close to the front of the packed out marquee for the intimate talk.
They heard the musician open up about the early days of Take That and his friendship with Robbie Williams as well as his battle with bulimia and depression and the loss of his beloved dad, Colin.
Audience members each received a copy of Gary’s new book, released tomorrow, October 4, with 10 lucky people finding a golden ticket to meet the singer songwriter hidden inside.
Tickets for Take That’s Anfield Stadium gig on June 6, 2019, go on sale this Friday, October 5, at 9.30am while the autobiography A Better Me goes on sale tomorrow, Thursday, October 4.
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